PHILIP JAMES GRAVES

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PHILIP JAMES GRAVES Following a courageous ten year long battle with cancer, Phil Graves, age 64, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, December 15, 2000 with his loving family at his side. Phil was born at home on October 2, 1936, son of Jim and Edith Graves who homesteaded in the Swan River area of Manitoba. In 1938 the family moved to Winnipeg where Phil started school. In 1943, the family moved again, this time to Victoria, B.C. where he lived until joining the R.C.A.F. at age 15. During his forty years in the Air Force he served at bases in Chatham, NB; Gros Tenquin, France; Downsview, ON; Trenton, ON; Edmonton, AB; Ottawa, ON; and Portage la Prairie, MB. In his early years he served as a Munitions and Weapons Technician and later as a Loadmaster flying as aircrew on transport aircraft. As an aircrew member, Phil flew to many countries around the world and flew as a crew member with both the Royal Air Force and the U.S. Air Force. As a result of Integration in the Canadian Forces, Phil was cross trained as a member of the Canadian Airborne and served as a parachute instructor for one year. During his final years in service he served as the Base Chief Warrant Officer and finally as a Captain commanding a unit of the Air Reserves. His varied and challenging career was recognized when in 1980, he was invested as a Member of the Order of Military Merit (MMM). In August 1954, Phil married Irene Copp and they had two daughters, Roxanne and Marsha, and two sons, Jeff and Steve. Phil was very proud of his children and praised their ability to adapt from base to base and school to school. In August 1985 Phil married Wanda Mellen of Portage la Prairie, Manitoba and was happy to retire in Portage. His leisure hours were spent golfing, reading and tackling the latest crossword puzzle. Phil was a devoted member of the Masonic Lodge and held memberships in Assiniboine Lodge No. 7, Keystone Royal Arch Chapter No. 2, Mount Carmel Preceptory No. 44, Khartum Temple of the Shrine, Portage Council No. 17 of Royal and Select Masters, Grand Valley Conclave No. 36 of the Red Cross of Constantine, International Peace Gardens Lodge and was a founding member of Austin Historical Lodge. He was a solid supporter of all things Masonic; fundraising, sitting on committees, doing charity work and visiting the shut-ins. Predeceased by his father, one brother and two sisters, he leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife Wanda; his children, Roxanne (Gord) Boulter of Ottawa, Marsha (Neville) Brisson of Ottawa, Jeff (Carol-Ann) of Ottawa, Steve (Kathy) of Sault Ste. Marie; and ten grandchildren. Phil is also survived by his mother, Edith Kavanaugh of Victoria, BC; sister Joyce Hazard (Vern) of Vancouver, BC; brothers, Charlie of Victoria, BC, Barry (Judy) of Nanaimo, BC; and many nieces and nephews. Also surviving are his sister-in-law Owna Mellen and two brothers-in-law, John (Alana) Mellen of Portage la Prairie and Rick (Fran) Mellen of Petersfield, MB. He will be sadly missed by the many members of the Masonic Lodge and other fraternal orders and his many friends. A Memorial Service was conducted by the Rev. John Toon at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel, 56 Royal Road S., Portage at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 16. Jeff Graves fittingly eulogized his dad. The readings were delivered by son Steve Graves and son-in-law Neville Brisson. Soloist Coralie Arundell sang "In the Sweet By and By". Audrey MacFarlane presided at the organ while the congregation sang "God Be With You Till We Meet Again". Phils fellow members of the Assiniboine Lodge No. 7 conducted a Masonic Funeral Service with Al Christofferson giving a tribute. In fulfilment of Phils request Coralie sang the recessional song, Vera Lynns "Well Meet Again", in which the congregation joined her. A reception and time of fellowship followed at the Masonic Hall served by the members of the Eastern Star. A private interment service followed at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Phils memory to the Central Plains Cancer Care Services, 318 Sask. Ave. E., Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0K8. A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Phil at Evergreen Memorial Gardens by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are entrusted with the arrangements, 857-4021.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 23, 2000