George Robert Brockway

Family-Placed Obituary

GEORGE ROBERT BROCKWAY July 5, 1925 Ð May 15, 2008 On May 15, 2008, God called Capt. George R. 'Bob' Brockway, age 82, to report to his new duty station in heaven where he serves for all eternity and awaits the future arrival of his beloved family, friends and shipmates. His immense inner strength, cheerfulness, good humor, loyalty, integrity, and courage sprang from a faithful heart filled with faith, hope, and love. He was born in West Palm Beach where he resided throughout his life. He lived the Gospel of Jesus Christ, caring for his family, serving his country in WW II in the U.S. Navy and then in the Reserves for 30 years in the Seabees as an engineer attaining the rank of Captain. He was faithful to Memorial Presbyterian Church in West Palm Beach and Montreat Presbyterian Church in Montreat, N.C. mentoring many in the faith with exemplary service as an Elder, Deacon, Bible Teacher, Prayer Group Leader, Youth Leader, and Sunday School Teacher. Never satisfied with mediocrity, 'Captain Bob' was an avid student throughout his life, graduating from PBHS in 1943 and from U of F in 1950 with a degree in Civil Engineering. After retirement Bob enrolled in PBAU taking courses in Religion and Philosophy including Hebrew. He was a community leader as a member of the Rotary Club since 1954, YMCA Board of Directors for 10 years, a consulting Engineer for 22 yrs (1950-1972), and Palm Beach County Building Official from 1975-1980 receiving the 'Commendation for Outstanding Service'. He was on the Palm Beach County Zoning Board for 5 yrs., Engineer for the South Florida Water Management District from 1980 to 1985, Citizens Committee, Parks Board. Bob also wrote the course and taught surveying for the Palm Beach Community College and was awarded a 'commendation from the Society of Professional Land Surveyors'. He held licenses as a Professional Engineer, Professional Land Surveyor, and a pilot's license. Bob served in the U.S. Power Squadron as a Boating Safety Instructor for 6 years. He continued to serve his country after retirement from the Seabee Reserves and was the 1st President of NMCB-14 Alumni Assoc. Bob was a man of great imagination who loved life and had a lot of fun fishing, boating, reading, studying, enjoying family and friends, and playing the harmonica. Always a true gentleman with deep humility, he was most courageous in these last 4 months in intensive care and can say with the Apostle Paul in II Timothy 4:7-8, 'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that dayÑand not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.' In 1947 he met and in 1949 married the girl next door, Dee Oatway, his cherished wife of 58 years. Bob was predeceased by his parents, George S. and Neva D. Brockway. He is survived by his wife, Dee, his four beloved children, Robin Brockway, West Palm Beach, FL, G. Mark Brockway (Claire), Palm City, FL, D. Scott Brockway (Anna), Estero, FL, Tom A. Brockway (Bettina), Lake Worth, FL; six grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. A Memorial Service in Bob's honor will be held at Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1300 S. Olive Ave, West Palm Beach conducted by Dr. William R. Stepp on Friday, May 23 at 11:45 a.m. followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall. In honor of his life and in lieu of flowers the family humbly requests memorials be sent to Bob's favorite charities: Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1300 South Olive Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33401; Montreat Presbyterian Church EPC, P.O. Box 279, Montreat, NC 28757; NMCB-14 Alumni Assoc., % Randy Buchey, Treasurer, 13140 - A, Quiet Woods Rd, Wellington, FL 33414; Seabee Memorial Scholarship Assoc P.O. Box 6574, Silver Spring, MD 20916; Schoolife, P.O. Box 1496 West Palm Beach, FL 33402. Quattlebaum Funeral & Cremation Services Family Owned and Operated www.quattlebaum.org To express condolences and/or make donations Visit PalmBeachPost.com/obituaries