George Lorne Braun

George Lorne Braun was born in a small hamlet in Namaka, Alberta on September 17, 1927. He was born to Gerhard and Liese Braun where he grew up as the son of a farmer in the community of Hepburn, Saskatchewan. At the age of 17 George responded to an invitation at an evangelistic service and gave his life to Christ. He was baptized 1 year later and was accepted into the Mennonite Brethren Church. After finishing high school he attended Bethany Bible Institute for 1 year and then enrolled at Mennonite Brethren College in Winnipeg.

In August of 1950 George married the love of his life, Caroline Quiring, who he had met in high school, and they began a farming life together in Hepburn. He knew God was calling him to go into full time ministry but continued his dream to farm. After several months he lost the use of his left arm. Unable to farm, he obeyed God’s call by re-enrolling in Winnipeg Bible College where he completed his Bachelor of Religious Studies. Also during this time their first child Marjorie was born.

George and Carol first pastored a Mennonite Brethren church in Regina where Judith was born. Subsequent churches included Saskatoon where Ken and Gerry were born, Burnaby, Victoria, Morden, and Lethbridge. He also travelled BC as superintendent of home missions while living in Abbotsford. During his 42 years of pastoral ministry George sometimes supplemented the family income in interesting ways. He sold shoes, sold bread door to door, and worked as a carpenter.

George and Carol had a unique form of ministry. Visitation was done jointly, both in homes and in hospitals. Marriage counseling was also done by both of them. He engaged with people of all ages and gave of himself freely as he deeply cared about their lives. Their activities and interests were important to him. But mostly he wanted them to know the Jesus he knew.

As a young man George enjoyed playing softball as a pitcher. While living in Victoria he and Carol enjoyed the ocean, fishing with the family, digging for clams and cutting driftwood for firewood. He also enjoyed playing table tennis and golfing, buying his first clubs in Saskatoon for “Mother’s Day.” Annual family camping trips were always a highlight.

George liked to tease, play pranks and joke around. He was also curious about how things worked and often took them apart to find out. They seldom worked afterwards!

Even though as he became older and faced health challenges his focus did not waiver and he continued to keep his eyes on Jesus.