WESLEY DAVID GRAHAM

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WESLEY DAVID GRAHAM 1923 - 2012 Following 88 years of inspiring devotion to his wife, children, grandchildren, work and lifelong interests, Wes died in his home of cancer on March 19, 2012 on the eve of the Spring Equinox. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of nearly 60 years, Marion, children Michèle Ammeter (Charles), Karl Graham-Siegenthaler (Barbara), Karen Graham Banman (David) and John Graham (Tammy Westaway). He was adored by grandchildren Nichole (Michael), Ashley, Derek, Fiona, Daniel, Jessica, Benjamin, and those who considered him their Grandpa Wes. He also leaves his sister Ruth Stout, sisters-in-law Ruth Graham, Ruth Anderson, Roberta McCabe and many nieces and nephews. Wes was predeceased by his parents Reverend Ernest and Euphemia Graham, brother John, and brothers-in-law Bryce Stout, Desmond McCabe and Cliff Anderson. Wes was born September 25, 1923 in Virden, MB. His father's duties led the family through a number of Manitoba communities before he graduated high school in Swan River. He attended university at United College (Winnipeg), then left to serve in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He returned to graduate with an Honours BA from the University of Manitoba before continuing on to the University of Toronto for his Master of Commerce. His career took him to Singapore, Mexico, Sarnia and Toronto before relocating to Winnipeg as a transportation economist for the provincial government. He took special pleasure in working with rural committees both on the establishment of the provincial Handi Van program, and inspired by his love of flight, on the development of rural airports throughout Manitoba. He also worked diligently towards improving transportation for the far north and Aboriginal communities. Wes was a patient, curious, generous, kind and gentle man with an unending thirst for knowledge in a diverse number of subjects ranging from the arts to sports, science and astronomy. He was a patient teacher of anyone attracted to his fields of interest. He loved a variety of sports but particularly baseball and hockey. He helped introduce ringette in its infancy to Winnipeg by establishing a program in Fort Richmond. His interest in children's sports involved him in a variety of roles including volunteering as a coach or manager of his children's hockey and ringette teams, always based on his values of fair play and fun. As a result of his lifelong interest in learning, he had many hobbies. He was an avid reader; he enjoyed Bridge and was very artistic. He was skilled at woodcarving, photography and his paintings are as diverse as his artistic abilities. Wes found inspiration in all nature and produced fine photographs capturing a range of subjects, especially wildflowers. This love of nature often took the family camping, canoeing and galumping. He loved dogs and took his therapy dog (Matt) to Victoria Hospital, Riverview Health Centre and other nursing homes for many years. Wes enjoyed regular attendance at the theatre, ballet, and symphony. Nevertheless, no performance could compare to that of any of his grandchildren, for each child was perfection in every way. It was not true for Wes that the only reason for having children is to have grandchildren. His grandchildren simply built a whole new layer of pride in his family. Wes was first, last and always, a family man. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, April 3, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue. In lieu of flowers, you may wish to donate to a children's or animal charity of your choice. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.mb.ca 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 31, 2012