GRAVES, WILLARD MURRAY - Willard Murray Graves of Burton NB, passed away peacefully at home surrrounded by his family. Born December 30th, 1925 in Saint John, NB he was predeceased by his loving wife Majorie Hazel Graves (Neilson). He is survived by his children, Dianne Barnes (Peter) of Burton; Murratte Graves (Joe Foote) of Saint John; ReBecca Paterson (Wayne) of Sussex; Melinda Mallery (Curtis) of Gagetown and Raymond Graves (Jeannie) of Fort St John, BC; his grandchildren, Winnifred, Charity, Adam, Patrick, Niomia, Tyrone, Rebecca, Jordan and Cole; great grand children, Makayla, Trinity, Jade, Delaney, Connor, Peter and Teagan have all lost a great pillar of strength in their young lives. Other close family members he leaves behind are his sisters, Marjorie of Hampton, Vella of Quispmasis, Barbra and Ruth of Toronto and Nancy of Saint John; and his sisters-in-law, Leona Maynard and Shirley Stennick, both of Oromocto. Murray had a great love of the water. His journey started as a deck hand on the SS Majestic, serving in WWII on the HMCS Valleyfield and HMCS Haida plus his own boat, the Nova Dawn, on the Saint John River. He was known to have the best and tastiest tomatoes in a 100 mile radius of his home. He joined the Canadian Army after the war and served in Germany, Whitehorse, Sussex, Borden and Gagetown leaving the service after 24 years. He had a great mind for computers and carried on a very intellectual conversation for those who dared test his knowledge. His thoughts on religion, government and the weather were always up for chatter. He missed the love of his life after 62 years of marriage very much since her passing 3 years ago end July. His passing was as Murray wanted, quietly and with determination.
Family and friends will gather Saturday, July 6th, from 2 to 5 at Murray's home in Burton to raise a glass and celebrate his life . In lieu of flowers, Murray's wishes were for families to take their loved ones out for dinner and have a cheer for him. Murray's family wish to thank those for the great care received from Dr Gowan, Dr Snell and the great Extra Mural nurses of Oromocto. Online condolences can be made at www.oromoctofh.com, 357-5100.