We Remember

GRAVES, John Edward

1963 – 2024

John Edward Graves: a loving husband, father, brother, father-in-law, poppa, and friend.

John was an enthusiastic storyteller and would have loved to tell the story of his life himself (in no less than thirty pages) but we hope he will accept his children’s abridged version below:

John was born in Vancouver, BC to Fred and Libby Graves and enjoyed a childhood of exploring the tidal pools and sea life of his waterfront home in quiet Deep Cove. John was very close to his sister Annie and his older brother Peter.

Twila met John through friends, but first fell in love with him when he offered a solitary elderly man to sit with them on a movie date. What followed was a deep and beautiful relationship that only grew in strength over the following 43 years.

John and Twila welcomed their first child, Ryan, into the world in 1992 and 27 years later welcomed Ryan’s wife Leanna into the family as well.

John and Twila’s second child, Kalyn, was born in 1994. John danced the night away at Kalyn’s wedding to Steve in 2023.

John is fondly remembered by his kids as a father who always put them first and as a relentless cheerleader.

John’s willingness to drop everything and help out others wasn’t limited just to his kids, but was a trait that will be remembered by everyone who met him. From masquerading as Santa at Christmas, to telling goofy jokes, John made people smile, and he made them feel welcome.

Skilled gardeners, John and Twila turned their backyard into a lush oasis of waterfalls, flowers, and lounging spots. John took great pleasure in spending time outdoors here, particularly when local wildlife came to visit.

Despite a cancer diagnosis, John still had the opportunity to be a loving Poppa to his granddaughter Ella, a little girl he proudly showed photos of to anyone in proximity.

John passed away peacefully on July 25, 2024, at the Kelowna Hospice House, surrounded by close family and colourful flowers from his garden. During his illness, John was privileged enough to be cared for by the kind professionals of the Kelowna Cancer Clinic and, most importantly, his wife.

John’s warmth, and the care he showed for friends and strangers, will live on in those who miss him.

We love you, Dad/John.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.

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