Zen Robert Ross Graves

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Zen Robert Ross Graves, in his 100th year at the age of age 99, on April 16, 2026, in palliative care at the Dartmouth General Hospital.

Born on December 10, 1926, in Moncton, New Brunswick, he moved with his family to Halifax in 1936. He attended Dalhousie University, where he received a Gold D for hockey and boxing. Zen worked at the Bedford Magazine during the summer of 1945 and also served as a Merchant Marine on the Lady Rodney which carried troops between Halifax and St. John’s, NL. In the summer of 1946, he served on the Lady Nelson which was a hospital ship during the war and it then carried injured veterans and war brides back to Canada from England.

Employed by Swift Canadian Company, he was transferred to Saint John, NB where he met the love of his life, Helen Edith Robertson. Zen worked for Angevine and McLaughlin starting in 1950 and later organized the old firm to become AMCA Food Brokers.

In August of 1960, Zen, Helen and his children settled in Dartmouth, where he eventually became President and CEO of AMCA Sales, earning the respect of colleagues and the community. Zen was a Past President of the Canadian Food Brokers and a Past President of the Nova Scotia Food and Allied Industries Association. He was also very involved in youth hockey in the community. Zen is a Life Member of the Dartmouth OWLS Club. He retired from AMCA in 1994, and he and Helen spent many happy years enjoying their winters in Florida.

Zen was predeceased by his beloved wife, Helen Edith (Robertson) Graves; his son, Eric Reid Graves; his parents, Beulah (Morris) and Hilliard H Graves; and his sisters, Peggy (Roy) Peck and Wanda (Bryce) Burgess.

He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Hilliard (Naomi), Barbara (Ray Turner), Alan (Michelle), and Roger (Sheena); grandchildren, Karen, Eric, Meagan, Moya, Zen (Nick), Jacob and Samantha; as well as his 11 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him great joy. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Known affectionately as “Grampie”, Zen will be remembered for his deep love of family, his stories and the lasting impact he had on those around him.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Kenzie, Kaitlyn, Emily, and the rest of the 5 West team for the compassionate care and kindness shown during his final days.

As we await family and friends travelling from afar, a celebration of life will be held on September 9, 2026, from 2-4pm.

“A life well lived leaves a legacy of love that time cannot fade.”