Obituary of Hon. Col. Christopher F.A. Graham

The death of Christopher "Kit" Francis Allen Graham of Grand Bay-Westfield, NB, husband of Margaret (Dunn) Graham, occurred on Sunday, April 18, 2010 at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born in Montague, PEI, on September 24, 1920, he was a son of the late Rev. Christopher and Ruth (Allen) Graham. Kit served in World War II serving in England, Italy and North West Europe with the Fifth Canadian Armored Regiment … 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise's) in the rank of Captain. After the war he served for 8 years as Recruiting Officer in Saint John. The orders and decorations which he received were: 1935-1945 Star, Italy Star, France-Germany Star, Defense Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp, War Medal, Efficiency Decoration, 125 Anniversary of Confederation Medal. Kit was en route to Italy when the convoy came under air attack. His ship, the Monterey, played an important part in the rescue of nursing sisters and soldiers from the SS Santa Elena. After the War, Kit was employed as a Life Underwriter for several years. For thirty-three years he was Chief Executive Officer with the New Brunswick Division Canadian Cancer Society. He was Past President and Life Member of Ball's Lake Fishing Club, Former OC of Byng Boys Club, Past President of the 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise's) Regimental Association, Life Member of Canadian Armoured Corp., Honorary Colonel of the 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise's) Regiment, Past President of Western Kings Kiwanis Lodge, Past President of Lancaster Golden Service Club, Life Member of Session Westfield United Church, Member of Royal United Service Institute, Volunteer for Meals on Wheels for over twenty years and a volunteer at the West Side Food Bank for several years. Kit enjoyed gardening, fishing, traveling, bird watching, railroading and reading, but most of all he adored his family. Besides his wife of twenty-five years, Kit is survived by his son, Christopher R. Graham (Annette) of Long Reach, NB; brother, David W. Graham (Joyce) of Fredericton, NB; sister, B. Jean MacCannell of Tulsa,OK; four grandchildren, Christopher John, Terri-Lynn, Timothy James and Nicholas Leo; special great-granddaughter, Haley, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. Resting at Brenan's Bay View Funeral Home, 1461 Manawagonish Road, Saint John (634-7425) with visiting on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. The funeral service will take place on Thursday, April 22, 2010 at Westfield United Church at 1:00 PM with Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Stevenson officiating. Interment to take place in Cedar Hill Extension Cemetery. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Westfield United Church or to a charity of the donor's choice.