Today we are here to honour the life of George MacDonald Brechin. A man whose presence brought warmth and happiness to all who knew him. A story that continues to resonate in our hearts.
George’s journey started in Aberdeen where he was born to Robert and Barbara. George was one of 13 children. They initially lived in a tiny house before moving to a 2-bedroom tenement block. As you can expect there was very little space for them all. With a one in one out system when it came to bed spaces. Babby was up at all hours making sure they were all fed regardless of what shift they were working. There was always a big pot of soup on the stove, with fresh rowies bought every day.
When he was old enough George went off to join the Navy. He served in Singapore and Burma during World War II. This is where he met the love of his life, Nancy. She was a Wren cook on the base, and George would help her stoke the fire. When they left the Navy, they settled in Goldthorpe where Nancy was from. They married on the 29th February 1948 in Goldthorpe Church. They initially lived with Nancy’s mum and dad for a couple of years. Both David and Denise were born there. They then moved on to The Crescent in Bolton-Upon-Dearne, and when Bev came along the family was complete. They had a wonderful time together as a family. They would go on holidays to see George’s family in Aberdeen. Going on day trips to Balmoral to try and sneak a glimpse of the Royal family. They would go to the tea rooms in Banchory, which George said he would buy if he ever won the lottery. They would also go and visit George’s siblings who had also moved south. Going to Oxford and Barnstaple to see his brothers. They would go away or on day trips whenever they could. One particular trip that sticks out was going to the newly built ABC cinema in Sheffield. A special Saturday night treat to go and see South Pacific. It was wonderful seeing it on the big screen with the surround sound system making the music seem magical. George loved nothing more than hosting parties and having a wee dram of whisky. Everyone would come round and join in. George would be the main source of entertainment, playing the spoons and singing like his idol Mario Lanza. Of course, Hogmanay was always a special party, with Auld Lang Syne being sung to bring in the new year.
Throughout his working life George was a driver. He would drive whatever he could, buses, taxis, lorries. His last job was working for Thomas Ward before having to retire due to ill health in 1980. It wasn’t long after that they lost Nancy in 1984. George made the decision in 1985 that he would move back to Aberdeen. Here he was able to start a fresh new life. He took his passion for dancing, singing, and playing the spoons, and made the most of it. This new lease of life led him to enter competitions. He entered a singing contest on the request of Aberdeen Council in 2012, bringing down the house with his Mario Lanza-esque style. He was a great sequence dancer, winning quite a few of the competitions, with dancers queueing up to be his partner. He would enter them all over. Dancing at the famous Blackpool ballrooms, as well as Scarborough, where his family would come along and watch him.
Family meant everything to George. He would do anything for them. He was not only a big part of David, Denise, and Bev’s life. But also, their partners, Mick, Alan, and Cindy. He was blessed with 6 grandchildren and their partners, Andrew and Anne, Hayley and Steve, Jamie Emma, Martin, Charlotte and Nick, and Megan and Ben. Not forgetting the 11 great grandchildren, Gregory and Nathaniel, Ellie and Katie, Luke and Cara, George, Oliver Edward and Sophia, and Caspian. He loved them all and would always supply them with sweets, specifically liquorice allsorts, chocolate, and money. Any time together was always special. When on holiday, they would go on the slot machines, play on the beach, and have an ice cream. They would play cards, chase the ace and crib, using matches in the peg board. George would treat the family to trips to the races. Going to Newmarket, Lingfield and Chelmsford. On one occasion making it into the local booklet in Chelmsford with a picture of him clicking his heels together. Obviously winning a few of the races that day. Family get togethers were always special. As were the holidays. Going on a cruise to the Med and once going to Florida to stay at a friend’s villa. When the family asked him what his favourite day was, he would say, “every day has been my favourite”.
As a true Scotsman George loved his golf, which he passed on to Denise. He loved to play the beautiful Links courses back home. Quite often he would finish up early and go back the next day to complete the round. When he was a young boy he would go and find lost balls, then sell them back to the players. Probably selling the same ball on more than one occasion.
Wherever George went he would be the smartest man there. He would always be impeccably dressed. Even wearing a tie when he was a lorry driver. He would also make sure that everyone had a Windsor knot. Possibly a nod back to his Navy days as that was the military way. Unfortunately for George he wasn’t blessed with a strong hairline. He had a combover that came from the back which he would whip around and sit and top of his head. Using a full can of hairspray to make sure it stayed in place. When he was in the care home, he let Megan cut it, before going to the barbers the next day whilst visiting Essex. Thankfully he loved it.
In 2018, with his health deteriorating, George moved back to South Yorkshire to be closer to family. He moved to Dearne Hall care home, where of course, George was the main source of entertainment for residents and staff. The family would like to thank the staff at Dearne Hall for the wonderful work they did in caring for George in his final years.
As we say goodbye to George, remember him for who he was. A gentleman, an entertainer, a family man through and through. Remember the good times that you shared together, and the legacy that he leaves behind.
Funeral Service was conducted at Barnsley Crematorium at 1:30pm on 19th April 2024
Chris Platts - Professional Celebrant 