Co-workers at Waldoboro store discover they are brothers
9/19/09 | 46 comments
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Co-workers at Waldoboro store discover they are brothers


By Kevin Miller
BDN Staff
BANGOR DAILY NEWS PHOTO BY GABOR DEGRE
Gary Nisbet (left), 35, and Randy Joubert, 36, work at the Dow Furniture store in Waldoboro on Thursday. Joubert searched the state database in January to find out about his birth parents and was told he had a brother, but was given only a first name for his sibling. He and Nisbet have been working together since July, riding in the same delivery truck, unaware that they were brothers. Eventually Joubert asked Nisbet about his birthday and parents after many of the store’s customers commented that they looked like brothers. Buy Photo

WALDOBORO, Maine — For weeks, Randy Joubert and Gary Nisbet laughed off customers’ comments that the two furniture deliverymen looked similar enough to be brothers.

It wouldn’t be long before fate would prove the old adage, the customer is always right.

Joubert said something in him clicked after yet another customer asked the same question during a routine delivery in late August.

Prefacing his line of questioning with the statement, “Don’t think I’m weird,” Joubert asked his co-worker a few pointed questions based on names and dates gleaned from his own adoption records.

Seconds later, Joubert realized that the man who had been on the other end of countless couches, mattresses and recliners since July wasn’t just a co-worker. Nisbet was the long-lost brother for whom he had been searching.


“I said, ‘Gary, do you understand what I am telling you? We are brothers,’” Joubert, 36, recalled Friday. “I think I kept saying that. We had a few more deliveries and it was just the Twilight Zone.”

“I went home and I just dropped,” said Nisbet, 35. “I thought, ‘I think I have a brother.’”

It’s a story that seems too perfect even for a movie: Two brothers, born a year apart, grow up in adoptive families in neighboring towns and attending rival schools. As adults, each lives in Waldoboro but spends 35 years not knowing about the other’s existence.

Then they end up not only working for the same small business, in this case Dow Furniture in Waldoboro, but also riding together in the same delivery truck day after day.

Yet somehow, their amazing story doesn’t end there.

On Thursday, a teary-eyed woman from nearby Warren showed up at the furniture gallery claiming to be their half-sister — and she had the birth certificate and other paperwork to prove it.

Joubert said there is only one explanation: fate.

“It has to be,” he said Friday. “All of these things had to happen” to bring the group together.

“I’m really awestruck,” said Joanne Campbell, who was born to the same mother five and six years before the two men. “After all of these years, here I am 41 and now I finally found my brothers.”

This undeniably happy story had a tragic beginning, however.

All three siblings — as well as a fourth sister, according to Campbell — ended up in foster care and eventually adoptive families after being taken by the state from their mother.

Joubert said he learned from state records that one of his grandfathers had rushed him at age 2 months to a doctor after finding him severely malnourished. Campbell said that, unlike Joubert and Nisbet, she actually knew her mother, who died in the mid-1990s, but that she never developed a relationship with her because of the past problems.

Joubert was able to gain access to his adoption records through a fairly new state law, one that coincidentally was supported by his boss at the furniture store, former state Sen. Dana Dow, R-Waldoboro.

It was in those records that he found the names of his biological mother and father, Wilfred and Joan Pomroy. But it wasn’t until he asked state officials for more information that he learned he had a younger brother from the same parents, both of whom are now deceased.

“I thought, how in the world am I going to search for this guy? He is going to have a different [last] name, like me,” he said.

Little did Joubert know, his little brother was also going by a different first name. Nisbet’s given name on his birth certificate is Gaylord.

Nisbet, meanwhile, previously had learned the names of his birth parents after petitioning the court for his records but didn’t know about a brother.

The two men began working together in July when Joubert was hired at the place where Nisbet has worked for seven years.

In retrospect, both men acknowledge that the thought of their being related crossed their minds at least once. Joubert said he even mentioned it to his girlfriend after his first day on the job.

As the siblings sat together on a showroom couch, it’s easy to see why customers thought they were related. Both men are stocky and on the shorter side with eerily similar faces. On Friday, they were also both sporting hats, similar styles of eyeglasses and goatees.

Joubert is undoubtedly the more talkative of the pair. When asked for his initial reaction to the news that he had a brother, Nisbet simply replied, “Blown away.”

But both men said the realization has dramatically changed their lives.

It has also garnered them significant attention. In addition to local media coverage, the two men are scheduled to fly to New York City this weekend to be featured on NBC’s “Today” show on Monday.

Several of their co-workers at Dow Furniture said it couldn’t happen to two nicer guys. There were plenty of tears of joy shed the other day when they broke the astounding news to their colleagues, and emotions are still running high.

“It’s improved the work environment to have such a wonderful thing happening,” said co-worker Sonia Bates.

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Comments
46 comments on this item
On 9/18/09 at 9:33 PM, PabMainer wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Saw this story on the news last night and still am amazed that these brothers came to be working at the same local business....I am very pleased for these brothers finding each the other and hope their lives will be enriched and enjoyed as should be when being shared with family... Congrats Randy & Gary....

