Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 12:00 a.m.
Alan Graham
1998 – 2001
On Feb.16, 2024, at 103.5 years of age, the extraordinary life of Alan Graham came to a peaceful end.
On Feb.16, 2024, at 103.5 years of age, the extraordinary life of Alan Graham came to a peaceful end.
Dad will be forever missed by Dick and Joanne leMaistre of Winnipeg; Jeanie Weikle of Airdrie;
Margot and Terry Mack of Regina; four grandchildren Janice (Grant), Patrick (Pamela), Alicia (Chad),
Graham (Renee) and five great grandchildren Jack, Isla, Wyatt, Jake and Alexander. Dad also leaves
nephew John of Florida; sister-in-law Doreen of Virginia Beach and her family, as well as Cousin Jane’s family in Wisconsin. We thank Dad’s “village of friends”, near and far, for their loyalty and support to Dad, over these many years.
Dad’s extraordinary life was supported and made complete for 54 years, with our mom Jintie, who passed away in 1998. Love came again for Dad with Elva Buchanan, (Bev, Rolly & Fran, and their families) until Elva’s passing in 2017. Before flying “solo” at 101.5 Dad once again called Coaldale home, sharing happy times with Ida Brett (and her family). Dad divided his last years within the senior communities of The View and Buffalo Grace Manor in Lethbridge.
Just a wee lad of 2 years, Dad emigrated from England to Canada in 1922 with his mother Nellie and big brother Bob. Reuniting with his father William and his Uncle Jack, the Grahams settled just a half mile west of Coaldale; making it not only their family home, but the founding cell of the honey business: W & J Graham Commercial Honey. He attended school in Coaldale up to grade eleven; completing grade 12 at Mount Royal College in Calgary. Back for a second year, Dad also enrolled in the Airforce Officer’s training program. Medical issues prevented him from flying, and with the honey farm back at home, he was honorably discharged and directed to return to Coaldale for the duration of the war and help keep the honey farm fully operational.
A family business from the very start, Dad continued the legacy of commercial beekeeping. Much like his father before him, Dad was instrumental in change and a major contributor to the development of the beekeeping industry. He served as President of the Southern Alberta Beekeepers Association, the Alberta Beekeepers Association, and the Canadian Beekeepers Council and was a founding Director of the Alberta Honey Producers Co-operative. Awarded the title of Master Beekeeper of Alberta in 1961, Dad was also awarded a Lifetime Membership to the Honey Cooperative in 2015.
He wound down his commercial apiary career in 1975, having reached an operation of 2000 hives, and sold to long-time friend and employee Doug McCann. He remained in the Pink House in Coaldale, working as a Real Estate Agent for a good many years with ….. “just a few hives” on the side!! No surprise then, after retiring from real estate, that Dad was recruited by Plant Genetics Systems to become their Hive Inspector. He served in that role until he was 85.
Dad believed in the value of civic duty and giving back to your community and country. To that end he wore many hats over the years; notably as Mayor of Coaldale from 1953-57, again from 1962-67 and for the third time from 1998 – 2001. In addition, he was a founding member of the Coaldale Kinsmen Club; a long time Board Member of the United Church and instrumental in the establishment of the Coaldale Library. Dad was honoured to be awarded with the Coaldale Citizen of the Year award in 1994. A proud Canadian, he again felt there was value in being an active citizen and so served for 2 terms (six years) as Chairperson for the Board of Referees under the Minister of Employment and Immigration. Dad also joined the Liberal Party, playing an active role for many years within the S. A. Liberal Association.
Humble at the core, Dad approached life with humour, kindness and a generous spirit. He was a gentle man who lived with purpose and steadfast commitment to his family, friends, colleagues and community. At his 100th birthday he was quoted as saying: “You get out of this world what you put into it and right now I feel I’m quite satisfied by my life”. One can’t add much more to that. Cheers Dad!!
A gathering will be held Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 2 p.m. in the Atrium of the Coaldale Town Square
Main Street, Coaldale.
Dad’s passion for bees remained undiminished and so we ask, in lieu of flowers, that you consider planting a bee friendly pollinator in your yard (or pots) allowing the bees to “continue their buzz!”
Guestbook (13)
Share a memory or send a tribute in memory of Alan.
Margo - In the days and weeks that follow Perhaps you'll often find That even long-lost memories Will slip into your mind, And suddenly your loved one Won't seem so far from you... You'll think of touching stories, The things you used to do, And favorite family moments In which you both took part -- These souvenirs of happy times Will keep you close at heart. I am so sorry for your loss. L.
Rip Allan you will be missed
When Councillor Doreen Lloyd and I visited Alan Graham in his home in early 2019, there two purposes to our visit. 1. Interview Alan for the 100th Anniversary of the Town of Coaldale. His memories were vivid, including wooden sidewalks, building up the Fire Department, and the annexation of Nortondale into Town! 2. Invitation for Alan to be the Town's 2019 Honorary Parade Marshall celebrating the Town's 100 years! To which he replied, "Oh boy. Let me think about it." He accepted! Thank you again Mayor Graham for all your endeavors in our Community of Coaldale! We are grateful. Sincerely, Bill and Deb Chapman Coaldale
Condolences to Alan's family he was mayor when I started at Town of Coaldale 1980 always helpful and friendly to staff and residents He never failed to say hello and a visit when we'd run into one another over the years Rest in Peace
It was a joy and privilege to know Alan while I served in ministry with Coaldale United Church. He was gracious, thoughtful, kind and playful! I will remember him well. As you celebrate a life well lived and mourn his loss, I will be holding family and dear ones in my heart and prayers.
Such an honor to care for Mr Grahams in his later days. ❤️ RIP
So sorry to hear of Alan's passing, but at 103.5 - amazing! We moved to Coaldale in 1966 when my husband Herb began work as assistant Town Administrator (assisting Mrs. Baldry), and Alan was the Mayor at the time - the very best Coaldale has had I believe. What a great legacy he left for his family, and all those who knew him well.
Alan was our favorite Uncle. His perspective on life and his wisdom will not be forgotten. The Graham Clan lives on thru Eternity - Rest now - we will have time for a drink later. Matt & Gina McGinn - Snowghost@reagan.com
Alan was the first person we met when we moved to Coaldale in 1993. He was a kind, patient and humorous gentleman; always with a twinkle in his eyes. Sympathies to the family.
Alan was the first person we met when we moved to Coaldale in 1993. A gentle, kind, patient gentleman; he touched so many lives. Sympathies to the family.
Allan was a special person, full of energy and a passion for bee's. He was so patient teaching and sharing his bee passion with me. I have a smile when I remember Allan, I believe he was in his 80's when we worked together, with the energy of a 30 year old.
Blessed to have known this man in our family! Rest in Peace Alan.
I enjoyed our visits at Humptys when he came. He was a lovely man, always had a smile. I will cherish that time I was able to drive him home from the restaurant, when he had told me he walked there. We had a lovely conversation. He will be missed but what a wonderful life he had.