Thursday, March 30, 2017 at 12:00 a.m.
Greenslade, Graham
GRAHAM GREENSLADE, beloved brother of Irene Parker of Lethbridge, AB and Jim (Sally Jones) Greenslade of Shaunavon, SK, passed away at his home in Hanna, AB on Thursday, March 23, 2017 at the age of 85 years.
GRAHAM GREENSLADE, beloved brother of Irene Parker of Lethbridge, AB and Jim (Sally Jones) Greenslade of Shaunavon, SK, passed away at his home in Hanna, AB on Thursday, March 23, 2017 at the age of 85 years.
He is also lovingly remembered by his sisters-in-law BettyAnn Greenslade of Calgary, AB and Ruth Greenslade of Brantford, ON as well as his nieces and nephews and their families who meant so much to him; Gwen Vergouwen, Merilee, Dan (Louise) and Joanne (Ron Pineau) Greenslade, Sandra Davis and Brad Greenslade, Cindy Greenslade, Kathy (Ben) Zimmerman, Tom (Kathy) Greenslade, Betty (Kevin) Lewis, Karen (Grant) Verdoold, Cindy (Phil Andree) Middleton, Jerry (Pat) and Les (Kay) Parker, Trish (Ric) Wallace, and Reg (Carrie) and Grant (Sandie) Greenslade.
Graham was predeceased by his parents, William and Irene, infant sister Dorothy, brothers and sisters-in-law, Billy, Roy (Marion), Lloyd (Mary), Hugh (Pearl, Jean), Charlie, Tom (Terry), Ivor and Margaret Greenslade, brother-in-law Tom Parker, Uncle Walt (Ida) Greenslade, as well as nephews, David and Ed Greenslade.
Graham was born on the family farm at Berry Creek, AB on August 30, 1931, the youngest of 11 children. He finished grade 9 then ventured out for the next 50 plus years working in a wide variety of maintenance and labour type jobs in BC and Alberta. Graham spent three years working and holidaying in Australia and New Zealand then retired from his working career in the Oil Sands of northern Alberta. He called the Edmonton area home for many years then in 2000, moved to Shaunavon, SK where he spent time with his brother Jim and his family. In 2015 Graham moved to Parkview Manor in Hanna where he resided until his passing. Along the way he made lifelong friends who appreciated his quiet and steady demeanor, witty sense of humour and kind nature.
Graham never married nor had children but was a devoted family man and a favorite uncle to his nieces and nephews. After retirement, he enjoyed travelling all over BC, Alberta, out to Ontario, down to Arizona and all points in between, to meet up with friends and family; Graham rarely missed a reunion or get-together, including those of his sister's Parker Clan in Fort Nelson, BC and Hanna.
He will be remembered for having a freakishly good memory for dates of birthdays, anniversaries and many special events from the past; our Greenslade family has lost a great historian.
Graham enjoyed a good laugh, teasing as well as he got back. His initiation of and many trials with the "Touch You First" and "Touch You Last" games played throughout the years with family members are legendary amongst our many generations.
Although he never played an instrument or sang himself, Graham thoroughly enjoyed the efforts of others especially country, fiddling and banjo music. Graham also enjoyed watching activities and sporting events that involved his nieces, nephews and their children.
Our family is comforted knowing that he had a peaceful passing, free of a lengthy and debilitating illness and was able to live independently till the end of his journey. We will miss him dearly.
A Memorial Service will be held at the ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION, BRANCH #25, 224-2nd Avenue West, Hanna, Alberta on Thursday, March 30, 2017 at 1:00 P.M. with Reverend Leila Currie officiating.
Burial will follow in the Hanna Cemetery.
In memory of Graham, donations are welcome to The War Amps, Key Tag Service, 1 Maybrook Drive, Scarborough, Ontario M1V 5K9
Guestbook (29)
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We will miss our old friend Graham , he was an inspiration to our family . He was a very wise man and a true friend who will always live in our hearts and memories . He had a tremendous sense of humor and was a real gentleman . R.I.P. Dear Friend
We are very saddened to hear of Graham's passing and thankful he didn't suffer. He was my husbands friend before we married in 1963 and our children will miss him. He was like an Uncle to Patricia and Shawn. It didn't matter where we lived Graham was game to come and visit us in Lillooet, Gold bridge and Shalalth and finally Vernon. He was such a kind and caring friend and loved his music so much. I know he will be happy singing with the angels, one of his favorites was (Don't Neglect The Rose) by Hazel Savage. Our family will forever have him in our hearts. Bill, Evelyn Patricia and Shawn Franklin.
I exist because of Graham. He is responsible for introducing my parents Reg & Darlene "Butch" Hunter to each other in Drumheller in 1954. He was always a presence in our lives and he had the uncanny knack of appearing for a visit, usually within days after we would speak of him. A week ago today, we laid our dad to rest and we are still coming to terms with that grief and unable to attend Graham's service today. Please accept our sincere condolences. We will always cherish our memories of Graham.
