Obituary of George Branscombe
Mr. George Arthur Branscombe of Sussex and formerly of Moncton, NB, died peacefully after a brief illness on April 1, 2006 at the age of 83. Born in Steeves Settlement, NB, on May 26, 1922, George was the son of the late Lucas and Loretta (Cochran) Branscombe. George is survived by his wife Edith (Cogswell Steeves) Branscombe; three daughters: Sherrill Carter and her husband Lawrence of Moncton, Hope Graham of Antigonish, NS and Rhoda Wilson and her husband Tim of Sussex; two sons: Rev. Hanford Branscombe and his wife Joan of Oshawa, ON and Clinton Branscombe and his wife Jo-ette of Sussex; one sister: Ruth Stevens and her husband Paul of Steeves Settlement; nine grandchildren: Stephen and Karen Carter of Moncton, Holly Sayer and her husband Jason of Indiana, Rev. Tim Branscombe of Grand Manan, Heidi Branscombe of Oshawa, Samuel and Izaak Wilson and Sharla and Gareth Branscombe, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife of 53 years, Maryellen (MacCallum) Branscombe and a son-in-law George Graham who both passed away in 2000. George was a member of the Havelock Wesleyan Church. He was a mechanic and a machinist who had worked for Alex E. Ross and Les Jones until he contracted Polio in 1952. After recuperating he again worked in his field for Apex, Blackwood Hodge and Universal Sales. Memories and stories abound. Rebuilding motors in the kitchen. Building garages, a cedar log cabin. Honing to the nearest thousandth of an inch. Making anything. Fixing anything. Doing anything. No challenge too great. "Necessity was the mother of invention." A detailed teacher. A lifelong learner. All family members became expert holders, gophers and assistants in the latest project. In later years, his creations included a woodworker's workbench, picture frames, collapsible side tables, and candlesticks. Even though the house always seemed to be under construction, friends were welcome anytime. A crowded living room was a common occurrence. The house was home to all. Summers were filled with traveling; camping; and without a doubt--Beulah Camp. Vacations meant squeezing the family of seven into a mid-sized car and heading for destinations like Maine, Tennessee, Niagara Falls, Jacquet River, Prince Edward Island and the Cabot Trail. George was committed to family prayer. He generously gave to his church and other worthy causes. He perfected the art of "making do". His example of strong-willed determination, attention to detail, and solid work ethic will live on. Even with his physical disabilities, George had a deep sense of responsibility for providing for his family. George frequently shared his testimony of God's provision. "My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever." Psalm 73:26 NLT Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, (506-433-1176), with visitation on Monday evening from 7-9pm and Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9pm. The Funeral Service will be from Sussex Wesleyan Church on Wednesday, April 5, 2006 at 11:00 am, followed by a time of fellowship with the family. A private family committal will take place at Steeves Settlement Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy donations made to the Bethany Bible College, Gideon Bible or to the memorial of the donor's choice would be appreciated by the family.