NEWS -
We are sad to report the passing of the following members of our Clan Galbraith family:
-
Vincent Scott Galbraith (1949-2025) -
CGS member 51
We are sad to report the passing of V. Scott Galbraith on March 9, 2025 in Monrovia, MD
at the age of 75. Scott was brother to past CGS president Paul Galbraith and a lifetime
member of the Clan Galbraith Society. He was the appointed as the first Deputy National
Convener of the then Clan Galbraith Association of the U.S. when it was formed in 1980.
Scott was then elected as the first President of the Clan Galbraith Association of
North America in 1981 and served in that role until 1986.
Scott graduated from Tennessee Technological University in 1972 with a degree in Engineering.
He started at the Federal Communications Commission, followed by a move into the private sector at RCC,
RAM Communications, and US Tower Services. Scott became the Spectrum Manager at NASA Goddard,
from which he retired in June 2020. While in his role at NASA, he played a vital role in virtually
all missions that fly in space, ensuring successfull microwave communications with their earth
based control centers. Scott was not only a subject matter expert in the field of RF communications
engineering, but he also possessed masterful skills in professional negotiating and diplomacy.
Those were key in representing NASA in an arm of the United Nations, the International
Communications Union, creating policy that enabled successful communications for countless missions.
Scott was a lifelong Amateur radio enthusiast and an avid motorcycle enthusiast.
He completed two cross-country trips, following both historic Route 66 and The
Pony Express Route.
Scott is survived by daughters Heather Gramm and Kathryn Mahdavi, and siblings John, Meg, and Paul Galbraith.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles & Elizabeth Galbraith.
Obituary published by Stauffer Funeral Homes, P.A.
link to obit
(Mar 2025)
-
Joyce Galbraith Colony (1928-2025) -
CGS member 42
April 14, 1928 - January 20, 2025
Florence Joyce Galbraith arrived as her mother's 25th birthday present on April 14, 1928,
and proceeded to take the world into her own hands. She was an accomplished classical
pianist, performer, and piano teacher; a strong mother who raised four independent
daughters; a supportive wife and creative homemaker; a cultivator of glorious gardens;
a devoted church organist and choir director; and a friend to her neighbors and their dogs.
After completing her masters in English from UVa while her children attended elementary
to high school, she became a published newspaper essayist, short story writer, and poet.
Joyce was also a world traveler ("strangers are just friends I haven't made yet"), a
faithful correspondent, and sender of useful gifts. Grandmother to five, she was a
wonderful storyteller with a sly sense of humor. Her family and friends around the world
will greatly miss the love, guidance, and support of "She Who Must Be Obeyed."
Survivors include beloved sisters Elizabeth Galbraith DeCarolis and Carolyn Galbraith Nolan;
daughters M Allison Colony, Anne Mandeville Colony, Laura Colony Camacho, and Jane Colony Mills.
Joyce was predeceased by her husband William Mandeville Colony in 2000 and
her parents, Bartram Allison Galbraith and Florence Davey Galbraith.
Obituary published by Legacy.com & Daily Progress on Jan. 28, 2025.
link to obit
(Jan 2025)
-
Charles Sidney Gilreath (1935-2025) -
CGS member 239
December 16, 1935 — June 18, 2025
Elkin
Dr. Charles Gilreath died on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, just six months shy of his 90th birthday.
“Doc” to most of you, he was husband to his wife, his “Angel”, Lelia for 67 years. He was dad to
his daughters Terri and Holli, Papa to his grand-daughter Julie and great-grandson, Cooper.
Doc was a Chiropractic Physician for 61 years and worked until retirement at age 86.
Doc was a born storyteller. He especially loved to tell stories regarding the history of Wilkes County,
his own family history and growing up in the Brushy Mountains.
Doc was a member of Elkin Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder. He was a member of several
organizations including the Lions Club where he was a past President. He served as Vice President of
the Over Mountain Victory Trail and was proud to have been a member of the Elkin Fire Department.
A graduate of UNC Chapel Hill and the National University of Health Science in Chicago, IL. where he
received his Doctor of Chiropractic.
Doc leaves a legacy of having improved the quality of life of many people through his gifts and knowledge.
He deeply missed his work and his many patients after his retirement.
His greatest legacy is perhaps in the love he had for his family. He wanted to care for and provide for
them in the best ways he could. His family will strive to honor him by keeping the best of who he was
within us and sharing his legacy of love for family, work and community alive.
It would be impossible for us, the family, to thank each of you who have created a circle of love around
both our dad and our mother. Your care, love and prayers have meant so much for them and each of us.
The next time you hear a corny joke, think of Doc and laugh out loud. He would love that.
A memorial Service is being planned for a future date.
Obituary published by Elkin Funeral Service on June 2025.
link to obit
(Jun 2025)
-
Frederick John Galbraith (1933-2025) -
CGS member 152 (also 990)
September 22, 1933 - January 18, 2025
Frederick J. Galbraith, age 91, passed away on January 18, 2025 in Lake Wales, FL. He was
born September 22, 1933 in Toronto, Canada, the son of William and Beatrice Galbraith.
Fred proudly served his country in the U.S. Army as a Sergeant and parachuter during the
Korean War. When Fred returned from his service he married his love, JoAnn, on June 11, 1955,
in Detroit. After starting their family in Detroit, they settled down on what would be known
as the family farm in Cohoctah in 1969.
Fred found a career in plumbing. He worked for the Livingston County Building Department as
a building official, retiring in 1996. Fred was not only well educated in his work, but in
all different aspects of life. He had an answer to any question. Fred was very wise. In his
free time, he enjoyed the sport of golf. He loved wood carving as well. But his true favorite
thing was to spend time with his family.
Fred is survived by his children, Carol (Jim) Colombo, Daniel Galbraith, Michelle (Gary) Hartman,
Mike Galbraith, Donna (Bill) Lavanture; 10 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; and his companion
of 11 years, Sally.
Fred was preceded in death by his wife, JoAnn Galbraith; parents, William and Beatrice Galbraith;
4 brothers; 3 sisters; and his son-in-law, Dale Lipke.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 AM Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic
Church, Howell, MI, with visitation an hour prior. Interment will be at 2PM in Great Lakes
National Cemetery, in Holly, MI.
Obituary published by Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes.
link to obit
(Jan 2025)
