GILBERT (BUD) G. GRAHAM

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

GILBERT (BUD) G. GRAHAM December 2, 1920 - November 23, 2008 On Sunday, November 23, 2008 at the Carman Memorial Hospital, Bud Graham, aged 87 years, beloved husband of Margaret Graham of Carman, formerly of Roland, MB. Bud is survived by his wife of 65 years, Margaret (nee: Bartley); daughter Judy Enns (Bill) and their three sons, Terry, Michael and Ryan; son John (Janice) and their son Gene and fiancé Darcelle Mabon. Bud is also survived by in-laws, Mildred Graham, Agnes Phillips, Arlene Bartley, Bruce Bartley (Elsie) and Lorne Bartley (Ella). Bud, the youngest of the family was predeceased by his parents Percy E. Graham and Susan E. Weir and his four siblings - Merle Clarke, Georgina, Winston and Margaret. He is also predeceased by in-laws, Jean Graham (Winston), Melva Bartley, Wes Phillips and John Bartley. Born in Carman Hospital, raised on the farm at Pomeroy, Bud completed grade school and high school at the Pomeroy and Roland schools. He joined up in December of 1940 with the RCAF, serving until 1945. Bud and Margaret were married June 30, 1943 and following his discharge in 1945 began their farming career and raising a family. Bud excelled at building and repairing machinery, making constant improvements and upgrades to the farm. Not content with conventional crops; Bud was one of the first sunflower growers in southern Manitoba - starting in the late 1940s and continuing for the next 30 consecutive years. Corn was next on the list beginning in the late 1960s. Help and encouragement never faltered in guidance for his son, then his grandson, to get started in the farming game. Active in his community, Bud served as a school trustee, a municipal councillor, on the Board of Stewards at Pomeroy Church, first President of the Manitoba Corn Growers Association, initiated the start of the Roland Game Fish Association, and served seven years as secretary for the Manitoba Pool Elevators - Jordon Association. On the fun side of things, Bud enjoyed the outdoors and what it had to offer - hunting ducks, geese, pheasant, deer, moose and caribou from southern Saskatchewan to Northern Manitoba. Trapshooting offered a constant challenge as well as bench shooting at home. Fishing and camping trips became a large part of Bud and Margaret's leisure time; drawing their fifth wheel and boat in all directions with family, friends, or just the two of them. Bud became an avid golfer in later years, the majority of time spent on the Roland course. Winter weather brought more activity with snowmobiling and getting out firewood. One of Bud's most pleasant attributes that he was able to share with everyone was his ability to sing - and sing he did - at concerts, benefits, weddings and funerals - always accompanied by Margaret on piano or organ. Bud's quiet demeanor and dignity always seemed to earn the respect he deserved and his constant love and devotion to family and friends will always be remembered. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 27, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at the Roland United Church with Rev. Chuck Ross officiating. A private family interment will take place prior to the service at Fairview Cemetery, Roland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Carman Memorial Hospital, Box 610, Carman, MB R0G 0J0. Doyle's Funeral Home in care of arrangements. www.doyleschapels.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 26, 2008