In Memoriam: H. Peers Brewer, 89

At Manufacturers Hanover, Chemical, Chase for 34 Years

 
Harrison Peers Brewer – known as Peers – died at his home in Wilton, CT, on May 2, 2024, age 89. He worked from 1963 to 1997 at Manufacturers Hanover Trust, Chemical Bank and Chase, in the Trust, Insurance and Risk Management departments.
 
Born in Boulder, CO, he grew up in Casper, WY.  Brewer graduated from Colgate University in 1956 with a BA in Russian History, and then from Harvard Divinity School in 1960 with a BDiv in Biblical History. He went on to earn a PhD in U.S. Business History from NYU Stern in 1973, and was the author of the 2017 study The Emergence of the Trust Company in New York City 1870-1900 (Routledge Library Editions: History of Money, Banking),

While at MHT, Brewer often wrote speeches for Gabriel Hauge and for John McGillicuddy, who succeeded Hauge as MHT's chair.

Brewer was an active member of St. Bartholomew's Church in NYC, serving on the vestry and as Treasurer for many years. He was a member of the Harvard Club of NYC for 59 years, and a board member of the Newcomen Society.

After his NYC banking career, he retired, only to discover a second career a few months later that combined his interest in banking with his love for travel. Consulting for Booz Allen, Peers helped banking institutions in former Communist and Far Eastern countries to adjust to Western accounting standards and adopt modern banking risk-management systems. His postings included Tbilisi, Georgia; Skopje, Macedonia; Seoul, South Korea; Pristina, Kosovo; and Ulan Baatar, Mongolia.
 
When his second retirement began in 2006, he was able to enjoy long periods at home, tending to his vegetable garden, ever-vigilant against deer. He relished the challenge of translating ancient Greek and Latin texts with two dear friends.He continued to travel in the Middle East and Europe, amassing a significant collection of historical postcards focused on pre-1918 Russia and Wyoming.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carolyn (Erdmann) Brewer, two sons, a daughter and 11 grandchildren. 

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Waveny Lifecare of Wilton, CT, an organization that was tremendously helpful to Peers and his family during the last few weeks of his life, or to Animals in Distress, also of Wilton, CT.

A memorial service will be held at St. Matthew's Church, 36 New Canaan Road in Wilton, CT at 11 am.on Saturday, June 8, 2024.
 
 
Remembrances
 
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From Pamela Tucker: Sad to read. I worked with Peers in Risk Management. He was so giving of his time and knowledge and was a very thoughtful manager.