March 14, 2021
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Romeo McGraw of Langley.
Romeo passed away peacefully with family by his side on March 14 2021 at the age of 84. He was predeceased by his wife Lillian, son-in-law Brooks, and siblings Ulysse, Therese, Lucia, Roger, Juliet and Gerard.
Romeo will be lovingly remembered by his partner of 11 years Maxine of Langley, daughter Melinda of Langley, son Cary (Kathy) of Calgary, 3 grandchildren, Kealy (Justin) of Calgary, Nicole (Matt) of Houston, and Julia (Mike) of Calgary, 7 great children, Mitchell, Miles, Emmett, Lucas, Payton, Jackson and Brooke, Maxine's children, grandchildren and great-grandchild, and in New Brunswick, his brothers Donald and Ronald, sisters-in-law, Rosella and Louise and brother-in-law Émile as well as many nieces and nephews across the country.
Romeo was born in Shediac New Brunswick and at the age of 17 he joined the Canadian Armed Forces and spent the next 25 years travelling across the country and to UN Peacekeeping locations in other parts of the world. During that time, while stationed in Winnipeg, he met and married Lillian, his wife of 51 years.
After retiring from the military, Romeo returned to school and obtained his Journeyman carpentry status before making his way out to BC. He worked construction for several years when he decided to purchase his own gravel truck. He said he would much rather stay dry in a truck then work outside in the rain!!
Later he would return to his carpentry skills and set up his own business doing renovations. When his work schedule permitted, he was able to get back to one of his true passions, music.
Romeo learned to play guitar and accordion at a very young age. He eventually got involved in the local BC bluegrass music scene, becoming president of the local bluegrass music society for a couple of years and even started up a bluegrass band called Hard Times with a few local musicians. Hard Times played at local venues and community events for several years.
In recent years, Romeo became a snowbird and spent his winters in Arizona with Maxine. He thoroughly enjoyed this lifestyle and it allowed him to continue his music passion...in much warmer weather! He and Maxine also did many road trips, visiting family and friends across Western Canada. A trip back to the Maritimes in 2012 was particularly memorable as it became a large family celebration with over 100 family and friends in attendance!
Romeo had such a positive outlook on life and always looked at obstacles as opportunities to learn something new. We will miss that positive attitude and his sense of humour.
Til we meet again. Keep on jamming!
A celebration of life (and music) will be scheduled at a later date.