Obituary of George Franklin

George Elliott Franklin 87, Pentz, Nova Scotia. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of George Elliott Franklin, BSc (Eng) on Saturday August 11, 2007. George was predeceased by his first wife, Marguerite N. Rudolph in 1984 and survived by his second wife, Maria Teresa Lacki Franklin. He is also survived by his sons Christopher (Brenda), James (Kathryn), Nicholas (Jane), step-children Thomas Lacki and Monika Lacki Gamble (Mel), grandchildren Stephanie, Andrew, Geoffrey, Christyna and Diana, and step-grandchildren Alexander, Andrew and Monika Teresa. He was born in Dayspring, NS, the son of Hiram and Hattie Franklin (Fraser). He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He attended Sir George Williams Business College in Montreal in 1939. He joined the Canadian Army and graduated from Officer Training School in Brockville in May 1942. After serving as an instructor at Aldershot and Yarmouth Training Centers he was posted overseas as a Reinforcement Officer to the North Nova Scotia Highlanders in England. He trained as a Platoon Commander with the regiment in Southern England and in Scotland in preparation for the Normandy invasion. He was appointed Battalion Intelligence Officer and later Brigade Liaison Officer. Three months prior to D-Day he was promoted to Captain and served as Brigade Intelligence Officer. He landed in France on D-Day and served throughout the European campaign. He was Mentioned in Dispatches and received the Defense Medal, 1939-1945 Star, France and Germany Star, Canada 1939-1945 Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp, the War Medal 1935-1945, France and Germany 50-year Anniversary Medal and the Normandy 1994 50-Year Anniversary Medal. On returning to Canada, George married Marguerite Rudolph with whom he had the privilege of spending thirty-eight years of joyful life. In 1946 he entered the University of New Brunswick and graduated in 1950 with a B.Sc, in Civil Engineering. After ten years employment with a major firm where he rose to Chief Engineer he formed his own company, Century Construction Limited, and for the next twenty years his company carried out many important building projects in the Maritime Provinces. He was well known in Moncton where he was active in many professional and Civic Organizations. He was granted a Life Membership in The Canadian Society for Civil Engineering and Life Membership in the Association of Professional Engineers of New Brunswick. He was past Chairman and Councilor Moncton Branch, Engineering Institute of Canada, Councilor Association of Professional Engineers of New Brunswick, Past President of the Moncton Construction Association, Past President of the Moncton Board of Trade, past Member of the Moncton Development Commission, Past Warden of St. James Anglican Church and Past Secretary of the Moncton Rotary Club. He was a member of Acacia Lodge NO. 49 A.F.&A.M., Moncton and in 2004 received his 50 Year Pin. He will be remembered for his high standard of honesty and integrity he brought to his business and community life. He brought unique wit and humour to his interactions with people. His interests were wide and varied and he especially enjoyed computers, photography, painting and writing. After retirement in 1980 he spent many winters in Florida. He was an avid sailor and enjoyed cruising the coastal waters of the Maritimes. In earlier years the family interest in saddle horses resulted in the purchase of a vacation farm and the breeding and training of horses for the show ring, one for each of his three sons. His long life gave him wisdom that comes only with age and he was always ready to offer council to those who sought his advice. His presence among us will be sorely missed. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home, Bridgewater, NS. Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation or funeral service. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date. Donations may be made to the Lung Association Nova Scotia or the Heart and Stroke Foundation Nova Scotia. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com