Obituary of Hilton Odbur Brawn

On February 21, in the late morning hours, Hilt’s spirit left his 92 year old body as he exhaled his last earthly breath. Hilt was very proud to be a veteran and at the time of his passing he was a grateful resident of the New Brunswick Veteran’s Unit in Fredericton, where he loved to interact with the wonderful and caring employees.

As a young man from Ludlow, NB, his adventurous spirit took him into the Canadian Armed Forces to voluntarily fight in the Korean War. Post-Korea he proceeded to build some of the 800 miles of the St Lawrence Seaway. Between trips working in the states and travelling back to New Brunswick, Hilt met, fell in love with and married Vera O’Donnell. They lived in Massachusetts for a period of time during which their children Michele and Kevin were born. Hilt worked as a laborer in road construction helping to build many of the roads that carry people through New England.
 

A love of family and home brought the Brawns back to New Brunswick in 1973 where Hilt worked in the NB forests as a lumberjack and in the Greater Central NB Nursing Home as the home’s maintenance technician. After attaining his GED and attending Campbellton Community College he ran an upholstery business for a few years.

Hilt loved so many simple things in life: family, friends, cats and dogs, gardening, picking berries and fiddleheads, fishing, maple syruping, curling at the Doaktown Curling Club, being a handyman (with cursing), laughing, playing harmonica and organ, singing, puzzling and his all time favorite – playing cribbage. He also loved volunteering at the Normandy Branch of the Legion in Boiestown where he held positions as President, Vice-President, Poppy Campaign Chair and Bingo committee member.

Hilt also enjoyed worshipping with his family as a member, a cemetery caretaker and an elder at St Augustine’s United Church in New Bandon – and after that, at St Thomas United Church in Doaktown. He grew up in the St James the Greater Anglican church where his mother was the organist.

Born in 1930 to Odbur and Hallie Brawn, Hilt was the last surviving member of the Brawn family. Hilt is predeceased by his parents and his siblings; Cameron Palmer, Phillip Lyons, Victor, Greta Gilks, Luther (Buck), Ensley, Ashley and Byron. He is survived by his beloved wife Vera; children, Michele and Kevin and Grandchildren Yasmine Sabri, Kevin Brawn Jr, and Landyn Robichaud.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the loving care of York Funeral Home’s Miramichi Valley Chapel. Proof of vaccination with ID and masks are required at all events. Visitation will be on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at St Thomas United Church, 367 Main Street, Doaktown from 1 to 1:45 pm followed by Memorial Services at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick, St Thomas United Church in Doaktown, NB or a charity of your choice. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com