Obituary of Nicholas Vedder Brower

Nicholas Vedder Brower Jr. Nick (Chip) passed away at home on October 8, 2010 after a yearlong battle with cancer. He was born February 18, 1938, in Utica New York to Nicholas and Evelyn Timm Brower. He spent his childhood in southern California living in Van Nuys, Quincy, and Redondo Beach. He attended Verde Valley HS in Sedona, Arizona, and in California, El Camino Community College, San Francisco and Humboldt State Universities. While at college he met and married Pat, forming a partnership lasting 51 years. The arrival of children Gary and Vicki completed the family. Nick held at a variety of jobs. He worked as a Television Engineer and announcer for stations in Eureka, Ca. and Klamath Falls, OR. Several years were spent as a City Police Officer and Volunteer Firefighter in Arcata, Ca. The call of the sea was always strong and over the years Nick owned and operated five commercial fishing boats and learned to navigate offshore along the California, Oregon and Washington coasts. Offers to work on tugboats and sail the seas were enticing and he jumped at the opportunity, looking for a paycheck, travel, and adventure. When the commute from California to work on Foss Tugs out of Seattle became too much, the family picked up and moved to Olympia in 1969. Tug companies he worked for included Foss, Western Towboat, Marine Power and Logistics, Jore Corp. and Victory Marine. He obtained his Masters of Ocean’s Coast Guard License which was still active when he passed away. He sailed the seas as a Captain towing barges all over world. Destinations included Alaska, Hawaii, Johnstone Atoll, Quadulane, Russia, Panama Canal, West and East Coasts of the US and South America. He trained for Seattle to Portland Bicycle Rides (STP) by riding a stationary bicycle in the tug’s wheelhouse while traveling back and forth to Hawaii. After retiring, Nick and Pat bought a yacht and spent ten years cruising around Puget Sound, San Juan’s, British Columbia and the Inside Passage to Alaska exploring the wealth of coves, harbors, docks, inlets and waterways that Nick never had time to enjoy before as he passed them by on the tugs. Anchoring out, exploring and stopping at towns and villages along the way brought an opportunity for new friends, experiences, and learning. Nick was devoted to his family as it grew including children, spouses and grandchildren. He was passionate about the sea and everything nautical. He loved swapping stories with family, friends and strangers and he always had a good story to tell. He was interested in the maritime industry, naval history, any boat, ship, tug, yacht, submarine, fishing or any work boat. He was a history buff and loved antique cars and motorcycles, travel, promoting and teaching safety on the water. He had been a Cdr. on the Olympia Harbor Patrol and was active in the Olympia Sail and Power Squadron, the Olympia Yacht Club and the West Bay Literary and Oratorical Society. He belonged to and supported several maritime historical organizations. He is survived by his wife Pat, son Gary and wife Cis Brower, daughter Vicki and husband Rob Shaw, grandchildren Sarah and Megan Brower, Ross and Nikko Shaw, brother Pete and wife Sue Brower. Nick has left us with a lifetime of memories. The family thanks Dr. Jim Lechner, the Western Washington Oncology staff and Hospice for their care and concern. “I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky, and all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by”. At Nick’s request his ashes will be scattered at sea. A celebration of Nick’s life will be planned for the future. Family suggests those wishing to make donations may send them to the Columbia River Maritime Museum or the Salvation Army. Please leave memories and sign the guestbook by clicking on "View Guestbook" below.