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On 9/18/09 at 9:40 PM, tysmom wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Wow what a neat story. They do look very much alike if I had seen them together I probably would have guessed they are brothers also. Its nice to hear some good news in the paper once in awhile most of it is all negative and sad.

Gary & Randy I hope you become close and get to catch up on your lives while you were seperated for so many years!

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On 9/18/09 at 9:52 PM, UseYourBrain wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

How wonderful this family can finally be happy together.

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On 9/18/09 at 10:18 PM, Sawbones wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

What a great story! It's so nice to hear something like this.

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On 9/18/09 at 10:21 PM, Beelzebubba wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Awesome story! Congrats, guys!

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On 9/19/09 at 7:03 AM, jeepgirl wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I am so happy for this family! Eleven years ago I found four half brothes and a sister, I still have one or two to go, for those of you still looking I have one thing to say, never overlook any clue not matter how small or unimportant or obvious it may seem, because that played a big part in my finding my siblings.

We have formed a never ending loving bond that has added so much to our lives. I hope this family has many years to share and find joy in the fact they are together and don't waste one minute being bitter for what you have missed so far.

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On 9/19/09 at 7:15 AM, sebec39 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Wonderful story! And belated "thanks" to Dana Dow for supporting the bill to open adoption records.

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On 9/19/09 at 8:34 AM, ataloss wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

at 19 i was working in bar harbor. when the supervisor had me fill out employee paparwork, i had to put down my mothers maiden name, which after she married when i was six, to her husbad, not my biological father, both our names had changed... when i turned in my papers, my supervisor started crying... turns out, she was the sister of my biological father, whom i had never met and didn't where he was... thru some tracking down, he was a bit of drifter, i met him at 21... crazy how things come about...

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On 9/19/09 at 8:57 AM, daremom wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Great story. I hope they have many many years together and enjoy every minute if it. There is nothing more precious than the love of two brothers.May GOD bless you both.

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On 9/19/09 at 9:22 AM, waldocountyguy wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Thats is just awesome!! So nice to read a great story like this with all the other "bad" things that seem to be going these days!! Finally a real feel good story!! Congrats guys!!

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On 9/19/09 at 9:27 AM, jj16oz wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Truly amazing, good for them. They must have run into each other many times over the years. Waldoboro isn't exactly NYC. Christmas will never be the same now...

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On 9/19/09 at 9:58 AM, JillT1981 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Incredible! Great story. I hope you 3 spend as much time together as possible and make up for time lost. Make new memories

Wow, seriously, what are the odds?

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On 9/19/09 at 10:03 AM, leftme wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Nice. Some happy news for a change.

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On 9/19/09 at 10:32 AM, Bobby54 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Dana Dow, Please don't stop there Continue & ask others to HELP make it a State or Federal Law

to inform others in adoption cases that thay have siblings & give Address & names & then let them

Cary it from there if they wish !

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On 9/19/09 at 10:41 AM, gregdebeck wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Incredible story!!! Best of luck to all of the siblings - hope they have many happy years together!

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On 9/19/09 at 10:46 AM, Estelle wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

A wonderful story to read. Thank you to Kevin Miller for bringing it to us. May the three siblings enjoy a life together.

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On 9/19/09 at 10:49 AM, Booney wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I am sure this will fill an empty spot each had in their heart.

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On 9/19/09 at 10:50 AM, pcme2000 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

This is such a GREAT story. And I am happy for the 2 brothers and half sister. Have they been able to find thier father though would be good for them to know.

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On 9/19/09 at 11:41 AM, soldierswife wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Omgoodness, what a refreshing break from all the BAD and SAD news!

You cannot replace family, hope they enjoy a long life of getting to know and enjoy each other. Makes me cry a little...

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On 9/19/09 at 12:20 PM, mmacpuguy wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Now that is going to complicate Thanksgiving Day.

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On 9/19/09 at 12:56 PM, wspahn wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Well, mmacpuguy, if they need a bigger dining room table and some chairs, I think I know where they can get them... :)

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On 9/19/09 at 1:19 PM, spunky wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

totally awesome! It was nice to read a positive article for a change. Seems this family has a lot of catching up to do.

Congrats and I hope this is the beginning of much happiness for all of you. :@)

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On 9/19/09 at 1:28 PM, DougLavigne wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Ohonna, No one gets left behind, great story, it even put a lump in my throat, Fate and Good Karma brought this family together, never stop believing...

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On 9/19/09 at 3:13 PM, dtmgdad wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Great story!

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On 9/19/09 at 4:19 PM, Amanda1982 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

What a touching story!! This gave me goose bumps! That is amazing. God works his magic in funny ways sometimes doesnt he?

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On 9/19/09 at 7:09 PM, pbannon wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

These two men are my Uncles! I have wait for them as have our family, for years ever since they were taken away. It devastated us. I registered with the adoption regisrty and was told no I asked the state and was told know. I cannot describe the hurdles I tried to get over to find my uncles. I remember when they and I were little and they were taken. Now 35 years later we are adults. Just as they and their sister grew up with an adoptive family, I grew up in foster care. The devastation and memories of having family and NEVER seeing them but wanting them...cannot be expressed. I got to talk to my Uncle Randy for the first time today. i cannot wait to talk to my Uncle Gary. Thank you to whoever helped point this out to them. I love them both.

