Great Lakes Brewing News Archive

Long Time Brewer & Beer Lover Dies

Originally Published: 12/97

On September 26, 1997, the beer world lost one of its best friends. Red Mrozek was killed while riding his motorcycle on Route 20 in Alden. Red was a mere forty-five years young.

Red was a machinist specializing in the manufacture of close tolerance stainless steel parts, by day. In addition, he founded a chapter of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and was their union steward. By night, Red owned and ran Brewers & Connoisseurs Emporium homebrew supply shop. Red was a founding member of the Sultans of Swig homebrewers club and a partner of the Flying Bison Brewery. Red was the best friend a good brewer ever had.

In his limited spare time, Red travelled the world in search of fun, new experiences and the best of beers. Some of Red's favorites were found close to home: Wellington County, Ellicottville, and Paul Jackson's house. Red always returned home to his wife of 15 years, the ever patient and smiling Ruth.

Many of you shared beers and smiles with Red at brewers conferences, and good beer spots, whereever he could find one. The next time you're having a really great beer, think of Red, smile, and have another. Red would want you to. Cheers!