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The Rev. Douglas Graves
December 13, 1944 - March 23, 2016
Tribute
Reverend Doug Graves moved to Powell River just over two years ago, but many here will remember him for diving right into community life. He brought his extensive knowledge of the refugee sponsorship process to his leadership with the Welcome Refugee Powell River board. As a member of Powell River United Church and a retired minister, Doug sang in the choir, presided over funerals, led worship and much more. He was also a literacy tutor with Community Adult Literacy and Learning and served the community of L'Arche Comox Valley as a mentor and continued his work with L'Arche International.
Country music, hymns and their histories, the theologian Henri Nouwen, goofball comedies, books of all kinds, his dogs Penny and Bear, his work and his family all brought him great joy.
Doug was born in Montreal and grew up in Vancouver, the son of a nurse and anaesthesiologist. Childhood polio left him with a severely curved spine and post-polio syndrome. He graduated with a degree in mathematics from University of British Columbia, a master's degree in divinity from McGill University and was ordained in 1969. During his working life, he served congregations in rural Manitoba and Vancouver, including First United Church on the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, Southill, Ladner and St. Stephens in Delta.
In the last years of his working ministry, Doug organized several community dialogues between Tsawwassen First Nation and non-aboriginal residents of Delta, to ease tensions and promote understanding. This was just one of many quiet projects stretching over his life that highlight his insight, pursuit of justice, patience with people and hopefulness.
Doug is survived by his wife Laurel Hunt, stepchildren Hayley Hunt-Brondwin (Tom), Ariel Hunt-Brondwin (Chris) and Pieta Woolley (Martyn), sister Barb (Bart), brother Alan and grandchildren David and Abi Woolley and Rowan Wulff who was born just days after Doug passed away suddenly, at age 71, from a hemorrhage.
Doug's memorial service will be held at Powell River United Church at 2 pm on Thursday, April 21. Donations to L'Arche Comox Valley larchecomoxvalley.org and End Polio Now, Rotary International's campaign, are welcome in lieu of flowers.
Condolences
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From: Stubberfield Funeral Home Ltd. Staff
Stubberfield Funeral Home Ltd. Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Date & Time:
April 21, 2016
Beginning at 2:00pm
Location:
Powell River United Church
6932 Crofton St.
Powell River, BC Canada
There will also be a service for Rev. Graves held at Ladner United Church, 4770 Garry St., Delta, BC on May 1, 2016 at 2:00 pm.
6932 Crofton St.
Powell River, BC Canada
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Floral Tributes may be ordered at:
Chrysalis Flowers and Gifts
4801 Joyce Avenue
Powell River, BC V8A 3B7
Phone 604-485-7673
Please have the name of the deceased and date of service for handy reference.
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Send Condolence - For The Rev. Douglas Graves
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