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On 9/19/09 at 11:00 PM, pippa41 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

A great story! Good news for once! Congrats on finding your family!

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On 9/20/09 at 8:20 AM, Rogue_Wave wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Can you imagine if they were brother/sister and had dated? To cover all the bases and not leave any groups out: can you imagine if these guys had dated and now they are brothers? Awkward.

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On 9/20/09 at 8:53 AM, linger47 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

This was not "fate" nor "Karma", this was truly God-ordained. Answer to prayer, God bless this entire family.

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On 9/20/09 at 5:56 PM, miamijohn17 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

. . . . . . . This is a story of things that is never forgotten, as the work of the bible is, A family reunion is way over due of the love to share with as empty spots are FILL. . . . . . .

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On 9/20/09 at 8:44 PM, sptrout wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

An unbelievably wonderful story........FINALLY!!!.......congrats to all the siblings.....GOD BLESS!!!!!!!!!! (That's right, I said GOD BLESS!!!!!!)

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On 9/20/09 at 9:00 PM, Bebitte wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Wow, this is great news. Hang on tight to each other...Enjoy each other and do not let anything keep you apart. God bless!

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On 9/21/09 at 7:49 AM, justanothermainer wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

What a great story :)

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On 9/21/09 at 9:07 AM, Mapleton09 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Fantastic story! It's so nice to hear the impact this story has made on so many people.

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On 9/21/09 at 9:30 AM, AmericanPomeroys wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I'm hoping that Randy, Gary and Joanne are reading these comments. I am the Director of the American Pomeroy Historic Genealogical Association and we have been researching American Pomeroys for an update of a genealogy book that was published in 1912. We've been doing a great deal of research on Pomeroys/Pomroys in Maine and would be happy to try and help you trace your family.

Please contact me at roots@cxtec.com or check out our website at www.americanpomeroys.org

Sincerely,

Nancy Maliwesky, Director, American Pomeroy Historic Genealogical Association

1-800-767-3282 x2530

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On 9/21/09 at 10:57 AM, user5225 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

good stuff. Ataloss...had another great story in the comments section. It is refreshing to have a good story every once in awhile.

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On 9/21/09 at 11:50 AM, aroostookcountygurl wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Wow! What a wonderful story! Thanks Gary and Randy for sharing your story with us. It started my Monday off just great. Enjoy eachother and have fun. Goes to show, it is a small world.

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On 9/22/09 at 8:45 AM, IHeartMaine wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Congratulatioons to all three siblings--your story is wonderful and I am so happy you have all found one another. Just saw your appearance on the Today show, you all sure look alike, may you share many happy times together. It was meant to be.

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On 9/23/09 at 4:32 AM, evil_lil_princess wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Congratulations guys this was a very warming story brought tears to my eyes

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On 9/23/09 at 7:33 AM, BIGGITYBUMP wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

im cryin my eyes out.........life is good BLESS YOU BOTH.... THATS INCREDIBLE....AND A SISTER TOO whaaaaaaaa. Im gonna be skippin today!!!

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On 9/23/09 at 7:41 AM, BIGGITYBUMP wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

This story has moved me so that today i will add a "IM LOOKIN FOR" section to my website. http://s13.invisionfree.com/MAINEOUTREACH/. I built this site for MAINEERS HELPING NEIGHBORS. Please join this FREE helpful rescource now:)

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On 9/23/09 at 8:23 AM, jepchik wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Doesnt get much better than this. Except maybe to hear that they have just been found by yet another sister from FL. Yippee. Its a blessing from God.

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On 9/23/09 at 9:17 AM, jaguarsky wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I am an adoptee reunited with my siblings after 43 years. It was amazing to me to find out how often I must have crossed paths with my brothers and my half siblings over the years, even though we grew up hundreds of miles apart, traveled extensively and lived in many different cities within the U.S.. The other neat thing was that at the time I was searching for my birth father, ( the only name I had) my family was also looking for me. Within a week of finding my father, I also found my birth mother and was contacted by a brother that none of us other kids even knew about. These were all separate incidents as no one had any contact with anyone else at the time. Funny how things work out.

I am so happy for this particular family, not only for their discoveries, but for the fact that they have reconnected such a loving bond. It is a blessing for them. But, I also want to say to those who are searching for long lost relatives; there is no law that says you have to like your newly discovered family. Do not go into your searches with blinders on. You may find the most wonderful relationships of your life and feel finally completed or you may be shunned and or seriously dissappointed with your biological family. Just as families that have not been separated have rifts and feuds, so might yours when re-united.

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On 9/23/09 at 9:23 AM, mattecamp wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Everyone is prob. related in waldoboro.

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On 9/23/09 at 10:22 AM, realist38 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

That was really intelligent mattecamp. Why the abbreviation for probably? Too hard to spell? I think it's a great story, not a great beginning to life but hopefully a very full remainder.

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On 9/23/09 at 11:29 AM, ksanchez1 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

How awesome!!

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