Graham, I was so lucky that my birthday had just happened prior to your passing and you and me had a nice visit over the phone. In a very short time you brought me up to current with the Greenslade family. You never missed calling me and I know I'll be thinking of you next year when the phone doesn't ring and you'd be on the other end. I am so proud to have been your sister-in-law for 50+ years. I keep thinking that in the life beyond death, which I believe in, there will be a great Greenslade reunion. So, Graham until we meet again rest in eternity. You will be missed.
You will be greatly missed Uncle Graham. Our routine of supper once a week together, watching the news and shooting the breeze were times we will never forget and will treasure for ever. My favorite memories were you and Dan having your little disputes about dates people etc and you always won. I'm Here To Tell You" was a phrase you used quite regularly in our home and I will miss hearing that. You will always be in our hearts. Rest In Peace Uncle Graham
Jim,Grant, Rej and families, I think back to the great times that we had with Graham with his big heart and infectious laugh.....one of the kindest people we ever had the pleasure of meeting. Thinking of you and your families during this sad time.
Graham we will miss your visits , but some how I don't think you will be too far away . We've always thought you might have been an angel . Rest in peace , we will meet again some day !
A person with a beautiful heart will not be forgotten. Your memories will always be remembered. Rest in peace Graham!
We will miss Uncle Graham. I loved to sit and talk to him, and learn all about his childhood with my Dad. His "touched you last" game has been passed down to our family. I have fun memories of playing it with him.
Uncle Graham was such a fun loving guy. He was a "touch me last" master! I have these memories of him hanging on to an open car door as it is spinning around in circles at Uncle Hugh's memorial and him catching a ride from Auntie Rita's to Tompkins in Ft.nelson; all just so he could touch us last. He and mom used to tease each other and chase each other all over the place. He spent quite a bit of time in Ft. Nelson and kept us connected with the Greenslades in Alberta. Later on, we found out that he had a spiritual side. He attended gospel concerts and banquets with us. He even took us to a gospel concert at the Hanna Centennial to hear a family group he knew. So, as Uncle Graham's body stays and his soul departs for heaven, he has won his last 'touch me last' game because as we all know, he could change the rules anytime. We will see about that when we get to Heaven.
Saddened to hear of Uncle Graham's passing. Because of distance I have only had opportunity to meet up with him a handful of times but each of those times uncle Graham always made me feel loved and important to him and to the Greenslade clan as a whole. May you all feel God's comfort, mercy and love as you say good bye and may you know that Uncle Graham lives on in our hearts. Love you, Karen
Met Graham years ago, he was very sweet and kind. You will be missed! Our deepest condolences to Uncle Jimmy and family!
Rest in peace Graham. We feel so sorry for everyone who is left behind now with grief and sorrow. We hope you'll find comfort with each other to bear this great loss. It would have been our heart's desire if you had seen the photo's / film of the memorial which is going to be unveiled for your brave brother Roy in Kronenberg NL later this year Graham. Our thoughts are with you all dear Greenslades !!
I only got to meet Graham a few times over the years, but his kind and gentle nature came through instantly, I consider myself very fortunate to have had a chance however brief to have known him, deepest sympathies to all.
Dear Jim and family, We are so sorry for you loss. Graham will be missed by many. He was such a nice man. Sending our deepest sympathy. Sincerely Garry and Wanda
A person with a beautiful heart will never be forgotten. Your memories will always be remembered. Rest in peace Graham!
Trish, our deepest sympathies to you and your family and especially to your sweet mom, it is hard to say goodbye to one so dear. Love you all to the moon and back and sending cyber hugs. oxoxox
True one of a kind !! Just the best sense of humour ! Didn't say much but it was all worth hearing ! Sorry for the lost
A true gentleman whose presence will remain with us. I saw him last year at a Hanna Restaurant and invited him to come out to the Frieden Cemetery in the Handhills to visit Great Uncle Frank's Grave Marker. As usual he was all in and we spent a few great hours reminiscing. What a champion with a tremendous strength of character!
So sorry to hear of Grahams passing. We always enjoyed him at the office. He was a gentleman. Barry and staff of Nova Optical
Sorry for you loss thinking of you guys.
We are so sorry to hear the loss of this kind Clever man he will be dearly miss. We send you healing prayers and Hugs . RIP Graham your were truely a honest and dear soul. Condolences to the family .
May God bless Graham. He frequently attended Parker gatherings, helping to connect us to our prairie roots.
He was a very special man. He will be missed. your memories will warm your hearts.
So sorry to hear of Uncle Graham's passing. He was such a kind & wonderful man. Our deapest sympathies.
To the Greenslade Family, I join you in mourning the passing of Graham, our beloved one.
Deepest sympathy!
My sincere condolences to the Greenslade Family. Graham was very much a part of the community of Shaunavon and we missed him when he left. It was always a pleasure to see him upon his return to visit Jim, Grant and families. Rest now!
You were my uncle, and my best friend who was always ready to listen and never had a mean thing to say about anyone. You were full of adventure and treasured our visits and times we spent together. I love you and you will forever be on my heart. Thank you for always loving me unconditionally.