Obituary of Brian Graham

Brian is survived by: two nieces: Kim Graham and Shelley Graham of Calgary; one nephew Stephen Graham of London, England as well as numerous other relatives. Eulogy by Shelley Graham Good Morning My name is Shelley Graham and this is my sister Kim Graham. We would like to thank each of you for coming to pay tribute to our Uncle Brian. Brian Richard Graham was born in Elrose, SK on July 2, 1941 to Norman Garfield Graham and Mary Gwendolyn Dowling Graham. Brian was the first born of two sons. Brian attended the Elrose Composite School where he graduated the twelfth grade in 1960. While living in Elrose Brian worked for the local grocery store delivering groceries. He applied and was accepted to the Canadian Army Militia. He trained and completed a six week program for the special Militia training program and was released in April of 1962. Later he moved to Calgary and started working for Canada Safeway. It was also in Calgary where he met and fell in love with Mary Anne Landerl. I’m not sure if it was love at first sight but knowing the way I saw them look and treat each other, I believe it was. Brian and Mary were married on June 10, 1972 at St. Anthony’s Parish, here in Lloydminster. They resided in Calgary and both worked at Canada Safeway until they each retired. They had three furry kids: Boots, Freedom and Chip. They seemed to have a wonderful life together. They took care of each other and spent most of their time together. A horrible blow happened in May of 2002. Our beautiful and sweet Mary passed away. He went on with life but always seemed to me like a piece of him was missing. On December 8, Uncle Brian had a heart attack and on the 12th he joined Mary in heaven. I must admit this is the hardest thing I have ever had to write. I loved, respected and admired my Uncle Brian. He was an honest and kind person with a fantastic personality and quick humor. Most people would think Brian was a quiet and introverted person. But once he let you get to know him, you found out differently. When my mom and dad moved to a new house in Calgary, Uncle Brian and Aunt Mary came over to see it. Mom spent all day cleaning to make sure the house looked nice. Uncle Brian went to use the washroom and upon returning matter of factly told my mom he missed the toilet and used the wall instead. Completely shocked my mom didn’t know what to say or do because Brian, who was normally quiet would never say that. And it was my dad that would stir the pot to get a reaction out of you. A few days ago, I spoke with Ken and Judy Clark, they were close friends to Brian. They told me a lot of great stories. One where Brian danced a night away, others of overnight camping trips, quizzing each other on big band music (9/10 Brian would win), Saturday’s at Scooner’s for the musical jam sessions, and Sunday morning brunch. One story I thought was especially surprising was: Judy was in the kitchen making Sunday dinner. From the living room she said she heard hysterical laughing. When she went to check on Uncle Brian and Ken they were watching Loonie Toons Cartoons and killing themselves laughing. She also said this wasn’t the first time. Uncle Brian was also very supportive in the things I did. When I played my first curling game with Susan, Wendi and Donna, Uncle Brian was there cheering me on, and giving me pointers as he used to be an avid curler. My favorite story of Uncle Brian came from my Dad. I asked him what kind of brother Brian was. Dad smiled and said every Saturday when Brian was paid from delivering groceries he would bring home a big bag of candies just for his kid brother! Dad loved Saturdays. I am going to miss my Uncle Brian. His smile and laugh could brighten a room. I love and will miss Uncle Brian. May the Lord hold you in the palm of his hand until we meet again. Eulogy by Kim Graham Brian Graham was a dedicated husband, brother (in-law), Uncle and friend to all that knew him. He worked very hard at everything he did. Brian worked at Canada Safeway for many years along with his wife Mary. My earliest memories of Uncle Brian were: one Christmas Stephen (my brother) and I both got Ronald McDonald’s dolls. I loved that stuffed doll until a few years later my dog got a hold of it and chewed it apart. When I was about two or three years old, there was the time when I had helped myself to Uncle Brian’s drink. The only problem with that was that it was his rye and coke. Every time he would take a drink out of it, it would be empty. My dad would go and refill it and give it to Brian and he would set it down again. I would once again pick up the glass and drink most of it and put it back down. Brian would pick up the glass to take a drink and again it was almost empty. He thought that he must be getting drunk because he didn’t remember drinking it. After doing that a few times my mom, dad, Aunt Mary and Uncle Brian started to watch to see if it was him drinking it but found out that it was me because, I was the one stumbling around and walking into the walls. My mom and dad ended up sending me to bed. I guess I was getting back at him for dropping me on my head. He liked to toss me up in the air and one time he had missed me and I fell on my head. Aunt Mary told me I stood up and ran to her and said, I like you best. In my early twenties I would house sit for both Aunt Mary and Uncle Brian when they would go away on their holidays. My family and I will miss him very much. Uncle Brian loved to take pictures and for my wedding he had taken all the pictures. That was the best wedding present that Peter and I ever got. So now when I look at them I will always remember him and his love for photography. Uncle Brian we all love you and will miss you very much, but I know you are happy because you are up with Aunt Mary, your mom and dad and your brother Bert. Donations in memory of Brian may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.