Niles graduated from the University of Washington in 1962 with a degree in Theater Arts. He was an excellent dancer and taught for many years. He was also famous as the Ronald McDonald of the Northwest and Alaska, opening new restaurants and entertaining sick children in area hospitals.

After living in Seattle for many years, he moved to Los Angeles in the late 1970's to pursue his career in film and television. While there, he prospered as a "working actor" with several character roles in movies, television shows and commercials.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gordon LeRoy; mother Helen Anna Bewster, and sister, Phyllis. Niles is survived by his three children, Mark, Perry and Elizabeth; 6 grandchildren and several cousins.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2002, at 2:00 PM at the Chapel of the Resurrection, 16300 112th Avenue NE, Bothell, Washington 98011 (425) 823-0589.

I shall miss niles - a wonderfully, quick witted, silly, childlike though not without a killer's instinct clothed in sheep's skin kind of a guy. he really was quite a part of our lives - having come to all birthday parties, social events - first in the days of his motor cycle and then later with friends - was at my daughter, alyson's graduation from high school and for celebrations here at the house - decker hall - dancing up a storm. we worked together(i was his only agent) industry wise for a good run until his stroke at which time we cut back until we cut back completely. was there at his bedside 2nd day after his stroke... had had lunch just recently with him, meeting him at the mercedes office. we were scorpios and hence part of that unique group (i held an annual scorpio luncheon at the office going to various places - usually ranged from 12-18 clients) great fun; did our AIDs walk under the erika wain talent agency banner - complete with shirts and a well stocked buffet table... he always talked about his children actually -
Erika Wain - Los Angeles
Formerly with Erika Wain Talent Agency
Currently with Loon Art House

Your dad holds a very special place in our home and hearts for many reasons, but his intelligence, wit and remarkable sense of humor were his signature qualities. He and I would get to giggling so much that we'd tear up and be close to soiling our trousers! His sense of timing with his own special double takes would stop a tornado in its tracks. I think of the wise old crow sitting on a wire with one eye cocked and squinting with the other closed in an all-knowing wink. Priceless and irreplaceable. I would often see Niles in my mind's eye and begin to chuckle with his imagined presence and non-verbal advise.

Sue particularly appreciated Niles' own special take on Christian Science and his deep and respectful reverence to the lessons he learned there. His insights very often took Sue by surprise at their correctness and complexity. Ever the pragmatist, Niles was not dogmatic in his pursuit of that religion and I liked his use of multiple disciplines in handling the challenges of life as they presented themselves to him.

We look forward to receiving anything that you and your family put together as a special remembrance of, "Brewster, here!"
Bill and Sue Doughty
Marina del Rey, CA

I worked with Niles in Seattle far too many years ago, but I still remember him as a warm and friendly man of exceptional talent....

Roger Westberg
E-Mail: rainbowmaker@earthlink.net

When I think of Niles, I picture a funny, smiling, tap-dancing guy, who just loved to make people laugh. He could work a room better than anyone I've ever known. Everyone was his straight man. You could insult him, put him down, mock him, make fun of him and he welcomed it all as the setup for his hilarious punchlines. He always wanted to be a standup comic, but his forte was really the adlib. Everyone who knew him would agree that wherever he went, he was the life of the party; he could make even the most serious person smile.
He often took huge risks and really put himself "out there". I remember when he got up in the middle of dinner at a restaurant and walked from table to table, schmoozing with a lot of surprised people......just to make sure they were enjoying themselves as much as he was. Another time he dressed up as an Irish policeman, Officer Murph O'Malley, complete with nightstick and whistle, and walked up and down the 3rd Street Promenade handing out violation tickets to young children who had stepped on the cracks on the sidewalks. Then there was the time, after President George Bush Senior had left office, Niles dressed up in a gray suit and stood on the Reseda offramp of the 101 Freeway with a sign that read, "Former Bush Aide will work for food or money". A lot of people thought he was serious and he actually made quite a few bucks that day! And then there was the adult education course he taught for people who had trouble memorizing. He was almost lynched on the first day of class when he announced that their homework assignment was to...... memorize 26 abstract symbols for each letter of the alphabet!
Niles was always a champion of the underdog. He always had a kind word for everyone, from security guards to bus drivers, making sure each of them knew he was doing a great job. He was always ready to lend a helping hand too. It wouldn't be unusual for him to start bagging groceries at the market if they were short of help or pouring coffee and clearing tables in busy restaurants. He always told me, "God rests in action."
Niles was always there in times of need. When I was sad, he made me laugh; when I was scared he buoyed me with comforting words. He had a strong faith in God and he helped me immensely through many difficult times in my life. Last year when I had my surgery, he was an incredible source of spiritual strength in helping me through the healing process and I and my family, here and up North, are grateful to him for that. He's always been a great support system for me and I truly considered him one of my best friends.
I know God had a special love for Niles because He always made sure Niles had everything he wanted. It didn't take much to make him happy: fresh ocean air, ice water, and the Big Blue Bus were among his favorite things. We should all remember to be grateful for those simple things that we all take for granted.
Donna Goodley

