GRAHAM MARKS

MARKS, GRAHAM October 5, 1944 ~ October 30, 2024
It is with shattered hearts that the family of Graham Brinley Marks announce his passing on October 30, 2024 in Edmonton, Alberta after a long and brave battle with cancer. Graham was born and raised in Gravesend, Kent, England where he attended public school and Gravesend Sea School. Graham was employed by Union Castle Line, Orient Line and P and O Line where he worked as a Public Room Steward and a Barman for 7 years making life long cherished friends and travelling the world. It was during this time that Graham stood at the top of the gangway of the S.S. Canberra in Hawaii that he watched Eleanor board the ship and looked at his shipmate and said "the blonde is mine." Shortly after, Graham left the navy and awaited Eleanor's arrival while working for the London Borough of Lewisham. He enjoyed living with his family and spending time with his wonderful parents and grandparents that meant the world to him. Graham and Eleanor travelled to her hometown in Thunder Bay, Ontario to be married on October 17, 1969. For 30 wonderful years, Graham and Eleanor loved living on Brodie Street where they raised their 3 children and made neighbours into lifetime friends. Graham worked for the City of Thunder Bay retiring in 2000 as Supervisor of Sanitation. He dedicated many years as Lieutenant Commander with the Navy League of Canada again making many friends. Graham enjoyed the many adventures he went on with the 3 children in Navy League and there was not one parade, final inspection or band competition that you would not find Eleanor and Graham sitting on the sidelines or walking the parade enjoying the 3 kids playing in the band in Sea Cadets. Graham was a dedicated, proud and loving dad and absolutely adored his children Lyndon (Jacqui), Angie (Craig), Jessica (Wes). He took them on camping trips, road trips and overseas vacations to instill the joy of adventure in the kids as he had done in his youth. We will all miss holding his soft, warm hands as he fought so hard. Graham was a proud "Papa" to 4 grandsons and 2 granddaughters. He would try to keep up with all of their life events while filling every day with memories, happiness, laughter and unwavering support and love. His grandchildren were the light of his life. Samuel, Zachary, Matthew and Joshua were Papa's "boyos" that benefited from his love, sense of humour and teaching them by example to live simply and not dwell on what you cannot change. Brinley Ruth and Lily Ann were his beautiful and perfect granddaughters that he loved to the moon and back. He touched their hearts with a simple tease or a smile and his quick wit. He watched every milestone with each grandchild and hugged away many tears. Eleanor will always be grateful he picked her and filled their lives with love, happiness, travel and being her best friend. He was her world and the memories they made together will fill her heart forever. They enjoyed Graham's 80th Birthday and their 55th Wedding Anniversary together in hospice celebrating their unending love. "Cherub, I am so proud of you." "I love you more."

Graham was welcomed and loved by his Canadian family and is survived by his brother and sister-in-law Norman & Margaret Marks of Thunder Bay, Ontario, nieces Jennifer Marks & Jodi Martinsen & family. Nephew Glen Marks (Linda) & family of Springwater, Ontario. Sister Janet Kempster and other family in England.

Graham was predeceased by his parents Brin and Doris Marks and Grandparents Frances & Ellen Plumb of England. Loving in-laws Ruth and Joe Marks of Thunder Bay. Brother & sister-in-law Ken & Kathy Marks.

In honour of Graham and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
Canadian Cancer Society - www.cancer.ca Pulmonary Hypertension Association of Canada - www.phacanada.ca Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada - www.heartandstroke.ca Navy League, Thunder Bay Branch - www.thundernavyleaguecadets.com
Graham will be cremated and interned in Sunset Memorial in Thunder Bay, Ontario at a later date.

Eleanor would like to ask Ziggy, Laurie, Nigel, Bill & Taffy to play Under the Boardwalk and Waiting On A Friend by the Rolling Stones and take a moment to remember Graham's smile, quick wit and undying friendship.

"I don't want any tears, just play the Rolling Stones and have a scotch for me, I've lived a wonderful life" - Graham