The family of KENNETH "KEN" DUANE GRAHAM is saddened to announce his passing on Saturday, April 8, 2023. He was the last family member of his generation.
Ken is survived by his children: Janet, Michael and Richard, four grandchildren and one great-grandson.
He was predeceased by his wife Mary in 2021 and daughter Kathy in 2023.
Ken was born in 1928 on the family farm, east of Warner in southern Alberta. Growing up, Ken was a farm boy but realized in high school that farm life wasn't for him. He was accepted into the Agriculture program at the U of A in 1947. After one year, he transferred to the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph, where he got his degree in veterinary medicine. He also met his future wife Mary, in Guelph. They were married for 69 years.
Ken set up a practice in Claresholm, Alberta in 1952. Ranching is a big part of the area, so his practice was mostly focused on large animals. He sold the practice in 1969 when he took a job with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency in Lethbridge. He stayed with the agency until retirement in 1988, when he turned 60.
If you asked Ken to build you something, he did so with enthusiasm. He loved woodworking but that came second to his passion for his huge vegetable garden, which he kept going until he was 92 years old. Ken and Mary shared an enthusiasm for travel. They saw a good bit of the world in their years together. Ken particularly liked the countryside, in whatever country they were visiting. Family vacations were all about travelling to explore Canada.
Ken took an active role at First United Church when the family moved to Lethbridge. He had many years on the board, as treasurer, singing in the choir and supporting the church where necessary.
A private Family Memorial Service will be held in Lethbridge. If desired, a donation to a favorite charity would be appreciated in lieu of flowers.