Obituary: Michael Brewster

Michael Brewster was a 'loving husband, father and friend'

A village in Derbyshire grieved together as it fondly remembered one of its most cherished residents, Michael Stanley Brewster, commonly known as Stan.

The funeral for the 52-year-old father of two was the largest many people in Swanwick had ever known.

More than 1,000 mourners gathered at St Andrew's Church to pay their respects to the council highways engineer.

Businesses in the village closed for an hour and the Reverend Tom Johnson, vicar of Swanwick and Pentrich, told the Derbyshire Times: "The church was packed and there were twice as many people outside.

"I think the family was pleased by the turnout and all the things that were said."

'Inhuman death'

Mr Brewster went missing on his way to a conference at West Kensington in London on the morning of 7 July.

Our lives have changed in a split second, but our memories will last forever Family statement

His family spent a week putting up posters around London in a vain effort to find him, before police confirmed that he died on the Edgware Road Tube train.

He leaves his wife Sandra, a hairdresser with whom he shared a house in Swanwick, daughter Katie, 20, and son Mark, 17.

In a short statement his family said: "Stan's needless and inhuman death has touched all of our family, close friends and the community at large.

"A loving husband, father and friend to many. Our lives have changed in a split second, but our memories will last forever."

'Much missed'

Nick Hodgson, county council chief executive, said: "We are all devastated to have lost such a well-loved colleague and friend.

"Stan will be very much missed by everyone who knew him. He was lively, friendly and fun to have around and would happily talk to anyone."

Mr Brewster's work around the county included the award-winning Millennium Walkway in New Mills.

He was also a keen footballer who played for two local teams and helped to set up a youngsters' side.

Golf was another sport he enjoyed playing and he loved to watch his son Mark play cricket.