Obituary of Robert F. Brewer

Robert F. Brewer, age 85, of Tanglwood Lakes, Greentown, died Wednesday, April 1, 2009, at home. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, the former Muriel Blanch Cole. Born June 28, 1923, in Waynesburg, PA, he was the son of the late Glenn J. and Fay (Hickman) Brewer. He was a graduate of the Air Force Technical School, Yale University, BSIE Penn State, and MSIE Lehigh University. During WWII, he set up a Maintenance Line for Inspection of P47 Aircraft. After World War II, he went to work for Western Electric and was involved in the initial application of statistical methods to manufacturing and process control. He helped author the original Western Electric "Statistical Quality Control Handbook" and provided many examples of industrial application of these principles for this book. His work included developing manufacturing processes using Designed Experiments and Analysis of Variance techniques. He planned the Qualification Program for the Spartan Missile ABM project while at Bell Labs. He also served as the SPC Coordinator for General Dynamics for 4 years before going into private practice. He completed his own book for IIE's, Engineering and Management Press, titled "Design of Experiments for Process Improvement," which was a finalist for the 1997 Small Press Book Award. This book provided a guide for technicians, supervisors, engineers and managers involved in the planning, implementation and interpretation of industrial experiment, especially those who must work with qualified professionals and statisticians. He lectured at many colleges and had a great interest in education of young adults. In addition, he was an avid sailor and skier. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters: Beverly Brewer of Montana and Barbara Lynch and her husband Michael of Wisconsin; a son: Donald Brewer also of Wisconsin; two stepsons: Kenneth Gilmore and his wife Beverly of Paupack, PA, and Dennis Gilmore and his wife Connie of Glen Gardner, NJ; a brother: James and his wife Jane of Waynesburg, PA; a sister: Marilyn Eichenlaub also of Waynesburg, PA; five grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. A private memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. Cremation will be held at Lake Region Crematory, Lake Ariel, PA. Memorials may be made to Wayne Memorial Hospice, C/o Wayne Memorial Hospital, 601 Park St., Honesdale, PA 18431