Obituary of George Graham

Ruth Graham and family would like to thank all their friends and neighbours for their loving support during this very sad time. We want to thank Dr. Stephen Ashwell for his consistent care and concern for George and many in our family. Also a special thank you to George and Ruth's caregiver and friend, Marlyn Lim. GT was born in Hanna, Alberta on July 15, 1921. He was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in July 1951. He passed away at home on March 24, 2011 at the age of 89. He was the beloved husband of Ruth Graham and loving father and grandfather to Ronald and Lynn (Rebecca and Timothy Swejda, David and Nicole Graham, and Jonathan and Rya Graham); Michael and Brenda (Trina and Marc Volkhamer, Brenden Graham); Ken and Erika (George and Janina Graham); Richard and Cathy (Diana and Darrell Crull, Debbie Graham, and Kevin Graham). He was great-grandfather to Jude and Zoey Swejda, Gabe and Gracie Graham, Samantha and Laura Volkhamer, Devon and Dalina Crull. GT, as he signed his name and was called by his family and friends, grew up in Saskatoon, SK, raised by his mother Lillian and his step-father Lewis Willard Graham. As a boy he experienced the "great depression" and growing up in Saskatchewan during the "dirty thirties". By the time he reached manhood, the world was embroiled in the second world war so in 1942 George enlisted in the air force and after initial training, was sent to London, England. It was during this time that he had what was probably the most harrowing experience of his life. On a night-time return mission, his 23rd mission, he and his entire crew were shot down over northern, occupied France. It was at this time that George saved the life of one of his fellow crew members and for this he was awarded the "Distinguished Flying Cross". They all evaded capture and 41 days later George was safely back in London. After he returned to Canada and was honorably discharged from the air force, he made his way to the Peace River Country where he became re-acquainted with his father, Tom Ryan and his step-brothers and step-sisters. His father gave him a quarter section of land and thus began his farming career. In 1946, he met a pretty young lady who worked at the Dawson Creek post office, Ruth Joy Bulley. They were married August 2, 1946 and would have been married 65 years this August. They went on to raise 4 sons. In the early 1950's, GT became acquainted with Jehovah's Witnesses. At first he tried to disprove their beliefs, but upon further examination of the Bible, he recognized the truth from the Bible and that God's Kingdom is the right answer and only answer where mankind's future is concerned. He continued faithful in his beliefs all of his life. He took great pleasure in sharing what he believed with many of his neighbours and friends. Because of his love for his neighbour, GT got involved in the propane industry in 1964. He felt strongly that they were paying way too much for propane. At first, he drove all the way over to Girouxville, Alberta to bring propane to our area. In 1967, he and Ruth began Joy Propane Ltd, operating the business from their kitchen at their farm north of Rolla. The company went on to expand and eventually provided low-priced propane to thousands of customers in the Peace Country area. A Memorial Service was held March 31, 2011 at Reynars Funeral Home in Dawson Creek, B.C. We would also like to thank Timothy Swejda for officiating; June,Tamara, Linda and Adrien for arranging the tea and the staff at Reynars for their support and assistance. Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home and Crematorium.