George Fawcett

  Surrounded by his family, George Coleman Fawcett passed away on November 11th at age 94. Born to Henry and Olive (Thorne) Fawcett in Butternut Ridge, New Brunswick, George spent his childhood in both Petitcodiac and Miramichi. He graduated from Rothesay Collegiate School in 1947 and studied Commerce and Finance at Mount Allison University from 1947 to 1949. While at Mount A, George agreed to be set up on a blind date and, in turn, met the love of his life, Roberta Alcorn.

  George and Roberta were married in 1951 and built a home in Petitcodiac on a lot of land George had dreamed of owning since he was a child. Together, they created a life of love and devotion - to one another, their family, and their community.

  George and Roberta enjoyed travelling, making friends wherever they went, and would return from each trip saying, "There's no place like home." Their home was one filled with warmth, music, and laughter as they loved hosting gatherings of family and friends.

  While Roberta passed in 2009, George's devotion to, and support of, his family remained his top priority. With them, he shared his love of fishing, photography, horses, hockey, and Boxer dogs. He often travelled considerable distances to visit his youngest son, adult grandchildren, and their children and loved to attend any event that his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were involved in.

  George's values of family and community were also evident throughout his career. His father, Henry A. Fawcett, founded a lumber and building supply business in 1931. George joined him in 1949, making it a family business - one George continued for another 60 years. George's sons began working with him in the 1970s and supported his vision of creating sustainable economic growth and development for a community that he loved dearly. H.A. Fawcett and Son expanded to multiple entities of complementary businesses. At its peak, these businesses provided employment opportunities that supported more than 250 families in Petitcodiac and surrounding areas.

  George was a dedicated citizen of his hometown community. He fulfilled his desire to serve and support others through various roles as a lifetime member of St. James United Church in Petitcodiac, and by working on countless community projects and initiatives with dear friends, including the construction of the Petitcodiac Arena. He made significant contributions to numerous local, regional, and national boards and committees in the health sector, education sector, and forest industry. In 2002, George was honoured to receive Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee Medal, awarded to Canadians who made "outstanding contributions" to their community and Canada.

  While George will be remembered for many things, his family will remember him for his unwavering support and dedication to them, his joyful outlook on life, and the gratitude that was deeply rooted in his soul. They will also remember his incredible hospitality, especially at the cottage in Portage Vale - where George and Roberta resided for 50 summers - fishing, riding horses, and hosting sleepovers with his grandchildren where he served each one a bowl of Heavenly Hash ice cream before bed.

  George will be missed by his four sons: Robert (Carol) of Smith's Creek, NB, Tim (Sharon) of Petitcodiac, NB, Henry (Marion) of Petitcodiac, NB, and Eric (Sharon) of Caron, Saskatchewan; grandchildren Cole Fawcett (Kelly Dolan), Kelten Fawcett, Lauren Fawcett, Jenna (Paul) Sherburn, Katie (Josh) Prescott, Karla (Christian) O'Brien, Kris (Brittany) Fawcett, Rae Ann (Craig) Nickel, Paige (Nathan) Manley, and Josh (Katelyn) Fawcett; great-grandchildren Celeste Sherburn; Ella, Emerson, Lennon, Maisie, and Annie Prescott; Leo and Luc Fawcett; Jack O'Brien; Oliver and Clark Nickel; Owen, Austin, Quinton, and Brooklyn Manley; Cheyenne, Kamden, Addison, and Lillie Fawcett; along with many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and members of his extended family.

  Besides his parents and wife of 58 years, George was predeceased by his beloved sister, Mona Phyllis (Fawcett) Tingley, of Moncton, NB. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Dottie Alcorn, of Braintree, MA, USA.

  Arrangements have been entrusted to Salisbury Funeral Home, 3350 Route 106    (506)372-4800.  Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 19th, from 2 PM to 5 PM at Salisbury Funeral Home. A private family funeral service and interment  will be held at a later date.

  For those considering memorial donations, the family suggests Diabetes Canada, Friends of The Moncton Hospital Foundation, Alzheimer Society of Canada, or a charity of the donor's choice.

  Online condolences at www.keirsteads.ca