Obituary of Daniel Roy Graham
It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Daniel Roy Graham, at the Red Deer Hospital on September 25, 2023.
Danny was born in Red Deer on march 16, 1950, to John and Norma Graham. He grew up in north Red Deer with his five siblings. He started grade one at River Glen School and over the years attended North Hill School (Aspen Heights), Central School, and for high school he attended Lindsay Thurber Vocational School.
His first job was at Alberta Wheat Pool where he was offered to take training for an office job, but early on knew that it wasn’t for him. He worked in the bulk division of Alpha Milk, where he picked up milk at farms. After a couple of years, he moved over to the transport division where he hauled various Alpha products to different parts of Alberta, BC, and Saskatchewan.
He married the love of his life, Barb (Bidinger), on September 25, 1971. In 1973 they welcomed their first son Corey. Their second son, Ryan, was born in 1979, and their third, Dustin, was born in 1988. Danny loved being a Dad and spent as much time as possible with his sons.
In 1976, he bought his first Kenworth. After being an owner operator working for other companies, he branched out on his own. Thus in 1980, “D Graham Trucking” was founded. Danny loved being his own boss, having the ability to provide his loyal customers with good service and a fair price.
Danny was a man of integrity – He had a deep Christian faith that he practiced and lived in his own quiet way. Whether providing good service through his company, having coffee with the boys at Tim Horton’s, or attending church – he was always the same steadfast person.
Danny was the proud “Papa” to ten grandchildren, with each one having a special place in his heart. He truly was a family man and loved being part of whatever the family was doing.
Over the course of his life, he enjoyed Ski-dooing, quading, and in his later years he enjoyed riding his “Royal Star” motorcycle whenever he had the opportunity.
He will be deeply missed for his easy-going personality, kindness, generosity, humbleness, and his love of life.
Danny is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Barb; sons, Corey (Tammy), Ryan (Tracey), and Dustin (Alyssa); grandchildren Jasinta “Jazz”, Ty, Kobe, Jada, Kaden, Ryder, Halle, Tate, Madden, and Mila; siblings Dave (Loretta) Graham, Barb (Baird) Thomas, Janet (Jim) Janssen Odishaw, and Susan (Allan) Martin; brother-in-law Gerald (Ursula) Bennett; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Danny was predeceased by his parents, John and Norma Graham; sister Shirley Bennett; and brother-in-law and best friend Ivan Janssen.
The family would like to extend a thank you to the wonderful staff at the Ponoka Centennial Center, where Danny received the best car possible for the past six months.
A celebration of life for Danny will be held in the Chapel of Crossroads Church, 38105 Range Road 275, Red Deer County, on Friday, October 20, 2023, at 11:00 AM. For those planning on attending, please enter by the north east "Chapel" entrance. A luncheon will follow for the attending guests. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made directly to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada or to the Red Deer Hospice Society or to another charity of one’s choosing. Condolences to Danny’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net. Please indicate “Graham” in the subject line.
Arrangements in care of
Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service
A locally owned cremation and funeral provider
serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta
587-876-4944