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”.
A photo of John with the 6 gals on a trip to the ICBC Head Office in Vancouver in 2005.
So sorry for your loss. John and I worked at ICBC a few years before I transferred out. I have very fond memories. He was so proud of his kids!
My brother John was so deeply thoughtful and caring towards others – both his family and strangers. He loved his wife Twila so very much and his kids Ryan & Kalyn were his world. I will always remember his incredible sense of humour and the laughter he brought into our family. I’ll miss you brother and I hold you in my heart forever❤️
Dear Twila and family. We are so sorry for your loss! We think of you often. John will be missed!
Best brother in law you could ask for, we had so many fun times when our kids were growing up 💗 will miss you John
My brother was a kind & caring soul who was a great family man & person. He made us all smile and feel good at family events. To say he will be missed is an understatement. Thanks for being my brother. Love you lots.
I was so sad to hear of John’s passing. I worked with John at ICBC for many years and loved the joy and humour he brought to our office. He was always telling a joke or gathering us together for a bocce game at lunch or sharing his latest marketing campaign idea. His ideas were full of life and creativity, something that can be hard in the insurance industry! He was warm and kind and someone I always felt I could go to with a problem or to seek advice. He listened and he cared. I have so many wonderful memories of John. He will be missed.
John was like a second brother to me growing up! He was best friends with my brother Cass, for 50 years or so! I was so blessed to be around for when he met his beautiful Twila, to their wedding, to their children being born to mine being born! Never a moment where we all didn’t laugh or reminisce together. I will miss you, John. And once I have a chance to dig out some good ol’ pics, you know I’ll share them far and wide!
I am very sorry to hear this news. Actually I did not know until today. I have exchanged message with John on July 15th, and he did not tell me he was in hospice care, but he told me that he wouldn’t live long. He was very glad to be able to hold granddaughter, Ella. He was proud grandpa. Sending condolences to all of you, and praying for peaceful healing.