May 5, 2018
The family of Iris Jane Graham (nee McConkey) sadly announces her passing on May 5, 2018 at her home in Crescent Valley, B.C. Iris was born at home on the family farm near the Douglas border crossing on April12, 1946. Iris enjoyed many happy days growing up on the Lower Mainland particularly those spent at the White Rock beaches with family and friends. She married Walter Graham in 1965 and in 1966 were blessed with their only child, Richard. Following a short stay in Calgary the family decided in 1968 to make the big move to London, Ontario but the call of the Lower Mainland was too strong to ignore and the family soon returned to B.C.
In 1972 the decision was made to move to Nelson in search of better employment opportunities. After a short time Walter was able to secure employment with West Kootenay Power where he ultimately became head gardener. Iris secured a position at the South Slocan Post Office where she worked for a number of years. In retirement Iris enjoyed travel, movies, casinos, meeting with friends, gardening, visiting family, and shopping. Particularly shopping.
Iris was predeceased by her father, Stan McConkey, her mother, Ellen Hearl, and her stepfather, Ray Robbins, as well as sister-in-law Gail McConkey and sister-in-law Mabel McConkey. She leaves behind her partner, Terry Dods, son Richard Graham, grandsons Adrian Duke (Michelle), Everett Graham (Kelly), Joseph Graham, and Levi Graham as well as great-grandson Hendrix Duke and great-granddaughter Aubrey Graham.
Also mourning her passing are step-son Terris Dods (Sandra), step-daughter Lisa Ball (Steve) and step-grandsons Spencer and Carter Ball, as well as brothers Charles McConkey and Larry McConkey and sister Shelley Harrison (Stan). Her extended family encompasses numerous nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins, in- laws, and out-laws, as well as a multitude of friends.
The family would like to extend special thanks to those who were there for Iris on her long final journey: in Nelson, Dr. Lee MacKay and Dr. Phillip Malpass, as well as Andrew and his staff at the Nelson Clinic Pharmacy, in Kelowna, the physicians and staff at the B.C. Cancer Agency.
We also extend thanks to the nurses and staff from the Community Home Nursing Care Program who made Iris's last days more comfortable. A special, special appreciation is given to her best friends Liz Dandeneault and Pam Ball who encouraged and supported her throughout.
It was Dr. Suess who best described our feelings on Iris's life when he stated:
Don't cry because it's over
Smile because it happened
Rather than flowers please make a donation to your local S.P.C.A. Iris and the many animals, particularly dogs, she had throughout the years will appreciate it.
A celebration of life will be held later in the year.