July 19, 1958 - November 21, 2021
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Robert, Thorton, "Stewart" Graham at the Red Deer Hospital, in the presence of his wife and children on November 21, 2021, at 63 years of age.
Stewart was born in Leiria Portugal on July 19, 1958, to Willard Graham and Dorothy [Archbold] Graham. He spent the first 2 years of his life living in various locations in Portugal where his father worked as a Drilling Foreman for Mobil Oil. They returned to Canada and bought a farm east of Elnora Alberta in 1960. Stewart Graduated from Delburne High School and went to work for Bear Tool near Edmonton.
He then worked for the ATB in Athabasca, Brooks, and Smoky Lake. While in Brooks he met his wife, Carolyn Regehr, at the Community Badminton League. They married in 1982 and lived in Mayerthorpe and Fort Macleod. Stewart had opportunity to farm his uncle's land, so 2 years were spent at Alliance where Danielle was born. From here Stewart worked in Vulcan, where Justin was born, for Kanover Farms and H Hansen.
1990 brought the opportunity to attend the Leatherworkers Class in Olds, at the College. After 2 years of sharpening his leather skills, he worked at OKCS, as Janitorial staff. In1996 he underwent a Liver Transplant and months of convalescence. Stewart began operating trucks for Selah Corral Cleaners, D.As. Custom Feed Service, and farm work for Lee Pochapsky. This led to him obtaining his class 1 and driving for Yoos, KPVS, Olds College as a contract bus driver, and long-haul cattle transport with Copperhead.
He loved the big rig but decided he needed to be home more, so he took a job in produce at Olds Walmart. From there he joined Bruce and Mary Bieber at Olds Home Hardware for 11 years and then Sundre Home Hardware as the Picker Operator to the present time.
Stewart kept busy in his home-based business, TNT Custom Leather after hours. Summer vacations were spent Trail Riding out west. He invited Jr and Sr High students to join his family for many years and he also wrangled at Pioneer Ranch Camp at Rocky Mountain House for several summers. He joined the executives of Rural Ride For Dad and Friends of The Eastern Slopes Association. He was willing to lend a hand when help was needed, and he was generous to others. He had a mischievous streak and a strong moral compass. He was very proud of his kids and thought his grandkids were the best.
Stewart leaves behind his wife of 39 years, Carolyn, his daughter, Danielle (Jack), grandson Levi and son Justin (Jen) grandsons Sawyer, Carver, Miller, Walker and granddaughter, Freya.
He is predeceased by his father, Willard, his mother Dot and a sister-in law, Janice.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, memorial services will be invite only. Live streaming of the service will be available on Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at: https://vimeo.com/649163213/e131ad2368 In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Organ and Tissue Donation Program, Friends of the Eastern Slopes Association or Ride for Dad. Heartland Funeral Services, Ltd., Olds, entrusted with arrangements. 403-507-8610. Condolences may be made or viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com
