David Gary 'Tyke' Brewster, 75

Our beloved Tyke went to be with our Lord and Savior on July 20, 2024. David Gary "Tyke" Brewster was born in Warroad, Minn., on Feb. 8, 1949, to Roy David and Mary Ann (Fortier) Brewster. He grew up and attended schools in Warroad, graduating from high school in 1967.

After graduation, he enrolled in a vocational-technical school in Thief River Falls, Minn. He received his FAA certification in aircraft airframe and powerplant mechanics in June 1969. In December 1969, he found out he had been drafted into the military to serve in Vietnam. He had three days to choose which branch he wanted to serve in, and he chose to enlist in the Navy because they bumped him up a rank to E3 to start. He loved boats and thought for sure he would get a lot of time on one, but he never was on a ship during his military time. He began his military days by attending P3 tech school in San Diego, where he graduated head of the class. He then joined his squadron in Lwakuni, Japan, for one month before being stationed in Barbers Point, Hawaii. He worked as a jet engine mechanic. Every six months, his squadron was sent to either Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand or Taiwan. He was in Vietnam three times. Tyke made lifelong friends with members of his squadron. Oh, the stories they could tell about their shenanigans and painted label San Miguel beer from the Philippines. He received an honorable discharge from the Navy in December 1973, ranking as an E5.

After leaving the Navy, Tyke worked at Grand Forks International Airport in North Dakota as a fuel Iine technician for approximately six years, then four years as a city structural firefighter before moving to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, in 1984. He fell in love with this area! He bought property overlooking Mica Bay in 1982 before moving here in 1984 and resided at this location until his death. He never got tired of looking at the beautiful lake. Tyke worked for Worley Highway District from 1986 to 2011 as an equipment operator. He couldn't stay retired, so he started driving dump truck for WEH and Alamo Excavating before buying his own dump truck and running his own little business, TMT, for three years before being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in December 2023. Tyke was unlucky in love until he met Barb in October 1991, marrying her in June 1992. Their love grew stronger every day up until he passed away. Along with Barb came two children, Nick and Larissa, whom Tyke loved as if they were his own.

Those two children gave him three grandchildren, who he thought were the cat’s meow. He was amazed at how smart those little warts were. He was honored to be Pop or Papa to Sebastion, Gideon and Tala.

Tyke is survived by his wife, Barb, of 32 years; two children in Minnesota; daughter Jessica (Ryan) and their three children; Evianna, Emmelia and Exavier; and son Dusty. His stepchildren, Nick (Nancy) along with daughter, Tala (his little punkin head); and Larissa (Vince) along with their sons, Seby and Gideon.

He always commented on how Nick and Larissa lucked out finding their spouses. He thought Nancy and Vince were great! He had a special bond with Nancy as well as his granddaughter, Tala. It was not unusual to find Pop and Tala playing grocery store, dressing up or swinging on the playground set. Tala liked to video call Pop and he would very animatedly exclaim over her newest sparkly treasure that she wanted to share with him. He also has a sister, Margie, and a brother, Larry, along with two nieces, a nephew, four aunts and a bazillion cousins.

Tyke said he was very blessed to have so many special cousins whom he loved dearly. He had a special place in his heart for cousin Gordy, who was the same age, so they played together, graduated high school together, went to technical school and kept in close contact as adults. Tyke will be missed by all of those who loved him, but he was tired of the pain and the endless fight. He was a trooper right up till the end, requesting he pass away at his home with Barb and Nancy by his side. Thank you to everyone who visited, called or texted; all of that meant so much to Tyke.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, at 2 p.m. at the Yates Funeral Home — Coeur d’Alene Chapel, 744 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, with full military honors.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the final arrangements. Please visit Tyke’s online memorial at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com and sign his guestbook.