BRENT GRAHAM

Condolences & Memories (21 entries)

• Brent was a friendly and jovial presence on the River East Collegiate staff. He loved to regale us with animated stories around the lunch room which were greatly enjoyed. He was a dedicated coach for many years and then switched to teaching geography. He was most happy to marry Deb, and wisely, in his case, decided to retire early to enjoy more time with her on many golf tours and at their beloved Ingolf cottage. - Posted by: Barry Esselmont (Teaching colleague) on: Dec 27, 2022

• Debbie, sorry to hear of Brent's passing. You were both favorite teachers of mine. Mr. Graham was a great mentor who's frequent saying " I could sell ice to an Inuit" was more than. Just being cocky, it made me think about what it meant. Anyone can sell as long as they believe in their products and themselves and you're selling your confidence and believe in the product. It led to me building confidence to believe in myself, and excel in my future. I lost my dad this year in March to colon cancer, so I know the gravity of his loss. - Posted by: Dave Hallock (Former Student) on: Dec 15, 2022

• Debbie, we are so shocked and saddened by the news of Brent's passing. Our hearts hurt at the thought of a world that no longer gets to see his smile and hear his laugh. We hold you and Brent's memory close in our hearts and sending you all our love and prayers. Love Jim, Debbie and Stephanie Horner. - Posted by: Jim and Deb Horner (Friends) on: Dec 14, 2022

• I am sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences. Brent, or Mr. Graham as I knew him as my PE teacher and basketball coach in Swan River. He always pressed me to continue with basketball and I did so. Will always be grateful for having a great coach and teacher like him. - Posted by: Cheryl Guttman (Mohr) (Former student and basketball player ) on: Dec 03, 2022

• Deb I am truly sorry for your (our) loss. I have so many found memories of Brent around the lunch tables of River East where everyone perked up when they heard Brent say, "True story ...." followed by what we knew would be one of his humorous adventures. I had no idea he was ill and I regret not being able to see him before he passed. He will be dearly missed. - Posted by: Will Habing (Colleague) on: Nov 28, 2022

• Dear Deb, I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Brent’s passing. You were a wonderful couple and enjoyed life to the full together, creating cherished memories. My heart goes out to you with caring and prayers. - Posted by: Gwenda Boychuk (Friend) on: Nov 13, 2022

• COACH!!!! This is heartbreaking. I woke up this morning thinking about you. I haven't seen you in 20+ years but the memories are strong. Lots of life lessons on the court...You breaking your toe when you kicked the locker room bench at KE.... Say hi to my dad up there. I remember so much...What a great time... Memories over things. I wish you could have met my son. Ms Reinhart, I have too much respect to call you by your first name. Sending love from my family to you. I look forward to Coach's celebration of life....He turned a lot of boys to men. KODIAKS FOREVER!!! - Posted by: Vernis Blair (Former student/ Basketball player ) on: Nov 09, 2022

• I remember Mr. Brent Graham as being one of the Physical Education Teachers at River East Collegiate. he was outgoing, personable and a great instructor. My condolences to friends, family and co workers of Mr. Graham. - Posted by: Brent Pudsey (River East Collegiate Student (1995-1998)) on: Nov 07, 2022

• I knew Brent best as the older brother of my best friend Bev, growing up together from the age of 3 to junior high on Byron Bay. He and my older brother, Rob, alternately protected us, teased us, ignored us and never had to do their share of the dishes. 60 years later, I still remember that Brent radiated a sense of fun and enjoyment of life. Bev, Rob, Kyla, Ryan and Jaxon, I ache for the loss of your big brother and uncle. Deb and family - I am so sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Nancy Olive (Childhood friend) on: Nov 06, 2022

• Brent's first job as a teacher was in Birch River (25 miles North of Swan River). I was in grade 7 and he really took care of me. He spent lots of time in the gym with me working on basketball or any sport, that I was interested in. In those days, Birch River was a rough town and Brent did a really good job of protecting me and impacting me as a young athlete. I will always appreciate him for that. He was my first ever basketball Coach and I really enjoyed playing for him. I moved to Swan River in Grade 9 and he left Birch River to teach at the Swan River Junior high, so I was happy to have him for another year. When Brent moved to River East, I was with the MHSAA, so I got to continue my sport relationship with him, right until he retired. I haven't talked to him since he retired, until a couple of weeks ago, when I learned of his cancer, I ended up texting with him for quite some time that day, while he was in the hospital. It was good to have one last conversation with him. - Posted by: Carey Lasuik (friend) on: Nov 06, 2022

• A gem of a man. Loved him and enjoyed his company immensely. Will carry him with me forever. Look forward to tapping beer glasses again together in the next dimension. - Posted by: Harvey Downes (Friend) on: Nov 06, 2022

• Thank you Coach for life lessons you taught me while coaching us in 1990. I am confident we will talk basketball in heaven one day. Thank you Deb for allowing me the opportunity to speak to him over the phone from Australia last week. - Posted by: Tim (Brosowsky ) on: Nov 05, 2022

• My deepest condolences Deb. The Swan River stories will never be forgotten. - Posted by: Darryl (Colleague ) on: Nov 05, 2022

• I was never in any of Brent’s classes, but worked with him and Deb on Natural Helpers. Later, after I got my teaching degree, I worked more closely with Deb as a substitute teacher. I was always so moved by Deb and Brent’s relationship. They were so healthy and kind with each other. My heart goes out to Deb and all of Brent’s loved ones. He was a sweet, funny, and smart man. - Posted by: Linda Guest (Former student ) on: Nov 05, 2022

• Dear Deb and family. We are so very saddened to hear of Brent’s passing. We extend our deepest sympathies to each of you at this very difficult time. Fran and Bob Welwood, Edmonton, Alberta - Posted by: Frances Welwood (Family Friend) on: Nov 05, 2022

• I went to River East collegiate in 1986-199. I never had Mr. Graham as a teacher but I do remember seeing him around the school. Anyone I knew who either had him as their teacher or knew him said good things about him and liked him. No students ever said he was a teacher they didn't like. Its a shock to anyone that he is gone. Condolences to his wife, family, friends and anyone who was close to him. Sorry such an awesome guy left too soon. He'll be up in heaven teaching, playing golf, playing basketball. Rest in peace Mr. Graham. - Posted by: Rachel Cherwinski (Student) on: Nov 05, 2022

• I am very sorry to read the news that Brent passed away. I knew him in my days at Basketball MB and every memory I have of him brings a smile to my face. Whether as a coach or official, he was a class act. My condolences to Deb and the family. May all your memories hold him close. - Posted by: Tracy Turner (Friend) on: Nov 05, 2022

• I'm sorry to learn of Brent's passing, Deb. Getting our degrees together at U of M, Brent was everyone's friend in the Phys Ed faculty. He had a unique ability to get along with anyone. The countless laughs we shared will not be forgotten. - Posted by: Curtis Findlay (Friend) on: Nov 05, 2022

• It saddens me hear of coach Brent's passing. He was a great man and will forever be in my hear and memories. Deepest condolences to the Graham family. The world has lost a great man. - Posted by: Nemanja Maroti (Former student) on: Nov 05, 2022

• My condolences to you Deb. You have been in our thoughts and we want to send you love and hugs. - Posted by: Lorraine roy (Friend ) on: Nov 05, 2022

• To the Graham Family I was so sorry to read of Brent’s passing. May I extend my condolences. Sincerely, Heather Carmichael - Posted by: Heather Carmichael (Family friend) on: Nov 05, 2022