May 18, 1966 – April 11, 2021
Carlson – Graeme was welcomed as a gift, arriving on his dad’s birthday and beginning a tradition of shared celebrations on May 18th for years to come. Born in Vulcan, Alberta, Graeme was the first member of the fourth generation raised on the family farm and homestead east of Champion, Alberta. Graeme’s childhood was full, there was always work to be done on the farm, raising crops in the summer and calving in the winter. He was his dad’s helper from the time he could reach the pedals on a tractor or a truck. Hockey, 4-H, music, motorbikes and friends filled his spare time. Graeme stayed on the farm for a few years after graduation but other interests called him away. He continued in agriculture, attending Lethbridge College. After graduation he worked in the industry with Pioneer Grain and Feedrite. In 1988 he was lucky enough to meet the love of his life, Tammy Dyck right there in his hometown of Vulcan, where she had recently moved. They married in 1991 and began their life in Lacombe. In 1995 Graeme and Tammy welcomed their daughter Kaylin. In 1997 Graeme took on a new role with Tirol International. This job took them to Brooks where Graeme resided until his passing. Graeme and Tammy embarked on a new challenge in 2000 when they purchased Sportside Source for Sports. Graeme grew up in a community minded family, this upbringing and the store ownership saw him become an integral part of Brooks. He was a member of the Brooks Legion, Brooks and Stavley Elks Clubs and Brooks Masonic Lodge. He and Tammy were strong supporters of the local AJHL team, the Brooks Bandits. The championship performance of the Bandits carried him through many years when his Calgary Flames and Boston Bruins were not performing as he wanted. Graeme made connections and friends wherever he went. From family camping trips, men league golf and tournaments, visiting at Elks Lodges and Legion Halls on road trips, buying shows for the store and time spent with friends and family from childhood to present – many called him a friend. He liked to put on a gruff exterior sometimes but he actually had a deep loyalty for those he loved. He was so grateful for the love of his amazing wife Tammy and proud of all his daughter Kaylin’s accomplishments in 26 years. He was looking forward to retirement in the place he loved most, Qualicum Beach where he and Tammy purchased a home and were making plans for the future. Although those plans will be different now, he would want all of us left grieving to go on and enjoy life, connect to your community and not take anything for granted. Left to grieve are his wife Tammy, daughter Kaylin, mother Ann, sister Lorna (Lloyd), Aunt Ruth (Gord), cousins Kent and Dana (Cheryl) Karapita, mother-in-law Linda and numerous family members and friends from Alberta, BC, Ireland and the USA. Graeme was predeceased by his brother Garth, his father Gordon and his father-in-law John. Thank you to so many near and far who have reached out with support in many ways, for all of us, during this unexpected time. The kindness and professionalism shown by the staff at the Brooks and University of Alberta Hospitals was appreciated. A Celebration will be held this summer, when COVID restrictions allow for hugs and handshakes. Graeme would want us to all be able to be together and share some laughs and tears. Donations can be made in Graeme’s name directly to the Brooks Health Foundation (brookshealthfoundation.ca), Bag 300, Brooks, T1R 1B3, The Vulcan County Health and Wellness Foundation (vchwfoundation.com) or your local Masonic Hall or Elks Lodge.
Cremation is entrusted to and conducted by
Smith Funeral Home Ltd. and Crematorium, Brooks
Funeral arrangements entrusted to:
SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM
BROOKS, ALBERTA
Condolences may be forwarded through www.sfh.ca
Telephone 403-362-4636 or Toll Free (866)-362-4652
“Our Families Serving Your Family Since 1951”
