ROBERT J. GRAHAM

ROBERT J. GRAHAM Robert James Graham of Erie Beach passed away peacefully at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance late in the evening of January 12, 2005 with his loving wife Barbara, son Tim and daughter Allison by his side. Rob is survived by his mother Margaret of Blenheim, sister Anne of Toronto, brother Malcolm and his wife Marybeth of Newmarket, sister-in-law Marilyn Scott and nephews John, Jeff, Jamie and Bradley Graham. He will also be sadly missed by Barb's mother Martha Linton of Barry's Bay, brother Russell Linton (Roseann) of Kanata, sister Linda LeCourt (Paul) of Manotick and sister Martha Tucker (Rob) of Alliston and nieces and nephew Krista, Jeff, Jenny, Jeff, Corey, Christian and Chesley. Predeceased by his father Dr. John Graham (1970) and his brother George Graham (2002). Rob spent his life devoted to his family, friends and the community. He became the Executive Director of the Ontario Commercial Fisheries Association in April 1990 and was the Chair of the Canadian Advisors to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. Rob proudly received the OCFA Partnership/Goodwill Award which has been renamed the Robert L. Graham Partnership Award. He helped to shape the community of Erie Beach serving as Reeve from 1977-1988 and sitting on various committees for Kent County Council. From 1982-1986 Rob served as commissioner of the St. Clair Parkway Commission. He is a past-president of the Blenheim Rotary Club and a recipient of the Paul Harris Fellowship Award. Once Tim and Allison moved from Erie Beach to London, Rob and Barb learned the game of golf and spent their 'empty nest' time loving life together on the golf course. Over the last year and a half as Rob bravely battled cancer there were many times to reflect on his life of 60 years. In the end he was proud to say that he had no regrets. He loved unconditionally, he laughed loudly and he gave a warm smile to everyone who crossed his path. He found the best in everyone and was known as a peacemaker. He has positively touched the lives of many and will be missed dearly by everyone. Resting at the J.L. Ford Funeral Home in Blenheim, 141 Park Alley, visitation on Friday, January 14th (today) from 2-4:00 p.m., 7-9:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary's church on Saturday, January 15th at 11:00 a.m. with Father Ivo Tommelyn as celebrant. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Memorial donations are requested to Hope's Garden, Eating Disorders Support and Resource Centre, 635 Wellington St. (Upper), London, Ontario N6A 3R8 or to the VON Chatham-Kent, Geranium House, 44 3rd St., Chatham, Ontario N7M 2M5. Also, novenas of nine Masses for the Holy Souls in Purgatory are appreciated.