Obituary of Kenneth Briggs

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our Dad and Poppa, Kenneth Aubrey Briggs, on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 in Popes Harbour, NS at the age of 95. Ken was born on October 7, 1923 in Moose Mountain, NB to the late Herbert and Alva (MacFarlane) Briggs. He was a long-time and proud resident of Saint John, NB for 72 years, just recently moving to Popes Harbour to be closer to his family. He now joins his wife and best friend of 66 years, the late Rhoda J. (MacFarlane) Briggs.

Ken served in WWII with the North Shore NB Regiment in the Infantry. He was employed for 48 years with Canadian National Railroad in the freight office until his retirement. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #69 Lancaster, NB, Portland Couples Club, Portland Men’s Club, Beaus and Belles Square Dancers, Order of the Eastern Star #14 Saint John, LOL #141, Hibernia Masonic Lodge #3, Shriners Luxor Temple and the Oriental Band.  

He is survived by sons Ronald (Karin) of Dartmouth, James (Janet) of Popes Harbour, daughter, Jean (Stephen) O’Neill of Lucasville; six grandchildren Sabrina (Hugh) O’Flynn, Loukas Crowther, Jason (Suzanne) Briggs, Jenna (Jonathan) Darnbrough, Brett (Katrina) O’Neill, Brittany (Rodney) Myers; two great-grandchildren Riley and Isabelle O’Flynn; as well as several nieces and nephews. Besides his wife and parents, he is predeceased by daughter Lynne Crowther, son-in-law Tom Crowther, sisters Mary Nixon and Marjorie Butler and brothers Vaughan, Harold, Austin, Claude, Lennie and Gordon. Kenny was the last surviving member of his family.

Ken loved hockey and was a devoted Saint John Sea Dogs fan, you could find him at almost every game. He enjoyed playing cards with friends and family, always bending the rules in his favour.  Being on or near the water brought Ken great happiness. He loved travelling and has enjoyed many adventures around the world, especially his trips to the Netherlands. Ken was a social butterfly; he embraced and brought happiness to anyone he met. His infectious smile and bubbly personality made him the perfect cruise ship greeter and Meals on Wheels deliverer. Above all, his family was the center of his world. He loved watching his grandchildren play sports and attending family functions. He valued phone calls with his loved ones to simply check in, get the inside scoop, or to wish you a happy birthday. To say he was the icon of our family is an understatement and his spirit will live on in all of us.

Resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB, (506-634-7424) with visitation on Friday, August 16, 2019 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm. A Masonic Lodge Service will be held on Friday at  7 pm.  A Legion service will be held just prior to the funeral service at 12:45 pm. A funeral service will be held from Portland United Church, 50 Newport Crescent, Saint John, NB on Saturday, August 17, 2019 at 1 pm. Interment will take place in Stilesville Cemetery at a later date. For those who wish, remembrances to Stilesville United Church Cemetery Fund, Portland United Church, or a charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be made at www.brenansfh.com.