Tribute

It is with heavy hearts that we say good bye to Gerald Lowe Graham who passed away on June 28, 2023 at the age of 96. Gerald was born on January 25, 1927, the son of Eanos and Sarah Graham (nee Lowe).

Gerry spent his early years on the homestead which had been in the family since 1864. He was the youngest of nine children and attended school in Munster, Ontario. As soon as he was old enough he enlisted in the military and completed basic training just as the war was ending. This time held a special place in his heart and he often talked about it even in his later years.  He then spent some time travelling to find work on farms in the prairie provinces and eventually settled back in Brantford, Ontario where he met and married Mary Parkhill. He worked at several jobs while becoming certified as a refrigeration technician, and starting up Brantford Refrigeration Co. with business partner and friend Don. It was here that he and Mary raised their two children, Joan and Paul. Gerry’s family was important to him and he stayed informed of the comings and goings of his nieces and nephews, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren as best he could. He enjoyed fishing at the cabin on Bob’s Lake and hunting with the gang at “the hunt camp”. He was a big fan of hockey and later baseball and was always up for a good game of euchre.

Upon retiring, Gerry, along with Mary, returned to the Graham family farm and spent many years there. Gerry loved that property however over time, after Mary passed away, he and Paul made the decision to move closer to family on the west coast. It was in Duncan, BC that Gerry passed away. He had recently stated that he’d had a good run!

Gerry is survived by his children Paul and Joan (Ed); his grandchildren Kathryn (Matt), Gavin (Jane)  and Daniel (Katherine); and his great grandchildren Amelia, Everett, Beckett and Thomas.

He was predeceased by Mary; his siblings Delmar (Dorothy), Muriel (William), Orville (Edna), Lorne, John, Olive, Gladys (Gordon) and Ethel (Duncan); and his grandson Matthew.

Many thanks are extended to everyone at Cowichan Hospice House for their warmth and loving care during Gerry’s final days.

Graveside service will be held at the Munster Union Cemetery on Friday July 28th at 1pm. Reception to follow at the Schoolhouse, Munster Hamlet.

Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.