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MAXWELL, Graham Kelly, Sergeant CD 44ES, 39 CES - 48, Castlegar BC


With heavy hearts and great sadness the family of Graham Kelly Maxwell, announces his sudden passing on February 18, 2011. Born in Truro, NS, he was the son of Kathleen “Kay“(Fraser) and the late Keith Maxwell of Masstown, NS. Kelly grew up in Hilden and Bible Hill, NS and was a proud graduate of Cobequid Educational Centre. Upon graduation from CEC in 1980 he joined the Canadian Army where he excelled in career as a supply technician (Sup Tech). Ever accommodating and easy going, Kelly reverted to his first name, Graham, when he joined the forces, although to all his friends and colleagues he fondly known as Max.

Over the course of his 25 year career with the Regular Force, he served with 1 Service Battalion (Calgary and Edmonton), 12 Service Battalion (Richmond), CFB Chilliwack (Vancouver) and 18 Service Battalion (Thunder Bay). He also completed tours of duty with the UN in Cyprus, Croatia, the former Yugoslavia and with NATO in Bosnia and Kosovo. He was awarded the Canadian Peace Keeping Service and Canadian Forces Decoration medals. Upon his retirement from the Regular Force in 2006 he became the Quarter Master for 44 Field Engineer Squadron in Trail, BC. In 2008 he was promoted to Regimental Quarter Master for 39 Combat Engineer Regiment in Trail, North Vancouver and Chilliwack.

He is survived by his mother, Kathleen Maxwell; sister Sandra (Steve) Guindon, Airdrie, AB; brothers John (Grace), Bedford, NS; and Dana, Lawrencetown, NS; nieces Jessica, Caitlin, Victoria, Lauren and Katherine; and nephews Jason and Ryan; aunt Shirley (Gordon) Chaplin, Middle Stewiacke and uncle Graham, Dartmouth.

Kelly loved the mountains of British Columbia, his Mustang and golf. He particularly enjoyed his visits home to Nova Scotia for some of Mom’s home cooking and to thrash his brothers on the golf course. Uncle Kelly was known for his big-hearted generosity and his gifts were always the Christmas and birthday highlights for his nieces and nephews. Max’s generous spirit and attitude also extended into his military life where he was a friend to all and a mentor to many new recruits. He will be sadly missed by his family, friends, Squadron and Regiment. Cremation has taken place; internment will be in the spring at Folly Village Cemetery, Glenholme, NS. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice. Condolences may be sent to fdcfc@shawbiz.ca. The family would like to thank the Canadian Armed Forces, and in particular Sgt-Maj Sharman Thomas, 44ES, Sgt Bart Fyffe, 44 ES and Capt Rick Cosman, 39CBG for their kindness and support.



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