MARS HILL – Harold H. Graham, 79, the husband of Rowena Graham, died Monday, Oct. 16, 2006, with his family at his side, at a Presque Isle hospital. He was born July 30, 1927, in Beaconville, New Brunswick, the son of Ford and Ruby (Jamison) Graham. Harold had a very eventful and fulfilling life. He attended Mars Hill High School and graduated from community college in Presque Isle. Harold joined the U.S. Navy in 1944 and upon his discharge in 1946 returned to Mars Hill. He opened a restaurant called the Cracker Box, farmed for 30 years, worked as a potato broker, and for Catholic Charities of Maine. He and his wife Rowena also worked in Massachusetts for six years as caretakers. Harold once said “The work I’ve done wasn’t hard work because I loved what I did.” Harold was a people person. He would go to the post office in the morning to pick up Morris McCrums mail and if you were in his path anytime of the day, he would kindly hand you a peppermint. It’s the little gestures that made a huge difference. He loved skiing and ice-skating, however, I think most of all Harold loved dancing with his wife, Rowena, who was his most prized possession. He said “I did everything for my wife, she is my life.” They were married May 3, 1956 and had 50 wonderful years together. His impact on life and people will never be forgotten. In addition to his wife, Rowena of Mars Hill, Harold is survived by two daughters, Colleen Hogan and her husband, Dwight, of Mars Hill, Wanda Cope of Tennessee; two foster children, Norman Wardwell of Portland and Steven Wardwell Sr. of Danforth; grandchildren, Michelle Devine and her husband, Tom, of Fort Fairfield, Melanie Rideout and her husband, Jon, of North Waterboro, Jerad Boyd and Dianna of Maryland, James Willis and Michelle of Van Buren, Justin Willis of New Orleans, Steven Wardwell Jr. of Littleton; great-grandchildren, Jorden and Bret Kilcollins, Hunter and Emma Rideout, Alexis Bradbury and Lucie Cameron Boyd; a great-great-grandson, Damion Willis; sisters, Freda Naranjo of Chowchilla, Calif., Glenna Piefer of Benton, Pa.; a brother, Ralph Graham and his wife, Sandra, of Mars Hill. In addition to his parents, Harold was predeceased by brothers, Fred and Phil; sisters, Ora Boone and Mona Young. He also leaves behind special friends, Morris and Lori McCrum, Lee Ann Grass; and a very special niece, Linda Bill of Easton. Friends may call 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18, at Duncan Funeral Home, 8 Main St., Mars Hill. Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Thursday at the United Baptist Church, Mars Hill, with the Rev. Mark Hartley officiating. Interment will take place after the service at King’s Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers those who wish may make donations in Harold’s memory to the American Heart Association, Northeast Affiliate, 343 Gorham Rd., South Portland, ME 04106. Arrangements are in care of Duncan Funeral Home.
HAROLD H. GRAHAM
