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RICHARD GARY GRAFF
Born: Dec 13, 1939
Date of Passing: Mar 15, 2014
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryRICHARD GARY GRAFF December 13, 1939 - March 15, 2014 Gary Graff of Thompson, left this lifetime on March 15, 2014 peacefully with family by his side in Winnipeg. Leaving to celebrate his life and remember his spirit are his children Kelly Bell (Kent) and Sharon Mitchell, along with grandchildren Joey and Travis Bell, and Shaelyn Mitchell, as well as his siblings Gordon (Lois) Graff of Ontario, Norman (Linda) Graff of Ontario, Tina (Allan) McMunn of Tisdale, SK and Lynn (Jim) Meachem of Prince Albert, SK, sister-in-law Doreen Erlendson, brother-in-law Ken Wilson, nieces, nephews and many friends. Gary is predeceased by Esther, his wife of 48 years, his mother and father, son Darryl, and grandson Cory Bell. Gary was born in Sudbury in 1939 and was raised in Quebec. He started working for INCO in 1963 and raised his family in Thompson. He retired from INCO after 30 years with the company. After retirement he had a lot of free time to be with his grandsons and helped them with finding new adventures when they were younger, to driving them to and from hockey and being their biggest fan in the stands. He also taught his granddaughter, his little sweetie, how to garden and play card games. He loved all special occasions and always wanted to celebrate with family. Gary loved watching sports and he was always an armchair ref! He loved to be with his buddies playing crib, golfing or just going for coffee. He loved to read the paper, cook, and keep up on the financial markets. Anyone who knew Gary knew that he had an opinion on everything, and he was not one to hold back. We will all miss his banter, sayings, sense of humour, and teasing mannerisms as well as his advice, and the grandkids will remember all the fun they had with him and the lessons he taught them. Cremation has taken place and per Gary's request, there will not be any service for him. "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away". Quote by Stephanie Marrott
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 09, 2014
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
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I've known Gary forever it seems, certainly since the late 60's in Thompson. The Gary I knew had many faces - a laugh a minute whenever you met him, an opinion on everything, a good-humored zingy put-down for all engineers, a miner's best friend, a heart of gold, a lover of food, an appetite that would amaze you and one of the best crib players around. He was just a fun guy to be with and around. I'd not seen Gary for about 20 years since I'd retired from Inco (Vale) but spotted him one day, about 4 years ago, sipping coffee in the St. Vital food court. I'm so glad I sat down with him and had a great half-hour chat over the old times up in Thompson. He was a wonderful guy and the world is poorer for his passing. My deepest sympathies to Gary's family and friends. I hope it comforts you to know that many people are sharing your deepest loss at this time. Barry Hadfield - Posted by: Barry Hadfield (Long time work colleague at Thompson Mine and a very dear friend who will miss him sadly.) on: Apr 11, 2014
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Gary was a good friend and neighbour to Bill Laing. They took me in the night I arrived in Thompson and found Bill. I will always remember the kindness and help I received from Gary and Esther. RIP Gary and hope you and Bill are sharing a joke! - Posted by: Gladys Nielsen (friend) on: Apr 09, 2014
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I was so so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. I truly know how hard this is but try to remember all the wonderful things and times you shared with your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. - Posted by: Karen Beaulieu (Friend of the family) on: Apr 09, 2014
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Had I known where Gary was in 2011, I would have Thanked Gary personally for the so Many "2nd Chances" and even re-hires :) he gave Doug so many years ago. While, Yes :), Gary Did have an opinion about Almost Everything :), he also listened (to me) ~ I just wanted to Thank him for that :). You Were a Good Man Gary Graff ~ Thank you ~ I pray God has Welcomed you with Open Arms :). - Posted by: Joan McDiarmid (Wife of 1 of Gary's guys at INCO) on: Apr 09, 2014