Robert James Graham

It is with much sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Rob Graham on July 18th, 2024.

Rob was predeceased by his mother Jean Graham (nee Hepburn). He is survived and very much missed by his partner Mary McInnes, father Lane Graham, sister Wendy Graham Ray (Curtis Ray), as well as many extended family members from the Graham, Hepburn, and McInnes families.

Rob was born to Lane and Jean Graham in Edmonton, Alberta on February 23rd, 1966. From Edmonton, the family moved to New Orleans, Louisiana for a short time before settling long-term in Winnipeg, Manitoba. When Rob was five years old, his sister Wendy was born to complete their family. The Grahams were long-time Fort Garry residents, and Rob attended Viscount Alexander, Pembina Crest, and Vincent Massey schools, graduating in 1984. During his early years, he was a Cub Scout, an avid stamp collector, and a competitive swimmer. Lane and Jean’s love for nature rubbed off on Rob and he would grow to love the outdoors as well.

Rob enjoyed many family trips to Alberta, where the Graham and Hepburn families resided. Frequent visits were made to the family favorite, Waterton Lakes National Park. Rob enjoyed these family trips so much that he spent one summer of his youth working at the historic Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton.

Growing up, Rob showed a keen intellect for puzzles and brain teasers, taking no time to snap together a jigsaw puzzle or master the Rubik’s Cube. It was clear early on that Rob was adept at transforming what he imagined in his head into physical form with his hands, whether that involved playing with Lego, assembling a model kit, or admiring his Grandpa Hepburn’s construction of grandfather clocks. It was no surprise that this childhood interest would turn into an adult career as a renovation specialist. He got his start at Sanford’s Building and Decorating and would go on to work for many Winnipeg renovation companies, as well as perform independent contracting. Many homes around Winnipeg are lucky to have Rob’s kitchen and bath handiwork on display.

After renting around Winnipeg in his early adulthood, Rob eventually moved into his own Fort Garry home, establishing friendships with several of his neighbors. He handpicked his own housemate and man’s best friend in the form of Sage, his energetic Weimaraner mix, who would keep Rob active on walks and visits to dog parks. Then, in 2012, Rob met his kindred spirit Mary, who would become his loving life partner. The McInnes clan embraced Rob, gathering for holidays or at the family cottage, and the Grahams loved that Mary became part of their family as well. Rob and Mary shared a youthful playfulness and despite some incessant teasing, Rob could always make Mary laugh. They had a shared love for animals and would later adopt their dog Bella together. Good food was always ever-present, with a love for quality ingredients and unique recipes made at home or indulged in at a favorite restaurant.

Rob’s most recent rituals were Wednesday visits to Costco with his Dad, and Saturday visits with Mary to Deluca’s where they became cherished regulars. It’s these “little things” that made up Rob’s life and his relationships with his loved ones that “mattered most”. They will also be missed the most but always lovingly remembered.

A small Celebration of Life will be held 10:00am on Tuesday July 30th, 2024, at Thomson “In The Park” Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. Winnipeg, MB.

Should people wish, donations in Rob’s memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, or to a pet rescue of choice.