Obituary of Henry William Graves
With family by his side, Henry William Graves, age 76, of Aylesford, passed away peacefully at the Valley Hospice, on Saturday, April 1, 2023. Born in Wolfville on November 26, 1946, he was the eldest son of the late William and Florence (Lockhart) Graves.
Henry spent most of his earlier years in the family home in Port Williams, doing what boys do - getting in trouble, while exploring the Village, playing ball and hockey, fishing and hunting with his father and brothers. He could often be found at the local canteens playing pinball with friends. After attending Horton School, Henry was employed in various vocations. He worked for a number of Valley farmers, sailed on the gypsum boats out of Hantsport, and doing what he enjoyed most trucking.
Of all the people Henry touched the lives of, whether he knew them or not, his most proud achievement was marrying Darlene Freeman, who supported him in all his glory during his heyday, and lovingly supported him physically, during their last days together. In his later years, Henry was able to work with his wife in Valley apple orchards, picking apples in the fall and pruning the trees in the spring. Henry was a long-time member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #006, Kentville. It was at the Legion that Henry and Darlene would often spend Saturday evenings dancing away the hours.
Henry is remembered by his wife of 22-years, Darlene (Freeman); step-daughters, Elizabeth (David), Berwick; Sara (Matt), Kentville; brothers, Wayne (Mary), Kingston; Perry (Kim), Port Williams; sisters, Carolyn (Fred) Laybolt, Kamloops, BC; Paula (Eric) Morine, Port Williams; sisters-in-law, Debbie Graves, Port Williams; Kim Graves, Port Williams; brothers-in-law, Alvin (Ruth) Freeman, Aylesford; Harvey (Theresa) Freeman, Aylesford; step-granddaughter, Patricia Hubley, Berwick; step-great-grandsons, Russell Hubley, Berwick; Remington Hubley, Berwick; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
In addition to his parents, Henry was predeceased by younger brothers, Michael Graves and Tim Graves; brother-in-law, Eric Freeman; sisters-in-law, Madeleine Graves, Eileen Lanthier, and Mary Freeman.
The family wishes to express a heartfelt thank you to the caregivers at the Valley Hospice, VON, Palliative Care, CAREY ME Progam, and especially to Dr. Lauren Clark Gallant.
As requested, there will be a private family celebration of Henry’s life and interment to take place in Starr’s Point Cemetery, Port Williams, at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Valley Hospice, VON, and CAREY ME Program. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, 34 Coldbrook Village Park Dr., Coldbrook, NS, B4R 1B9 (902-679-2822).
