Roderick James Graham July 25, 1943 – November 8, 2014 It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Roderick James Graham at the QEII Hospital on November 8, 2014 at the age of 71. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2014 at 2 PM at the Blueberry Mountain Hall with Pastor Floyd Anderson officiating. Rod went to school at Blueberry Creek for his elementary years and took his high school in Spirit River. Following that he took two years of agricultural courses at the Fairview College. He usually traveled back and forth with Conrad Sellin, for which he was grateful as the Graham’s only had one vehicle. He had many fond memories of his time in Fairview. Following college Rod returned to the family farm and farmed with his parents. After his father’s passing his brother Alex and brother-in-law Ken Charlton returned to the family farm and they farmed together for many years. During that time they built the Birds Eye View store. They also had the UFA dealership in Spirit River and a short venture in the Macleods store in Spirit River. Rod always had time to talk to his neighbors, and he was always ready with a helping hand wherever it was needed. He loved his community and he took great pride and pleasure in helping to restore the little abandoned churches in the community. Rod served on various boards; the longest being twenty-five years at the Rycroft Seed Cleaning Plant. Rod had a deep abiding love for all his families and will live in all our hearts forever. Rod has gone to join his loving parents Anne and James Graham, beloved sister Wynn Weist, friend and brother-in-law Ken Ferguson. Rod leaves to mourn; his wife and partner of twenty-five years Barb, Wally Weist, sister Betty (Stan) McArthur, brother Alex (Heather) Graham, sisters Norma Ferguson, Janet (Dale) Winsnes, and Peggy (Ken) Charlton. He also leaves many beloved nieces and nephews and their families, all of Barbs children, Marilyn (Rick) Seaman, Ward (Carmen) Buck, Shelley (Rick) Rozecki, Cam (Melissa) Buck, Bryan (Lori) Buck, Terry Buck and Derek Buck. He leaves seventeen grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. Rod opened his heart to each and every one of them. Rod also leaves many good friends behind. Memorial considerations may be made to the charity of one’s choice or to FCSS in Spirit River for Christmas gifts for children. Care and arrangements entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home Grande Prairie Alberta 780-830-7742 www.bearcreekfuneral.com