Graham LEA Obituary
March 1934 - April 2013
It is with gratitude that we celebrate a life well- lived. Graham Richard Lea, beloved husband, father, brother and friend, passed away April 3 with his wife Roz at his side. A self-made man, he lived an exciting, fulfilling life that many could only hope to - from lead smelter worker in Trail, to R.C.A.F. flight mechanic, to CBC broadcaster, provincial politician and corporate executive officer - Graham lived his life to the fullest, renowned for his quick wit, intellectual curiosity, love for debate and side splitting humour. As MLA from 1972 through 1986, where he served as Minister of Highways in the Barrett government and opposition critic for a number of economic portfolios, and during his many years as Executive Director of the Truck Loggers Association, Graham was a strong voice in provincial economic and resource related issues and policies. He loved his family unreservedly and will live on forever in the hearts of Rozlynne; children Melanie (Rick), Marni (Chris), Alex and David (Denise); grandchildren Tristan, Kyle, Alexis, Mathew, Sara, Anthony, Brenden, Davey, and Hannah; sister Doris; brother Donald; and the many special friends he made and kept over the years. Graham Lea will be sorely missed.
A celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m., April 21 at Royal Colwood Golf Course, in Victoria.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
14 Entries
Graeme Bregani
October 4, 2013
Thank you, Graham.
April 21, 2013
I worked in Graham`s campaign during the 1972 provincial election. I will always remember election night and the victory party in the Fishermen`s Hall.
Graham, may you rest in peace.
David Rehaluk
Dauphin, Manitoba
Norm Macphee
April 17, 2013
Graham, You inspired many of us in the old Prince Rupert shire by making politics both important and fun. Smart, gregarious, and never mean-spirited, you had a life fully lived with lots of friends and Roz and other loved ones with you at the end. It doesn't get
much better.
Stephen Sanders
April 16, 2013
Although we only knew each other for a short time I can say it was a pleasure to meet you.
Thanks for the golf Graham it was fun. But nobody warned me that I was about to be beat by a professional player.
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April 15, 2013
remembering knocking on doors with graham in prince rupert in the seventies,it was my first time campaigning and learnt a lot. still envolved today because of graham. to the family --time heals all. phyllis simonds
April 14, 2013
Remember Graham from Trail. His mom, Bea and my mom, Phyllis Buckley, were the best of friends.
Sympathies to the family.
Sandy Foreman, Summerland, BC
Brian Gardiner
April 13, 2013
I remember sitting in the Fishermnen's Hall in Prince Rupert the night Graham won his election. "What do we do now," he said. Always challenging our thinking, you couldn't help liking him and engaging him. Good on you Graham.
Ronni Holtby
April 13, 2013
Blessings on this journey graham You were a fun & loving friend to mark & i in victoria. I lost connection after
he passed in 76 but remember u fondly. Political change. Opening our hearts. & minds being "father confessor" making us laugh amidst the turmoil as min of highways. I have missed your spark & so many more obviously will too.
Blessings & laughter
Veronica (Ronni) Entwistle (Holtby)
April 13, 2013
Bless your journey Graham. I think of you and the times we shared with the NDP. You were idealistic and father confessor to so many of us, always weaving light and laughter throughout those heady days. I lost track of you after 1976 when Mark (my husband) passed but I know you graced our generation through those years.
April 12, 2013
Graham,I'll miss your odd requests(soft bacon!?),your crazy stories,but mostly your love of life.Lise O.
April 12, 2013
Even when you were mad at him you couldn't help but like him.
A good guy-many chuckles and guffaws will ring through heaven now.
Terry Intermela
Soar on Great Wings
Jane Currie
April 12, 2013
I was a pleasure to get to know you Graham and meet you again after so many years. My father Jack spoke highly of you during your time in politics and involvement with the NDP. I can only say thank you for your socialist leanings and for trying to make the world a better place for all.
Al the world changes, not necessarily for the better, I'll raise a glass to you and your ilk. Thank you.
R.I.P.
Tristan Baker
April 12, 2013
I love you and miss you grandpa. I am happy that you're pain is over but you leave a void that will not be filled. Love Tristan
John Smith
April 12, 2013
Having met Graham during the early 1980's, I was impressed not with his ideas, but his quick wit and intelligence. He has made a differnce to many of our lives, and I cherish the times we spent together. To those in his family he has left behind, my thoughts are with you, I'm sure he lives in your hearts forever.
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