Graham "Art" Arthur Read
May 5, 2017
READ, Graham Arthur (Art)
June 4, 1947 – May 5, 2017
With great sadness, we announce the passing of G. Arthur Read, most recently of Airdrie, after a valiant fight with esophageal cancer. Art will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, Penny, of 47 years; three daughters, Denise (Alvaro Lopes) and their son, Sam; Julie (Mark Baum)and their son, Decker and daughter, Danika; Bonnie (Darren Guise) and their daughter, Siena and son, Mason; by sisters, Shirley (Bob Pridmore); Kathy (Skip Matyear); brothers Tom (Mary); Gary (Richelle); as well as many nieces and nephews. Art was predeceased by his young son, Steven in 1975; his parents, Graham and Florence; brothers-in-law, Larry Wilson and Bob Bigg; and nephew Rob Bigg. Art was born in Climax, SK and moved many times in the southwest area during his childhood, living at Supreme, Robsart, Vidora, and Consul. As a teenager, in Maple Creek, SK, Art began his long career with the Co-op. First at the service station, then delivering fuel, until he became the Branch Manager in Consul, SK. After four years, he attained a General Manager position with Churchbridge Co-op, followed by Rocanville Co-op. In 1978 Art worked for Federated Co-op Ltd. in Regina as a Retail Advisor for two years. His next move was to Brandon, Manitoba from 1980-83. He moved back to SK where he managed Cabri Co-op before accepting the position of General Manager at Sedgewick, Alberta in 1985. He managed the Co-op until his retirement in 2007. Winters were spent touring in the motorhome, visiting places in California, Arizona and Texas, while enjoying the sunshine and making new friends. Sports were always very important to Art. He grew up playing hockey and pitching baseball. Many years were spent coaching and playing baseball at the various towns where he lived. As his daughters began their sports, he coached girls fastball, achieving Provincials, which made him very proud. During the 30 years in Sedgewick, he participated in many sports. Fastball, slo pitch, curling, bowling, tennis, and for the last many years, Art could be found on the golf course with his good buddy, George. Art was very active in the Sedgewick community, volunteering and serving on many boards. He was a long time Legion member holding many positions. He held the old veterans in highest regard. Art was a wonderful grandpa! His grandchildren meant the world to him and he filled the “grandfather” role with obvious pride and mutual, loving adoration. A Remembrance Open House in Art's honour, will be held at Woodside Golf Course, 525 Woodside Drive NW, Airdrie, AB on Saturday, May 20, 2017 from 1:30 – 4:00 pm where everyone is encouraged to share a fond memory. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made in Art’s memory to the charity of their choice.
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Messages of Condolence
Penny, it was such a pleasure meeting you and Art with Connie and Candee. It was like spending the morning with old friends for Don and me too. Our sympathy to you and your family. Don and Janice Johnston ~ Janice Johnston
Penny and girls Art will be missed by a lot of people. He was a great person, and one of the best bosses a employee could ever have. ~ Betty & Daren Lien
Penny & family so sorry for your loss . Art was a great man who will be missed by many. Lots of memories with you and Art when we first moved to Sedgewick.. Sending you hugs and prayers to your whole family. Take care ! Peter , Irene McGillivray and family ~ Irene and Peter McGillivray
We are so very sorry for your loss. He will be missed by many. Deepest sympathy. ~ Steen and Denise Hardon
Penny, Denise, Julie, & Bonnie. I am sending my deepest condolences on the passing of Art a great father, husband and friend. I was brought back to the times I spent at your house as a teen. Great memories!! You are in my thoughts. Michelle Bird ~ Michelle Bird
Penny and families sending thoughts and prayers your way, ~ Tracy &leroyekma
Penny an Family Art meant so much to me as a boss and friend. I spent many years learning and listening to his wise words. I grew up over the years realizing how special he was. Many of his wise words will be with me always. My thoughts are always with you ❤️❤️ ~ Kelly MCDowell
Penny and family, Trevor still talks about the years Art coached boy's fastball and how much he learned those years and the time Art spent with him. His memory will forever live on in your family. Penny, Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of sorrow. Richard and Verna Erickson and Family ~ Verna Erickson
Penny and family,So sorry to hear of Arts passing. He was a wonderful person that had a big smile and great personality! Always enjoyed seeing him at the golf course. He will be missed! ~ Stacey and Kari Sanders
Penny and Family Our deepest sympathies He was also a joy for me to see when he came in to buy a few groceries He will be missed ~ Bill and Shirley Gascoyne
Julie, our thoughts are with you at this difficult time for you and your family. Condolences, Your friends and colleagues at Robert Thirsk High School ~ Robert Thirsk High School
Penny and girls , sad to hear of the loss of Art he will be missed. Our thoughts are with you. Vic , Melody, Sean , Tracey and Jeff ~ Victor Morrison
Penny and family, we were so sorry to hear of your loss. We always enjoyed Art whether Bryan was dealing with him at the co-op or I was dealing with him on the golf course. He always had a good joke or two and was always good to talk to. He will surely be missed by all that new him. May God bless you in your time of sorrow and may your memories keep him in your heart. Most Sincerely, Bryan and Liz ~ Bryan and Liz Erikssen
My condolences to you Penny and family. I too lost Mike in Oct to eosophagal cancer that spread to his liver. Healing thoughts and big hugs to you all. ~ Deb Whitehead
Penny & Family; Just got word of Art's passing and wanted to extend our condolences and deepest sympathy to you all. Art was a wonderful man and we recall the many good times we had together at Co-op and Sherritt functions as well the appreciation we felt when you visited us in Yuma. He will be remembered and missed by all......D&J ~ Dennis & Juliette Tebay
Our Condolences to you & your family, ~ Cathy (Gaff) Hofer
Penny and family, So very sorry to hear of Art's passing.He was such a great guy, and always had time for a chat. I will remember him most as a coach for the Sedgewick girls softball team. He thought them well and they all had fun. Our prayers are with you all. ~ Deb and Brian Berg
Penny, all my hopes for a peaceful transition for you and your family. I tell people the story of Art carrying his "soiled" child to the neighbors house to have the babies diaper changed for him. Memories keep us all alive long after we have left this life. There are laws in physics that are held to be scientific truths. One is that energy cannot be created or destroyed. We are energy. Take care of yourself, Janet ~ Janet Popowich
Our sincere condolences to you Penny and all your family. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. ~ Garry & Darlene Alexander
Bill Christensen just sent an email letting us know of Art's death. Our deepest sympathy to you Penny! We have lost track of each other since FCL Regina days, but enjoyed working with Art at that time!r ~ Al & Gladys Christensen
Penny & family,We are sorry for your loss of Art.I have fond memories of working with Art,in Churchbridge & FCL in Regina. Our sincere sympathy,Stan & Doreen ~ Stan & Doreen Granatier