Paul Bennett Graham
1952-2021
Paul Bennett Graham, 68, of Mill Cove, NB, and formerly of Maple
Ridge, NB, passed from this life into the arms of Jesus January 19,
2021. He was a resident at Mill Cove Nursing Home. Paul, son of the
late Gordon and Nelma Graham, was born in Millville, NB July 15,
1952.
He is survived by siblings Anna McGuigan, Pat Graham (Marg), Gordon
Graham (Anne), Sheila McCrea MacCallum, Janet McIntosh, Jean Ingersoll
(Perry), Douglas Graham (Marlene), Stan Graham (Judy), and 146 nieces
and nephews from four generations.
Paul was predeceased by a sister-in-law, Ruth Graham, and
brothers-in-law Marcus McGuigan, Glen McCrea, Ken MacCallum, Preston
Johnston, and Donald McIntosh.
At age two, Paul’s life was nearly taken by meningitis and his
mental health inflicted. We now realize that Paul, throughout his
life, displayed autistic behavior characteristics. He was particularly
organized and possibly had a photographic memory as he taught himself
to play the piano within a few weeks. After hearing a song only once,
he could play it in its entirety. Some of Paul’s early childhood
loves included carrying/bouncing balls, browsing picture books, and
riding his bicycle.
His love for balls was evident the day he quickly disappeared. We went
outside to discover he had dropped a ball into the covered well and
had jumped in to get it. Fortunately, two separate layers of ice had
formed in the well, and he fetched up on the second layer. Upon
looking down at him, he was holding the ball in the air, so we formed
a human chain to rescue it and then him! Another outdoor disappearance
adventure led him to the railway tracks about a mile below the
farmhouse. He was later located several miles away in Pinder where the
tracks cross the road.
Paul enjoyed a predominantly happy life on the family farm until his
early teen years when mental health issues intensified which led him
to rigid institutional care. The next ten years were terribly
demeaning both physically and mentally until modern medication allowed
Paul to return to a more stable way of life, living with his dedicated
loving mother on the family farm.
Within a few years, Paul became eligible for the residential living
and work programs of Fredericton Jobs Unlimited. While there, Paul
spent 27 happy years in a family home-like environment feeling the
love and compassion of many dedicated caregivers and volunteers who
made such a program possible. Paul felt very fulfilled and rewarded
being part of the Fredericton workforce and at the end of the day
enjoyed a home life washing dishes, cleaning floors, and performing
other chores that rewarded his neat freak characteristics.
When with Jobs Unlimited, Paul’s recreational life included
playing his keyboard and Hammond organ, playing sports, cycling,
swimming, attending various social events such as church, as well as
making visits back to the family farm on Maple Ridge. During one of
these home visits, he was baptized in the new baptismal fount at the
Maple Ridge Wesleyan Church.
When Paul’s physical and mental health took another blow, he
spent approximately one to one-and-a half years in hospital receiving
required health care while impatiently waiting for nursing home care
admission.
Mill Cove Nursing Home then came to Paul’s rescue. While there,
he received nearly twelve years of loving quality care by staff who
understood his unique characteristics and sometimes cranky moods. Dr.
Haines and medical staff, Recreational Director Lynn, and personal
caretakers Karen, April, Georgetta, Stephanie, and Nicole displayed to
Paul and his family that he was indeed family at Mill Cove.
A family graveside service will take place at the Maple Ridge
Cemetery; time & date to be determined.
For those wishing to donate in Paul’s memory, the family would
appreciate consideration of the Maple Ridge Cemetery, Maple Ridge
Wesleyan Church (Youth), Mill Cove Nursing Home Foundation (enhanced
wing), or Jobs Unlimited.
All donations will be in the care of Flewelling’s Funeral
Services Ltd., Nackawic, NB.
www.flewellingswan.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Paul Bennett Graham 19522021..
Death notice for the town of: Nackawic, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick