The Graham Legacy - Part One

Berwick has always been privileged to have a large number of dedicated volunteers, but one couple in particular stands out as having gone far beyond the call of duty in commitments to build, direct and aid organizations fundamental to the development of a stable community.

Both Gordon and Edna Graham have spent their entire lives furthering organizations in Berwick and beyond, raised two sons any parents would be proud of and established and managed a highly successful business unique in its operation.

The list of accomplishments in regards to Gordon and Edna Graham’s volunteer work is a very long one, but several areas in particular should be mentioned. Gordon was one of the brave young men who volunteered to risk his life on our behalf in World War II, serving in the RCA 105th Battalion, heavy artillery, which led him to become a member of the Kings County Veteran Club. He was treasurer of the Berwick Baptist Church for 32 years, treasurer for the WKM Hospital for 27 years and served as trustee of the same hospital for 30 years. A former president of the Berwick and District Board of Trade, he spent nine years as town councillor on the Berwick town committee, contributing to the town’s police committee and as chairman of the Berwick Gala Days committee. He was a founding member of the Berwick Arena, Grand Noble of the Berwick IOOF Lodge and manager of Kingswood Camp for 12 years. He held positions with the Kings West PC Association, and served for 18 years with the Berwick Cancer Society. A charter member of the Berwick Lions, Gordon acted a chair of many committees during his five-year tenure with the club.

Gordon’s enthusiasm and spirit was equaled by that of his life-long partner, Edna, whose devotion to her husband and selfless volunteering often overlapped Gordon’s endeavours. As an example, when Gordon became chairman of the 1st Berwick Scout group, sponsored by the Berwick Baptist Church in 1961, Edna enlisted as one of the cooks for Scouting trips to Cape Breton and P.E.I. Besides working at the Kingswood Camp in summers and acting as organizer, bookkeeper and supporter for all Gordon’s activities, Edna was also a member of the White Cross at the Waterville Hospital, a Berwick Red Cross member and served as a volunteer at Seyforth’s Rest Home in Berwick for 20 years. Long before Meals on Wheels was established, Edna was preparing and delivering food baskets to shut-ins. She was a member of the Rebekah Lodge for 28 years and is still a member of the MacPherson Auxiliary at the Berwick Baptist Church, where she also taught Sunday school. Edna served as a member of the Berwick Cancer Society, as well as on the Ann Foster Hospital Auxiliary where she worked alongside other members in the operation of the canteen. Involved in all activities concerning the couple’s two children, Edna also joined the Home and School Association. Throughout all this time, Gordon and Edna managed a family-owned business that began in 1946.