George Brier remembered
George Lloyd
 (Buster) Brier’s greatest
wish was to be regarded
as a ‘down-to -earth’ good
friend to everyone. He
was a man who lived
the faith he professed.
George passed away May 8 at age 77, following
several years of declining health. He
was a well respected family man, and a pillar
of the Cherry River Chapel congregation.
Unquestionably, he was a man with
many talents, but that which shone brightest,
was his radiant personality. George,
known by many as “Buster”, was respected
for his numerous skills, to which be applied
honesty and sincerity.
Born at Saint-Jean, Quebec, on July 24 ,
1930,George was adopted by his foster
mother, Corrine Métivier, who moved to
Cherry River from Sutton when George was
about to begin school. Mrs. Métivier accepted
employment with Mr. Parker Powers,
with whom she and George resided until
Mr. Powers’ death. To George, Parker
Power was ‘Grandpa’, and that ‘wonderful
old gent in George’s formative years.’ After
completing elementary school at Cherry
River, George attended and graduated from
the Magog High School.As an officer in the
school cadet Corp, George revealed his
leadership qualities, and at home, he was
soon identified as an out spoken citizen. For
a while serving on the Cherry River municipal
village council, George’s interest in
community work led him to a leadership
role in his Christian belief, and in leading
duties within the Cherry River Community
Chapel congregation. Through the rest of
his life, George clung steadfastly to his
faith, and for over a half century held key
roles within that community,
|
including key
leadership positions associated with the development
and management of the Chapel,
its congregation and Parkside Ranch at
Cherry River.
George (Buster) Brier,was a versatile
gentleman, who besides being a skilful entertainer,
musician and storyteller was a
noted businessman. As a youth George
learned to play accordion, violin and piano,
and when just beginning high school, with
three other boys started a country music
quartet. He would use his music talent for
the rest of his life for the benefit of his religious
affiliations, and to cheer people. Still
others knew George Brier as a reliable
plumber, who after leaving the local textile
factory, after 25 years as a plumber and pipe
fitter, opened his own business.
Soon after graduating from high school,
George married Peggy McKelvey, who died
during the birth of their daughter Elizabeth.
His second marriage was to Evelyne Whittier
in 1956, and they had three children, Timothy,
Melody and Charlene. George and
Evelyne were justly proud of their 10 grandchildren,
who in turn exemplified benefits
of a good Christian home, and that sense of
being good citizens.
Most fitting tributes to George Brier
were offered at his funeral service held on
Saturday, May 10 at Parkside Ranch, followed
by internment at the Cherry River
Cemetery.
– Charles Catchpaugh, a life-long friend
and admirer of George Brier
|
|
 Warm weather favoured the 153rd annual
Masonic service on top of Owl’s Head
Mountain, Saturday, June 21 when 125 members
of the fraternity rallied at high noon on
the mountain summit, where David Oliver of
Mansonville’s St. John’s lodge No. 27, was
officially elevated to full membership in this
brotherhood, the oldest fraternity in the
world. Some two dozen other Masonic brothers
remained at the mountain base.
The annual mountaintop service originated
in 1857, initiated by Golden Rule Lodge
No. 5 of Stanstead. Novelty of the service
soon attracted interest of other Masonic
lodges, especially those from Vermont,
within neighbourly traveling distance ofStanstead
and Owl’s Head Mountain. The
practice was to become an annual ritual,
today known by Masons around the world.
It has evolved as an event to strengthen
friendship ties, not only between Canadians
and Americans, but with Masons from other
parts of the world. On previous climbs,
dozens of Masons from different parts of
Canada and the U.S. have taken part in the
colorful tradition, with some coming from as
from far as Australia and New Zealand, Asia,
European countries and still further afield.
One disappointment this year, was the absence
of a Masonic delegation from New
York City who had to decline because of fraternal
commitments closer to home.
Hot dogs, hamburgers and beverages
awaited the brave mountaineers, some burly,
some fairly hardy, and all proud of their exploit.
Most were citing plans to be at the
154th climb in 2009
BY CHARLES CATCHPAUGH
|