Dear friend and fellow actor
donnakei@yahoo.com

I also worked with Niles years ago in Seattle. Memories abound of rehearsals filled with laughter--particularly the evening Niles arrived to direct in his Ronald McDonald costume. For all that, my lasting memories are of a man of grace, complexity, sensitivity, artistry, and kindness. Touched with a divine, antic madness. Not a saint, but dedicated to his craft, and to some higher calling, as well. I've actually "missed" Niles for years, but looking at his smile in this photo, and feeling how warmly it makes me smile in return, I realize just how much he's been with me all the while.
Leslie Simons
leslie@desktopscience.com

Webster's Dictionary defines joy as "that which causes happiness". Joy was the natural nature of Niles. He shared this God given gift unselfishly. Always loving, kind and sensitive, he used his sense of humor to help others handle the fears and concerns that plague us in this world today.

I will share an early memory of Niles that took place in my home town of Edgebrook, Illinois: My cousin Niles was perhaps 9 or 10 years old when he came to our home for a week-end visit. My brother, Adrian, was perhaps 7 or 8 years old at the time. They were good friends. The cousins played all morning in the back yard enjoying a lovely summer day. At one point, they asked my mother for permission to ride their bikes around the block. Permission granted, they proceeded to go on an exploritory adventure of unfamiliar territory for both the boys. After they had been gone awhile my mother began to look for their return to the safety of the hedged in back yard. Soon they appeared at the door crying and in great discomfort. If it weren't for the obvious pain the children were in, my mother would have laughed hysterically at the picture presented: Both of the boys looked like small pirates with black eye brows, mustaches and beards. Somewhere they had found some tar that had softened under the rays of the hot summer sun and with a stick had applied the tar on each others faces. Of couse it wasn't long before their tender skin began to burn and mother was left with the emergency call for immediate attention. Thank goodness she had been a practical nurse before motherhood and knew instinctively how to apply the correct remedy.

For many years after that, peals of laughter would ripple around the room as Niles, Adrian, Mother or other members of the family would recall that episode.

Elaine Whitney
0760agw@newnorth.net

Even though I never had the opportunity to meet Niles in person, he brought great joy into my life. I remember sitting down with my grandmother, Elaine, when I was a young child and listening to many stories of the adventures that the cousins had. These stories always made me laugh and smile.I also remember when I had decided at the age of ten or eleven that I wanted to be a model, Niles sent be a wonderful letter of encouragement. Niles will always hold a special place in my heart.

Aimee Manhart (Whitney)
asmhdm@aol.com

Niles was introduced to our family by Erika Wain and her lovely family. We first met at Bob's Big Boy, a personal favorite place of mine, a place that dates back to my years in high school. He was a very funny person with an often rye wit and always with a retort that gave reason for pause. He will be missed and often thought of. Niles, our hearts are with. Thank you for including our family in your life. Thank you Erika for introducing him to us. We are richer. Best wishes and good thoughts to your family and hopes that your sorrow is soon followed by joyous moments that bring light to your hearts.

Sandra, Rich and Andy Patt
silverwings@earthlink.net