Amsell Alexander Colebrooke
March 12, 1925 - October 30, 2009
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Amsell Alexander Colebrooke
March 12, 1925 - October 30, 2009
Obituary
Amsell Alexander “Bud” Colebrooke Jr. was born March 12, 1925 in Medford, MA and died at the home of his daughter, Gail Wetzel, 3044 Butler Rd., Columbia, TN on October 30, 2009. He was the second child of six, and the oldest son, which made him the “man of the house” when he became fatherless at the age of six. He always took responsibility seriously, helping his mother and siblings while growing up, and in supporting and nuturing his family later on. At the age of 7, at the height of the Great Depression, he had a job selling kindling to neighbors until his mother found out his wood supply was from the picket fence around the house. At the age of 9 he had two jobs. By the age of 13 he was driving trucks across three states for a food delivery company that was unaware of his age. At 15 he worked for Alcor Aluminum Co., fabricating parts for warplanes. In 1943, at the age of 17, he lied about his age so that he could join the Aircorp. He had training in Nashville where he classified as pilot/navigator private bombardier, and also found time to meet and marry a Tennessee girl. Then, he was shipped to Lafayette College in Eastern Pennsylvania where he went through officer training. After a medical discharge, due to an injury, he returned to Nashville, Tennessee to make a life for himself and his wife, Georgia Alice Allen Colebrooke. He was the epitome of an entreprenuer, owning numerous companies before settling into a career as land developer for subdivisions and business parks. He had five children, three of whom preceded him in death: infant twin sons and son Ronald Allen Colebrooke. During his life he traveled to every continent of the world and donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to help sick children and endangered animals. There is a children’s park dedicated to him in Medford, Mass in acknowledgement of his contributions, and he donated his home in Franklin, Tennessee to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. Bud died at home after a 20 year struggle with Parkinson’s Disease. “We can shed tears because he is gone; or we can smile because he has lived.” Bud is survived by his sister: Ms. Trudi Clubb of Ocean City, Md; two daughters: Gail Mrs. Daniel L. Wetzel of Columbia, TN; and Catherine Mrs. Doug Cutler of Brentwood, TN; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. A private memorial was held by immediate family. The family will be receiving friends and business associates at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Cutler, 9556 Concord Rd., Brentwood TN on Saturday, November 7th, after 4:30 pm. Donations to your local humane society will continue Bud’s compassion for animals.
14 responses to Amsell Alexander Colebrooke
Hank Colebrooke says:
January 30, 2015
UNCLE BUD WAS AN AMAZING, UNIQUE PERSON. HE WAS BY FAR MY AND MY BROTHERS’ FAVORITE UNCLE. HE WAS GREATLY LOVED, AND HE WILL BE SORELY MISSED. HANK
Joel says:
January 30, 2015
Each time I would visit Bud in his apt. next to Gail’s art studio, he would most graciously welcome me. Bud always remembered me and would ask about my family and my music. He was very interested, and that was a good reminder for me to take a greater interest in others! Our love and thoughts to all of the family! The Reese’s
Julie Hutchins says:
January 30, 2015
Catherine, It was so good to hear your voice and even though I am really not sorry of your Dad’s passing…I am sorry that you and Gail had to go thru so much with him. He was such a powerhouse of a man as I remember him. Laura was so sick and he would pull up that long driveway to bring her Watchtower pamphlets. He was so goodlooking and almost prayerful in his presence. Little did I know that he would bring you and Gail into my life. I truly thank him for that today as I know he is finally at peace with himself and his illness. Even inside of his complications, he was your Dad, and I feel that both you and Gail are these beautiful creatures that grace this world I live in! I give Georgia utmost credit in this area, but it takes two to tango. Unrelated to your church, but to our family’s history with the railroad…one of our favorite sayings has always been when someone dies that they “caught the westbound”. So in hearing what you said to your Dad it really had meaning for me. God bless and keep all of you. I love you and enough about not getting in touch with me when Kendall died. I know your heart and I know you love me. You are a good and kind friend, Julie
Kathrin Chavez says:
January 30, 2015
I’m sorry to hear of the death of Mr. Colebrooke. I was privileged to interview him several years ago for a Williamson A.M. story about his giving his hometown $100,000 for a debt he believed he owed when the town allowed his mother and her children to go on the welfare rolls. The action allowed the family to stay together, and he told me he believed this was a financial obligation he wanted to discharge. I’ve never forgotten him. He was a remarkable man and I’m honored to have known him. May you find comfort in this time of loss.
Peter F Parent says:
January 30, 2015
Uncle Buddy and Aunt Georgia . I will never forget when my family and I were blessed enough to take our vacation out to stay in that beautiful country back in 1973 . Yes Uncle Buddy taught my brother Paul and I how to fish for the very first time not to mention the stories of old Indian Joe . Mom Shirley would tell us stories about them when they were growing up as well . Uncle Bud sure could make those stories very colorful . I would have to say Paul and I had the very best time of our lives that 2 weeks in which we will cherish forever … Shortly after that we were blessed to have him back in our lives again for a moment when he was gracious enough to come back to California to assist my Mother in the passing of my Father in 1975 I will forever remember my Great Uncle Bud, as well as his just as loving brothers Fred and Larkie