I write quite often about community pillars and local leaders of the past.
It’s important sometimes to take a step back and also look at where we are today. Whether we like to admit it or not, every single day history is being made. People are putting themselves at the forefront and trying to make change.
Read more: Graham Brown
Graham Brown was one of those Lloydminster staples that was leading the charge forward looking to better the living situation of seniors in the area, hoping he could create a future where none had to be moved outside of Lloyd for long-term care.
Brown came to Canada from England when he was just three years old. He grew up in Cut Knife, Sask. Graham met his wife Joan Shortell when he was 19 years old and eventually the pair moved to Lloydminster in 1976.
They moved to Lloyd to be a part of the family business, Broadcast Centre, working alongside Mary Shortell and brother-in-law Ken Ruptash. They worked to build up CKSA/CITL TV and the radio station.
He was heavily involved in the community. He took on the role in the mid-80s as the Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce president. He was a member of the Lakeland College Advisory Group, Lloydminster Economic Development Authority and Lions Club.
He received the Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Medal in 2023 from Alberta. Most recently, he was involved in the Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Senior Care Society.
When he was moving into his role as president with the chamber of commerce, he looked at the chance of having Lakeland College in the community as “every bit as important as the upgrader.”
“More students means more buildings,” said Brown.
Of course, the college would open in 1990, bringing with it the more buildings Brown prophesized.
I still remember when Graham came to present about a new Jubilee Home in front of council May 12. He came to talk about his letter-writing campaign hoping to elevate his message and get it in front of the Saskatchewan legislature to draw attention to the need.
He was sharp, he was clear and his message was powerful. He packed the house with other seniors there to support his cause. I’ve heard from others in the community that losing Brown is a sudden and profoundly sad loss.
He passed away Sept. 9 at the age of 74 and will be remembered for his work in the community. Most importantly, he’ll be remembered as someone who cared for his family and friends. He was a community pillar pushing to make things better, a difficult task in a city dominated by provincial squabbling and rules that hurt us more than help us.
Until next time, thanks for everything, Graham.
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