Obituary of Graeme Trent Rafuse

Graeme Trent Rafuse, born May 10, 1963, died Monday, February 19, 2018. His was the biggest of hearts and most open of minds. Graeme was warm and generous and humble. He lived his life in the moment; his laid-back style lured each of us to stop and take in the moment with him. Graeme was a creative problem-solver. He could build and fix just about anything; he approached every project with reverence, research and talent. He was careless with his tools, of course, and everyone else's as well. Laundry day could reveal pockets of lost drill bits, nails, screws, loose change, someone else's lighter, last week's grocery list and perhaps one or two pages of next year's tax filing. Graeme was ninth of ten children. He was the child who moved back to New Ross to care for his aging parents. His quirky humor assured his mother's daily laughter: he was her faithful "Jeopardy" companion. Weather permitting; he spent many patient hours on the veranda with his dad, tracking Nova Scotia air traffic with an iPad app. He was the "Big Guy," the chauffer, dishwasher, laundry hanger, grass cutter, snow remover, home renovator and sounding board. And always, loving son and brother. From 1986 to 2008, Graeme made a career as a snow Melter Production Manager with MBB/TRECAN and TRECAN COMBUSTION. Subsequently, he worked as a Project Manager in Edmonton, Alberta and Tucson, Arizona. He enjoyed his work accomplishments and the people he met on the job, but placed equal importance on being skilled in the searing of a juicy ribeye and being up to date on contemporary music trends. He was knowledgeable and concerned about the social and political implications of world news and a devotee of CCN cable news. Relaxed and non-judgmental, Graeme's foremost life objective was to have family and friends feel comfortable and happy around him. He loved every moment he fathered daughters Kalee and Destiny. Graeme is survived by his father, Sheldon Rafuse; siblings, Chris (Dan), Michael (Virginia), Lana (David), Jan (Rod), Carla (Michael), Kevin (Cathy), Kelly (Larry), Byron, Tyler and by nieces and nephews Jael, Aidan, Rowan, Adam, Kristian, Simon, Katie, Robyn, Amber, Parker, Brett, Spencer, Patrice, Nicola, Lucy, Matthew and Melissa, as well as their partners and families. His mother, Joyce Rafuse and sister-in-law Suellen Murray predecease him. A Gathering of friends and family will be held on February 24, 2018 at 2:00pm to 4:00 pm in the New Ross Chapel. Family Flowers only. Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation, www.canlyme.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home New Ross Funeral Chapel, 4935 Hwy 12 New Ross (902-689-2961).