Obituary of George Wesley

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of George Wesley Bracken P. Eng. who died with his family by his side Sunday, December 27 in Kingston at the age of 83. George was born on a dairy farm outside of Ellisville Ontario to George and Lena (Pierce) Bracken; the seventh of eight children. George was a devoted and loving husband to his wife Margaret (nee Allen) and a cherished father of children Jane (Neil), Alison, George (Colleen), Robert (Mary Lou) and Lesley (and her late husband Tom). He was a wonderful Grampa to his fourteen grandchildren, Thomas, Nicholas, Andrew, Matthew, Lena, William, Claire, Adam, Jonathan, David, Emily, Ren, George and Ryan. George was predeceased by his brothers Harold (Erma), Fred (Amy), Bill (Miriam) and sisters Edith Dormer (Percy) and Beryl Ferguson. He is survived by brother Glenn (Beverly) , sister Barbara (Harold) and Amy Bracken (wife to Fred). George was a man of integrity, generosity and quiet strength who took great pride in his family. He was a wonderful role model not only to his children but to his grandchildren and his many nieces and nephews. He began his education in a one-room schoolhouse in Ellisville, attended high school in Seeley's Bay and Gananoque and went on to graduate from Queens' University in Civil Engineering in 1956. He articled with his cousin, John Pierce, in Peterborough to become an Ontario Land Surveyor where he met his wife Margaret in 1958. He established his own survey practice in Smiths Falls where he and Margaret raised their family and numerous cats and dogs. George was very involved with the local community, was a generous benefactor to a number of organisations and remained a keen supporter of Queens University throughout his life. After retiring he indulged his more artistic side and developed a love and skill for carving inspired by his uncle, Gordon Pierce. He was a prolific carver in wood and soapstone and enjoyed sharing his passion for this with his children and grandchildren. He and Margaret were keen travellers and enjoyed exploring different parts of the world; favourites being Africa, Russia, China and the Arctic. This also included many visits to the UK to visit Margaret's family. Summers spent at the cottage on Gananoque Lake were a particularly special time with family. A service will be held on Saturday January 2, 2016 at James Reid Funeral Home, 1900 John Counter Blvd, Kingston with a visitation from 11:00 to 11:45 and a service at 12:00 followed by a reception. A burial service will be held in the summer at Olivet United Church, near Seeley's Bay. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in George's name to Olivet United Church or the Thousand Islands Watershed Land Trust. Online condolences www.jamesreidfuneralhome.com.