Robert lived an exceptional life. From humble beginnings, with little formal education, he was blessed with the wisdom of understanding nature and humanity in true harmony with his First Nation values.
At the age of 14, Robert left Listuguj with his father to work as a kitchen hand at a logging camp in Maine. It was there that he had to speak English for the first time on a daily basis. He continued working through the winter months keeping the facilities and equipment secure and functional. After a while, with the promise of work, Robert left Maine to work in upstate New York to work with his brother (late) Alex Brisk.
Later, in his early 20’s, Robert moved to Lake George, New York where he worked at a tourist location called The Indian Village. There, with fellow friends from Listuguj, he put on a native show for tourists which became a popular attraction and included him fighting his bear, Baby, that he found as an orphaned cub. He demonstrated archery skills with George “The Great Gardino” at Indian Village for a crowd of 60,000 people and later in Central Park for a crowd of 25,000. Robert eventually landed a few appearances on, a popular TV show at the time, The Howdy Doody Show and was featured on Kellogg's cereal box in a regional promotion. During these years, he would make lifelong friends who he kept in contact with until his last days.
Robert eventually joined the US Army serving honorably in the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he earned his paratrooper wings as an expert parachutist. At Fort Bragg, he received a more formal education and again made lifelong friends. Anyone who met him knew him for life.
Robert frequently traveled between upstate New York, Vermont and Connecticut. It was in Connecticut where he eventually met the love of his life, Mae Elizabeth Russell. On a sunny day in March 1962, they wed and would become inseparable for decades. With Mae by his side, holding his hand, the two of them making eye contact, he drew his last breath. Loving God, loving each other, their love story has no end.
Robert served on the Council in the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government. His devotion to the people of Listuguj through the Raids of 1981 were without question Honorable service. Robert volunteered over 30 years with fellow members of Listuguj to translate the New Testament into his native language Mi’gmaq.
While his adventures and accomplishments are too great to list here, his greatest accomplishment is being a family man. Robert is survived by his wife Mae Elizabeth (Russell) Brisk, his four children Nina Brisk, John (Renee) Brisk, Alberta Brisk and Denise (Dewayne) Beers.
No man could experience more joy than when Robert met his first born grandchild Cheyanne Beers, daughter of Alberta. He would go on to cherish six grandchildren in all. From John he would have Robert (Will), Torie, and Leah Brisk. From Denise he would have Kiana and Kyle Beers. Robert truly loved his grandchildren, once saying with a bit of humor, “Had I known grandchildren would be so much fun, I would have had them first.”
Robert is preceded in death by his parents John Baptist and Mary Ann (Vicaire) Brisk, brothers Alex, Gilbert, Robert, Vincent and Walter Brisk all of Listuguj. He is survived by his brothers Frank of New York, Melvin and his sister Linda both of Listuguj; and several nieces and nephews who were all very dear to him.
The family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to the Manoir de la Vallee and the Campbellton Nursing Home for the wonderful care provided and compassion shown to Robert during his time there.
A celebration of Roberts life will take place the Caplin Road Cemetery on Friday July 2, 2021 at 1:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of the donors choice.
Funeral arrangements are in the care of Maher’s Funeral Home, Campbellton, NB
(506)789-1699 or toll free (855) 404-1699 email: [email protected]
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