Collin GRAHAM

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GRAHAM: Collin Bruce Graham March 16, 1981-August 12, 2018. Dear Collin, This is a letter to you from all of us who loved you and to all whom you loved. You were born with a gleam in your eye, ready to show the world your determination and your talents; a beautiful son for parents Bruce and Lois, a happy playmate and lifelong best friend for 15 month old Kreager and big brother 3 1/2 years later to Anthony. You loved growing up on the farm, playing sports and providing fun and laughter for the Binscarth and Russell schools and St. Matthew’s Sunday School, Binscarth. The loss of your thumb at 13 in a farming accident, your parent’s divorce, and the death of your friend, Curtis, hurt deeply your sensitive heart but you eventually found your way. You used your natural ability, stubbornness, and eagerness to succeed at a job well done, for welding, (Keewatin College and Howard Moulson), oil rigging, mechanics and carpentry. This led to many amazing inventions. Tree services with your dad led to your independence in the tree industry and your transition into metal roofing and siding. Your smile and sense of humor gave joy to others. We are so proud of you, Collin, and all your accomplishments. Collin died tragically at his jobsite in Lynn Lake leaving us all heartbroken. Tim and James from your crew, and Barry and Lloyd and others there are devastated, along with Clarence at Rollworks Inc. Thank you to all who worked so hard trying to save Collin. Collin, you felt the pain when others hurt so you can understand why we cry. You had unfinished dreams of jobs not done, (Oakburn church was next on your list), a home at Rossman Lake and children around your knee. So many people have said what we already knew. You had a passionate and compassionate heart of gold and a desire to help all you could. Collin and Tom had spent November and December working together in Lynn Lake and then Collin spent the winter and spring renovating his mom and Tom’s home near Winnipeg Beach, Kreager’s in Courtenay, BC and doing jobs in rural MB and Rossburn areas. Tom said. “Collin’s work is immaculate.” You are engrained in our home and hearts, dear son, and we will love you forever, Collin, for the loving and conscientious person that was you. We are so thankful we had you for 37 years. We miss you so and the Jets games will never be the same without your passion. Rick Thom and staff at Braendle Bruce Funeral Service of Russell kept us together with their professional glue and loving care. Heartful thanks. Binscarth Community Hall, Organist Phyllis and extended Community Choir, and Jean Thompson (Godmother) and her lunch committee honored us at your service August 20. Heartfelt thanks. Rev. Wendy Thom, we thank you for your lovely service and compassionate ministry. God is good. Alan Sawaryn, we were honored to hear you sing, “Wish You Were Here” for Collin, your friend. Heartfelt thanks. The wagon carrying Collin’s urn was pulled by his little nieces, Lyla (7), Abigail (5), Kara (4), Ellie (2), and Wyatt (1), daughters of Kreager and Vanessa. Collin’s nephew, Domi (3 months), was carried by parents Anthony and Joan. The poem, “The Divine Touch”, and hymn “On the Way Together”, (tune of Onward Christian Soldiers), both written by Collin’s grannie, the late Winifred N. Hulbert Kreager, were used in the service. Collin’s mother, Lois, and his brother, Kreager, did the Eulogy followed by a slide presentation. Mourning Collin are dad Bruce Graham (Tracy McManus), mom Lois (Kreager) Graham (Tom Douglas), brother Kreager (Vanessa) and daughters, brother Anthony (Joan) and son, Grandma Velma Graham, the Graham aunts and uncles, Dianna (Don), Joy (Harris), John (Enid), Henry (Kathy), Uncle Peter; the Graham cousins Morgan; Travis (Katrina), Riley and Sandy; Jacquie (Dwight), Derrik (Jennifer), and Mark (Brandi); Justin, Preston and Mitch; Lois’s deceased sister Ann’s husband Bob Olson (Ginny); Great Uncle Rod and Aunt Edith Graham and family. Collin had many very special friends who miss him dearly. The Rossman Lake golfers will forever remember his passion for the game, his hole-in-one and the Clubhouse awning. Collin loved his time at the lake where he felt such joy and peace. Terry and Connie Hanreck loved him like a son. He loved you, too. Collin is now reunited with Grandpa Harry Graham, Grannie and Grandad Winifred and Nelson Kreager and his Auntie Ann (Kreager) Olson. Donations in Collin’s memory were to The Children’s Wish Foundation or Binscarth Park and Pool. Private interment took place October 12, 2018 in the Binscarth Cemetery.

“To Know Him is to Love Him”

Thank you deeply for the heartfelt expressions of sympathy given us after the tragic, accidental death of our beloved Collin. We are stronger because of you. Thank you to Brenda and staff at Arbuckles for accommodating us after his service. We mourn deeply but we know Collin would want a smile on our face and to get on with our living. Loved forever and never, ever forgotten.

As published in Brandon Sun on Nov 03, 2018