GRAHAM, GEORGE EDWIN "ED"
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Ed Graham, husband of the late Marion (Steeves) Graham, announce his passing on Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at his residence. Born December 16, 1924, in Worchester, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late Roy and Gladys (Fisher) Graham.
Ed was a great believer in education and empowerment of all individuals. Throughout his life, his community support and projects helped shape New Brunswick. It is difficult to look around our province to find an avenue of business or government that Ed has not directly impacted. He graduated from Moncton High School in 1942. Ed then earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering at UNB, Fredericton. (1946) He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Science degree in 1982 from UNBSJ.
Ed began his career with NBTEL in 1946 where he continued until his retirement as Vice-President of Planning in 1990. Edwin was never content with just one career. He was also President and Chief Executive Officer of Bruncor. While serving in this capacity, he was seconded by the provincial government at the request of the premier and appointed to the Office of Government Reform. During his leadership at Bruncor, Ed changed the landscape of New Brunswick with the development of Brunswick Square in Saint John, Kings Place in Fredericton, and the Blue Cross Center in Moncton.
Besides his family, community service was Ed's passion. He became known in the province as “The Man Who Got the Regional Hospital Built”. G. E. Graham was listed in both the “Who's Who in Canada” and the “Who's Who in America” for his accomplishments in business and the community. He was appointed to the Medical Research Council of Canada by the Prime Minister. He was appointed by the provincial Minister of Health to serve as the President of the Saint John Region Joint Planning Committee. Ed was a founding member and Chairman of the Board of the Extra- Mural Nursing Program in New Brunswick. Ed served as Chairman of the Board of Governors at UNB. He was Past President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, and Past President of the Atlantic Provinces Chamber of Commerce. Ed also served as the President of the Canadian Standards Association, President of the Saint John Board of Trade, President and Chairman of the Board of Governors of the United Way of Greater Saint John.
Ed enjoyed serving as a member of the board for many businesses: Saint John Energy, Fundy Linen, Major Foods and NB Coal. However, for those who knew Ed's love of chocolate, his admitted favourite board to sit on was the Ganong Brothers. They always made sure Ed received honorary chocolates long after he resigned. (Thank you, David!)
Ed is survived by his only son, Roger Graham (Katharine Brooks) of Nackawic; grandchildren: Ryan (Sarah El-Shaarawi), Kurtis, Peter (Dominique Trotter), Mark, and Madeleine; grandson-inlaw, Simon Hind; step-grandchildren: Martin Bowmaster, and Grace Bowmaster (Alex Green) and their son Jack; sisters: Elizabeth King (Ralston) and Louise Fraser, both of Moncton; sister-inlaw, Marcia Godsoe (Percy); brother-in-law, Gerald Steeves (Joyce); and his caregiver of ten years, Ida O’Neil. She and her support staff, including Ed's own son Roger, provided Ed with a quality of life he might not have otherwise received. The entire family thanks this group of dedicated individuals.
The family would also like to thank Dr. Hobbs, Dr. W. Irving and the Extra-Mural nurses for all the care and support.
Besides his parents and wife, Ed was predeceased by his granddaughter, Krista Hind. Resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424), with visiting on Friday, May 1, 2015 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at 11:30 am from Brenan’s Funeral Home Chapel.
Family flowers only, please, as there were so many charities Ed would love to see supported instead. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Salvation Army, UNBSJ, The Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation, United Way, or a charity of one’s choice.
Online condolences and remembrances may be made at www.brenansfh.com.