GRAVES, Wayne Leslie

Age 78, of Coldbrook, Kings Co., passed away peacefully on Friday, December 4, 2020 at home, surrounded by his children. Born in Kentville, he was a son of the late George Edward and Ruby Isabelle (Weagle) Graves. Wayne married Laverne, the love of his life, in October of 1963. Together they had three children who were the centre of their lives. They returned to the Annapolis Valley after living away in Bible Hill and Stewiacke for many years. Wayne gathered friends wherever he went. His smile, his laughter, and his love of life was infectious. He loved singing and playing the guitar, instilling his love of music in his children. His huge heart and joy for life made everyone he met feel welcomed and at home. Wayne began his working career in the grocery business, mainly in managerial positions and retired from a sales position with Hayward & Warwick. He had been a Senior Councillor with the U.C.T., was involved with the Army Cadets, Air Cadets, thewest Nova Scotia Regiment and was an Auxiliary Constable with the RCMP. He was also a life member of the Stewiacke Fire Department, a Cub and Scout leader, as well as a member and former Deacon of Centreville Baptist Church. Wayne is survived by daughters, Dawn (Michael) Harvey, Centreville; Cheryl Graves (Amos Churchill), Cambridge; son, Joshua, Coldbrook; sisters, Lillian Spencer, Kentville; Sylvia Stevenson ( Joe Benjamin), Kentville; and Linda Mackenzie, Mississauga, Ont.; brother, George (Darlene) Graves, Centreville; brothers-inlaw, Lowell Simpson, Kentville; and Lawrence (Phyllis) Simpson, Spa Springs; honourary brother, Donnie (Dot) Pinner, Arcadia; many beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Laverne (Simpson); sisters, Beatrice Cath and Alice Clare; sister- in-law, Karen Simpson; brothers-in-law, Harry Spencer, Ronald Simpson and Donald Cath. Wayne will be sorely missed by his children, family, and many friends. They take comfort in knowing he is back in the loving arms of Laverne, together again, in God’s house. Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation, by request. A public graveside service will take place at 1 p.m. Wednesday, December 9th in West Hall’s Harbour Cemetery, Rev. Jeff Milne and Rev. Chris Johnston officiating. Please bring a folding chair if you wish to be seated. A webcasting of the graveside service will be available at 1 p.m. Thursday, December 10th by visiting www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com Donations in memory may be made to Centreville Baptist Church, Centreville, Kings County. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. On-line condolences and inquiries may be directed to: www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com