Frank Branch
1944-2018
It is with heavy hearts that the family
of Frank Richard Branch of Big River announce his passing, which
occurred peacefully surrounded by family on October
22nd, 2018 at the Chaleur Regional
Hospital.
Frank was born in
Bathurst and was the son of the late Lauretta (Whelton) and Richard E.
Branch. He will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 48 years, Karen
(Targett), his children Richard Branch (Jane Burns) of Big River,
Ashley Branch and Meghan Poole (Mike) both of Halifax, NS and his
loving grandchildren Makenzie, Montana and William « Will »,
whom their Papa truly
adored.
Frank is also
survived by his sister Patricia Brown (late Rod) and Lois Branch both
of London, On, Warrine Parks (David) of Upper Derby and Kent Branch
(Debbie) of Bathurst, his mother-in-law Doris Targette (late Lloyd) of
Dalhousie Junction, brothers-in-laws Doug Targett (Linda Lapoint) and
Tim Targett (Marina Guitard) both of Dalhousie Junction, and
sisters-in-laws Kimberly (Gary Luce) of Big River, Doris Targett (late
Don) of Dalhousie Junction and several nieces and
nephews.
Frank graduated
from LeBlanc High School and held a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint
Thomas University and a Bachelor of Education from the
Université de Moncton. Frank started his career
as a teacher at the New Brunswick Community College Youghall
campus. However, his strong desire to help people could not
be ignored and on October 26, 1970, he was one of five representatives
elected from the Gloucester County constituency to the Legislative
Assembly of New Brunswick. Then on November 18, 1974, Frank
was the first elected representative for the new single-member riding
of Nepisiguit-Chaleur. He was reelected in 1978, 1982, 1987,
1991 and finally in the riding of Nepisiguit in 2003 where he served
as chair of the legislature’s Public Accounts Committee.
While in opposition, Frank served on the Select Committees on Mining
and Nonrenewable Resources, Mining and Renewable Resources, Fisheries,
and Science, Technology and the Future. He was a member of the member
of the Standing Committees on Agriculture, Corporations, Economic
Development, Law Amendments, Library, Municipalities and Corporations,
Natural Resources, Natural Resources and Fisheries, Procedure, Public
Accounts, Social Development and Veteran’s Affairs. He was
the former Income Maintenance, Youth, Health, Transport, Social
Services, Supply and Services, NB Housing, and Natural Resources
Critic, as well as House Leader. Frank was Speaker of the House of
Assembly from 1987 to
1991.
Frank will be
fondly remembered for his deep compassion for those in need.
He could not rest easy if he knew someone was struggling and on many
occasions he and his wife, Karen, could be found with rounded grocery
carts filled with food to bring to those who needed it.
Frank’s grandfather Branch was known as « father of the
poor » and that humble kindness was handed down to
Frank. His strong faith carried him through many difficult
times, especially through his passing.
Frank’s
family would like to thank Dr. Jean-Pierre Arseneau and all the
doctors and staff for their thoughtfulness, support and care during
this difficult time.
The family will
receive relatives and friends at Elhatton Funeral Home (www.elhatton.com), Bathurst
on Thursday, October 25th, 2018 from 7 p.m. to
9 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, October
26th, 2018 at 11 a.m. from Sacred Heart
Cathedral,
Bathurst.
Donations in
memory of Frank may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a
charity of the donor’s choice.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Frank Branch 19442018..
Décès pour la Ville: Bathurst, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick
