Obituary: Nolan E. Brewer

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Nolan Edward Brewer, a popular figure in the local surf community, passed away on June 26, 2014.

Nolan Edward Brewer, a popular figure in the local surf community, passed away on June 26, 2014.

Brewer was born on May 11, 1944. Growing up in California, he loved to surf and was one of eight founding members of the Malibu Surf Association in the early 1960s. Nolan was described as a maverick — a product of Southern California beaches during a time when the rules were being rewritten. 

“You wouldn’t be wrong in saying that he helped to rewrite a few himself,” a loved one said.

Brewer was part of the inner circle of California’s counterculture that reshaped America during the ’60s. During this cultural revolution, he was friends with key figures such as Timothy Leary.

In the mid-’70s, Brewer married the love of his life, Susan. They remained married for nearly 25 years until she passed away on March 6, 1998. 

Brewer established himself in Baja around 2000, where he enjoyed riding his ATV and surfing, when he wasn’t traveling.

“Nolan loved to travel, and in his own way, he was a true cosmopolitan,” a loved one shared. He spent time throughout Europe, India, Nepal and Tibet. He loved his pets, enjoyed good food and spoke fluent Spanish.

“Nolan was charismatic and well liked by just about everyone who knew him,” a loved one said. “The surfer in him maintained a vibe that seemed to invite people to forget their negativity and just chill out. He could discuss topics of gravity in a way that kept you waiting for a punchline.”

He is survived by his brother, Orrin, and Orrin’s family, who live in Oregon.