ALFRED WILLIAM GRAHAM

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ALFRED WILLIAM GRAHAM June 12, 1905 March 2, 2006 On Thursday, March 2, 2006, Alf passed away peacefully at the Lions Prairie Manor in Portage la Prairie, MB. He was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Allison, in 2000 and his first wife Ivy in 1944. Family was central to Alf's life and he will be dearly missed by his four children Sally (Fred) Keeley, Bruce (Janet), Myrna (Eric) Stefanson and Elaine (Reg) Sourisseau; his sister Marjorie Dalziel; his grandchildren, Alison (Darko), Claire (Eran), Bill, Jonathan, Ally, Kristen, Eric Jr., Jim, Dan (Becky), and great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Stella Munro as well as many nieces and nephews. Alf was born on the Graham homestead at Beaver, MB to a pioneering family, the 11th of the 13 children of Thomas and Sarah Jane Graham. His life began with the horse and buggy and at an early age he was stooking in the fields alongside his brothers. Farming with his father and brother Arthur, there were many firsts : in 1918 their first car, in 1920 a gas tractor rather than steam, in 1928 the first combine west of Winnipeg with people coming from great distances to see it. In 1936, he and Arthur introduced the first rust-resistant Thatcher wheat to the community at a time of great need. In 1940, they had the first self-propelled combine in the area. This continuing interest in innovation and progress, the willingness to accept change, an appreciation of the value of learning was evident in Alf's approach to life and, in part, contributed to his happiness and his long, successful farming life. He was always ready and willing to lend a hand in the community and served many years as a School Board Trustee, member of the Beaver United Church Board, and a member of the Oddfellows. All that he accomplished was supported by Allison and in 1972 they retired, moving to Portage la Prairie in 1973. Alf cherished times spent with his family and having grown up accustomed to large family gatherings he continued to enjoy this through his life music, dancing, cards, and humour. Sports were also an important part of life and he continued his participation in curling, golf, and bowling into his late 80's he was especially proud of an 8-ender at the age of 77. He and Allison enjoyed travelling well into their retirement across Canada, the States, England, France, Mexico and Australia. Alf was a kind and caring man with a considerable sense of humour who made friendships easily through his honest dealings and his trustworthy manner. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Heartfelt thanks are extended to the dedicated team at the Lions Prairie Manor, Portage la Prairie, for the wonderful care he received. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Alf's life will take place at Trinity United Church, 15 Tupper St. S. Portage la Prairie, on Tuesday March 7, 2006 at 1:30 p.m. Should friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the North Norfolk Foundation, MacGregor, Manitoba, R0H 0R0, or the Lions Prairie Manor Foundation, 24 9th St. SE, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba R1N 3R4. Our lives are a rich tapestry of things we've done and said With memories of those we love outlined in gold. Friends may leave a message of sympathy on our web site www.omegafuneralhome.com Dedicated to those we serve .

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 05, 2006