Parcourez la nécrologie de Michael Mick Graham 2025 résidant dans la province Nova Scotia pour le détail des funérailles
Michael “Mick” Graham
With broken hearts we announce the passing of Michael “Mick” Graham on Sunday, April 27, 2025, in the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.
Born December 22, 1932, in Sydney, he was the son of the late William and Margaret (Curry) Graham.
Mick is survived by his wife, Dolores (Jessome); daughters, Kathy Sparling, Sydney and Laurie Graham (Ray Ivany), Wolfville; sons, Michael, Edmonton and Aubrey (Colleen), Halifax; brother, Harold (Jane), Sydney; grandchildren, Ryan (Kelsie), Evan (Lori), Hazel, Brandon (Hailey) and Kyle (Chelsea); and great-grandchildren, Sawyer, Vander, Nash and Leni.
In addition to his parents, Mick was predeceased by his sister, Sheila Burns and brothers, James “Gami” and Billy.
How do we sum up a life that had so much meaning? A life filled with love and kindness. How do we say goodbye to our Dad? He left us suddenly, but peacefully.
For dad – family was everything and he leaves behind a lot of love, our mom, his wife of 65 years, Dolores; Us, his four children, Michael, Kathy, Laurie and Aubrey; his son-in-law, Ray and his beloved daughter-in-law, Colleen; his pride and joy – his grandchildren, Ryan, Evan, Hazel, Brandon and Kyle; his great-grandchildren, Sawyer, Vander, Nash and Leni; and his only surviving sibling, Harold “Happy”.
Dad grew up in Sydney, but at a young age, he and his older brother, Jimmy were sent to Grand Mira to help work the family farm. He didn’t like it, at first. But eventually, he grew to love the outdoors and all that nature had to offer. He became a talented fly fisherman, mastering the skill of tying his own flies. Something he enjoyed in his retirement.
His career began when at the tender age of 19 he joined the army and served in the Korean War. Dad was a Paratrooper First Battalion RCR and he was the last surviving Korean War Vet of the Ashby Legion. He believed strongly in serving his country. He had many experiences, and close calls, but he didn’t start sharing stories until later in life. We didn’t know he sent half his pay check home to his parents while he was fighting overseas until we found an old paystub mixed up with memorabilia. Every Remembrance Day, Dad donned his uniform, placed his medals on his lapel and marched – teaching us the value of showing up and serving.
Eventually Dad met the love of his life, Dolores. He literally called her “love”. They celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary on Apr 18th. They married while Dolores was still studying trying to further her education. She was a school teacher and believed in continuing education – something Dad fully supported.
Our father dabbled until he found his calling. He became a fireman and spent most of his career at what was then, the Sydney Airport. He developed an expertise in fire safety and first aid, teaching courses to other fire departments.
Our parents started their family in Whitney Pier, but eventually settled in Ashby where they raised the four of us. They worked hard to provide, and dad supported mom as she pursued a Bachelor’s degree and a Masters. He did most of the grocery shopping, cooked the meals and taught us to eat healthy. He was a man ahead of his time. He shared in the caregiving, supported his wife in all of her endeavours, told his daughters they could be whatever they wanted and taught his sons the value of respecting women.
He also taught all of us to golf. In the peak of his amateur career, he had three holes-in-one and he carried a handicap of two. For no-golfers – that’s really good! Dad and mom golfed together for many years into their retirement.
Dad was a wonderful grandfather. Whether it was following Ryan’s hockey career and enjoying their regular breakfast chats, or watching Evan raise three kids, run his own company and share in his latest poker adventures. He was an engaged “Poppy”. He was impressed by Brandon’s success around “computers” and Kyle’s ability to operate heavy machinery. He admired Hazel, his only granddaughter – the dancer, the teacher, the business owner. For dad – his grandkids were the best, the smartest, the most talented. He bragged about them all the time and they brought him pure joy. And then came the great grand kids. He loved to give Sawyer, Vander and Nash a weekly “allowance” and he always commented on how good they were. Baby Leni is the newest addition and while she is not even a year old- “Poppy” lit up whenever Leni stopped by.
As his children – we worked hard to make our dad proud, and we know he was. But it’s Kathy we want to acknowledge. She has taken care of our parents in the purest way. She helped dad with every need, every doctor’s apt, got them through COVID and even in her busy daily life – Kathy sacrificed her own time to make time for her parents. Kathy’s selfless act of love and service is a true testament to our father.
Dad lived to be 92 – a long and full life. He was tough. Exercising and walking until only a few months ago. He was a man of principle and integrity. He was dedicated and accepting. He loved and was deeply loved back.
He was a good man. How do we say goodbye? We honour a man of meaning and celebrate a life well lived.
Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of Sydney Memorial Chapel. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Ashby Legion on Wednesday, May 21 at 12 noon.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff in the Emergency Room, and the ICU at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. A special thanks to ICU Nurse, Becky MacInnis who supported our family as we said goodbye to dad in his final moments.
Memorials may be made to the Ashby Legion Poppy Fund.
Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.com
2025
Décès pour la Ville Sydney, Province Nova Scotia
avis deces Michael Mick Graham 2025
nécrologie Michael Mick Graham 2025
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