Late on February 8, Bill Brand, the Oakland Tribunes’ beer writer for decades, a celebrant of craft beer and cuisine, and all-around good guy, was hit by a MUNI train on his way home, and on Feb. 20, died of the injuries sustained in the crash. It is such a loss, for people who loved craft beer could find a friendly, humorous yet authoritative resource in Bill Brand, and his many columns, blogs, and tasting notes. He’d just begun work on a book about his cherished California breweries, with time freed by a partial retirement from newspaper journalism. Bill was such a kind person, a kindness that came out of truly loving life and understanding the human condition, especially after losses such as the early death of his daughter, Audrey.

From a personal perspective, Bill was a wonderful friend and mentor. He and wife Daryl taste-tested samples of my beer cuisine, shared sources and introduced me to friends such as Sheana Davis, and he was a savvy guide to California’s best beer and food destinations. Did I mention that he was kind? Here’s an example: when I was late in delivering the manuscript for this book, written during the last months of my father’s life as he waned away from cancer, Bill helped me work through the writer’s block of grief.  He gave several interviews for the chapter about Pacific breweries, called often to offer a joke or word of encouragement – and when the book was published, we celebrated at GABF. Thank you, Bill!

Shaun O’Sullivan gave a great tribute to Bill which will be posted to the 21st Amendment blog. Bill Brand was generous with time and friends, devoted to his family, and a champion of better beer – especially the Belgian styles he so enjoyed. You can read more about his life online at legacy.com and also enjoy his past blogs and columns at What’s On Tap.