Robert Graham

With deep sadness, the family announces Robert’s sudden passing on January 20, 2019 at the age of 69. Rob is survived by his wife Sharon Francis; son Derrick Francis (Sandi); daughter Sara Kozmanuik (Jamie Hudye); granddaughters Allisha Francis (Mike Bartlett & son Madden); Autumn Kozmanuik (Zach Toffan & sons Owen and Emmett); and Echo Kozmanuik; grandsons Dayton Driedger and River Kozmanuik; brothers Jim and Dave Graham (Cindy Elchuk) and nephew Chris; in-laws betty Francis, Joyce (Garth) Biddle; Steve (Shirley) Francis; Ev Francis; numerous nephews and nieces; and by his very good friend Don Ewart. Rob was predeceased by his parents Rose and Ken Graham; grandson Dustin Driedger; in-laws Joanne Graham; Rose, Edwin, Terrel & Roger Francis. Rob grew up on the family farm just west of Saskatoon, then earned his Bachelor of Commerce, followed by his MBA, from the U of S.

Rob was currently the owner of Superior Safety Services Inc. in Saskatoon which provided a wide range of occupational health and safety services. He held designations as a Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP); a Chartered Arbitator/Mediator; a Construction Safety Officer and a Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP). He was a member of the Saskatchewan Construction Assn and the North Sask Business Assn (NSBA). In 2010, he was awarded the Saskatchewan Safety Professional of the Year award by the Occupational Health & Safety Assn of Sask. His earlier work history included Revenue Canada, the Canada Employment Centre, new home construction, the Board of Trade, the Extension Division at SIAST and many years volunteering on the board of the Saskatoon Junior Achievement Program.

An important part of Rob’s life was being a Rotarian and he was currently the secretary of the Riverside Club and a past president of the Saskatoon North Club. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, currently with the 3rd degree at St. Anne’s Council and was a former Grand Knight. He was also a member of the 4th degree (D’Arcy McGee Assembly). Rob loved music, especially playing the Sax, listening to jazz music and enjoying his extensive collection of jazz artists. He enjoyed singing with the bass section in the Church choir and greatly admired the talents of his fellow members. Family life and celebrations were very important to him, especially time spent with grandchildren. He was a master of the one-liners and was very adept at making up stories on the spur of the moment. We will greatly miss his easy wit and amusing  pundits even though some could be real groaners!

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 21, 2019 at St. Anne’s Roman Catholic Church in Saskatoon with Rev. Father Matthew Ramsay. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Knight’s of Columbus Blackstrap Youth Camp, c/o St. Anne’s Church, 217 Lenore Dr., Saskatoon, SK S7K 6Y2. Arrangements in care of Chelsea Krentz – Mourning Glory Funeral Services (306) 978-5200.