Obituary of ANTHONY MAXWELL (MAX) GRAHAM

ANTHONY MAXWELL (MAX) GRAHAM On June 19, 2014 Max's amazing journey in life ended peacefully. Max was born in Wolseley, Saskatchewan. He was predeceased by his wife, Jean and his sister Gwen. He is survived by his daughters: Linda, Judi (Jack) and Debbie (Marvin) grandchildren: Cary, Shawn, Don, Julia, Jay, Taylor, Tyson, and Tarel, 12 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Max and his family moved from the farm in Saskatchewan to Winnipeg in 1949. This is when he started his entrepreneurial life. He owned Central Provision's, a grocery store on Sargent and Kennedy for over 20 years. During the 50's Max and life-long friend Ross MacMaster started Gra-Mac Stables in St. Boniface. The next venture was Sunshine Riding Academy in St. James. He then was a pioneer in the PMU business. He operated that for over 45 years. During this time he also ran the local animal shelter for 20 years. His last business and the one that he retired from at the age of 86 was Graham's Pony Rides. Max also was a lifetime member of Khartum Shriners in the Arabian Horse Guard unit. Over the years most of Max's family and friends at some point worked for Dad, Pa, Papa, Uncle Max or Mackey. Whether it was selling groceries, guiding rides, cleaning stalls, dumping jugs or leading ponies, there were usually a lot of laughs. Max enjoyed life. With a twinkle in his eye he loved telling a story and hearing yours. He was very curious about other people and interested in their lives. He was always ready to help anyone who asked. Max loved making a "deal" and never sold a horse that wasn't 8 or 9! Relaxation for Max was a quick trip back to Wolseley to visit his cousins Tommy and Graham. There was always a horse or two traded back and forth. Many a time he would say "Pack up -lets go to Wolseley" and off we would go, sometimes within the hour! We miss you Dad but you leave behind a lifetime of memories that will live on in your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The family would like to say a special Thank You to Len Turcot, Charlie Castelein and Tom Humniski for their friendship to Dad. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Max's life will be held Thursday, July 03, 2014 at 2 p.m. at the Croatian Community Centre, 22 Skazyk Rd. (just off Donald Rd.) in St. Andrews, MB. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Dad's name to Manitoba Cancer Care.