Obituary of Robert Dale Graham

Robert Dale Graham, 76 of Saint John, NB went home to rest with his Lord and Saviour on May 20, 2024 after a short battle with terminal cancer.

Robert was born on May 14, 1948 in Woodstock, NB.

After his school years in Debec, Robert went on to work at General Dairies in Woodstock. Two years later he decided he wanted to be a truck driver. After completing the course in Debert, he eagerly landed his first truck driving job at Day and Ross. He continued his trucking career with a few different brokers, driving for a total of 31 years. It was obvious trucking was in his blood. Robert was a force to be reckoned with in the trucking industry. He was honoured with the 2 Million Mile Safe Driving Award and Driver of the Year.

He was determined to provide for his family, and he did, which meant he spent many nights on the road, wishing he was home. Robert was very proud of his family and did his best to support them. After his transport accident in 2002 his trucking career came to an end.

In 1968 he met Sheila, they married and had 4 children. They divorced in 1997 but remained good friends.

He moved to Saint John and developed a new passion with volunteer work. He volunteered with Canadian Red Cross for years and even won volunteer of the year. He also volunteered at the Salvation Army Thrift Store and his last volunteer work was Meals on Wheels. He took great pride in every volunteer job he had. Robert loved the fact that he was helping people and was giving of his time and energy.

Robert was also a passionate collector and could often be found at flea markets or garage sales. He collected coins, license plates, baseball cards, vinyl records, model trucks and cars. He also had a talent for collecting paintings and pictures and finding the perfect frame to compliment them.

Anyone who knew Robert knew he was the strong silent type, whose dry sense of humor was effortlessly funny without trying to be.

Robert is survived by the mother of his children Sheila Porelle (Danny), his children; Michelle Valardo (Brian), Dana Graham (Brenda), and Dale Graham (Carrie), grandchildren; Vienna, Evangelia, Andrew, Deidre (Joel), Jarika, Miranda, Brennan, Abigail, Dylan, Anna, Courtney, Brendan, Taylor, and Carter, several great grandchildren, sister Ola Graham, brother Richard Graham (Atheline), sister in law Janet Graham, his long time best trucker buddy Edgar Jacobs, and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents Bill and Edna Graham, brothers; John Graham and Charles Davidson, daughter Deborah Allaby (Peter), niece Mary Jayne, special friend Sandra Vincent and lifelong friend of Ola, Cathy Daye.

Robert’s legacy was his selfless love of all people and treating every person with kindness. His huge heart and gentle soul will be remembered.

Arrangements are under the care of Castle Funeral Home, 309 Lancaster Ave, Saint John, NB E2M 2L3, 506-634-1701. Keeping with Robert’s wishes cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 25 2024 from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, a Memorial Service will follow immediately in Castle Fallsview Chapel at 1:00 PM. At Robert’s request interment will take place in MacKenzie Corner with his family at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations in Robert’s memory can be made to Bobby’s Hospice.