Gerald Briggs

Gerald Hiram “Red” Briggs Sr., 97, died peacefully after a brief illness on November 6th, 2021 at a local hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was born February 18, 1924 outside Woodstock NB, Canada, the eldest child of Charles Clinton and Myrtle (Bell) Briggs. Gerald proudly attended Lawrence High School of Fairfield, Maine. Immediately upon graduation in 1942 Red enlisted in the US Navy at the onset of World War II and became a Seabee. He witnessed the sun rise (on a rhino ferry) during the first of many assaults on Omaha Beach, June 6th, 1944. He survived to serve subsequently in the Pacific Theatre with the 6th Marine Division both on Eniwetok Atoll and ultimately in China. After discharge Gerald took full advantage of the GI Bill and attended Farmington State Teacher’s College (Maine). There he met the love of his life, Elizabeth “Betty” Murphy, and they were married (following Red’s graduation in 1951) for 61 years until Betty’s passing. Gerald and Betty were career school teachers, with Red also serving as basketball coach and in driver’s education (he was in the first Maine class of motorcycle driving educators). Upon “retirement” Gerald continued to teach driver’s ed., but also launched his next career, that of driving (over 35 yrs.) for Cyr Bus Company of Old Town, ME. Before he finished at Cyr, he had earned the distinction of being the oldest serving active charter bus driver in North America. It should be noted that Gerald was a loyal mason for over 50 yrs. and was most recently a member of the R.J. Pollard Lodge, Orrington. Red made innumerable friends throughout his long, rich, and blessed life. Particularly fond memories derive from his many Canadian relatives, his colleagues at Cyr Bus, and especially from his dear friends Joe Perry, Paul Murphy, and Phil Emery. The family in particular thanks the loving kindness extended to Red throughout the years by Joyce Philbrick and by Elizabeth Tulip. Finally, blessings go to Gerald’s favorite “pen pal” Althea, a young lady from his church who took the time and care to write him monthly letters (which gave him great joy!). Gerald is survived by his sister Dorothy of Edisto Beach, NC; by his cousin Charles (and wife Nancy) Gaunce of Waterville, ME; by his cousin Ronald (and wife Linda) Bell of Bellville, NB, Canada); his sons Clint Briggs and Gerald Briggs, Jr.; and son Dana and beloved daughter-in-law Cheryl Briggs. A live-streamed funeral service will be officiated by Rev. Rebecca Liberty. It will be held Friday, November 12, 2021 at 1:30 PM at the Brookings-Smith Chapel on 133 Center St., Bangor, ME. Immediately after the service the family invites all to share stories/food/refreshments at the Family Reception Center right next door. A graveside service/interment with military honors is planned at the Maine Veterans Cemetery in Augusta, ME for June 10th, 2022. For those who would like to honor Red in a special way may make gifts in his memory to the following: Saint John’s Episcopal Church, 234 French St., Bangor, ME 04401; or to the Maine Veterans’ Home of Bangor, 44 Hogan Rd., Bangor, ME. Condolences/stories for the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com, where you can also find live-streaming information.