I’ve been really behind on blogging, and nearly missed the boat on blogging these items: tomorrow is the wake and a worldwide toast to the late Don Younger.

The Horse Brass Pub announced Tuesday that it would be closed for regular business on Sunday, Feb. 13 for a wake to honor its owner Don Younger.

Younger, who passed away Jan. 31, was well-loved worldwide in the beer community and throughout his hometown of Portland.  He is credited as a true “beer pioneer,” having owned the Horse Brass for nearly 35 years, and literally taking it from a one-tap tavern to a beer mecca featuring more than 50 taps and often named among the best beer bars in the world.

The Celebration of Don’s Life, will be held from 2-6 p.m. at the Horse Brass. The back parking lot will be tented to allow for more people to attend.

And:

Whatever you are doing, and wherever you are at 3 p.m. your time on Sunday, Feb. 13, make sure to hoist a glass to Don Younger, the venerable publican of the world-famous Horse Brass Pub, who died Jan. 31.

“In his hometown of Portland, a wake will be in full swing by 3 p.m. at the Horse Brass Pub. Attendees at the time will be raising their glasses to Don. But hundreds, if not thousands, of people around the world who knew Don and loved Don aren’t able to be there in person,” says organizer Lisa Morrison. “So we are having a worldwide toast — a virtual wake, if you will — to help bring us all together, at least in spirit.”

The toast will travel around the world, because it will happen at 3 p.m. in all time zones.

“So, at 3 p.m. your time on Sunday, organize a gathering of your own or just stop what you’re doing. Pour a glass of something you think Don would appreciate. And raise a toast to one of craft beer’s biggest champions and most colorful characters,” Morrison says.

Younger, a true beer pioneer, took the Horse Brass from a one-tap tavern to a beer mecca, consistently named among best beer bars in the world. It is a favorite hangout for brewers, beer geeks, neighbors and visitors alike.

Be sure to raise a toast to Don tomorrow at 3pm.