Kevin Graves of Fort McMurray, beloved husband of Michele Graves, passed away at the Northern Lights Regional Hospital on Wednesday May 12, 2021 at the age of 48. Kevin is the cherished father to Haydn Graves (23), Porter Graves (20), Tia Graves (19), Savannah Graves (18), Ava Graves (16).
He is survived by his parents Chuck and Meridel Graves, three siblings, Jason (Christie), Sharlene, Jackie (Shane) Kelly, as well as many extended family members.
Kevin was born and raised in Fort McMurray Alberta. Kevin loved sports in high school and college and has stayed physically active throughout his life.
When Kevin was nineteen, he was called to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Czechoslovakia. He was the first Canadian missionary that was sent there after the Cold War.
Kevin has continued to serve faithfully in the church and had a great love for his Savior, Jesus Christ. He had a powerful testimony of his Savior that did not go unnoticed by the people he surrounded himself with.
Kevin found his true love Michele at the pink house in Edmonton, and he swept her off her feet. They spent every moment they could with each other, they were inseparable. Kevin spoiled her with roses and love letters. They were married six months after they met and would be celebrating their 25th anniversary this October. They were so incredibly happy and in love. Kevin made it a priority to take many trips over the years with Michele and these memories will forever be cherished.
Kevin spent his time with all his kids and enjoyed his many family trips. He enjoyed hiking, kayaking, running, playing games, anything we could do as a family.
One of Kevin's passions was hunting, which he did with his children and buddies Randy and Drew. As a result, he always kept his freezer full, made smoked meat and cooked in the kitchen with Michele and kids. His brisket was fabulous.
Kevin got his Business Diploma, then got his Heavy-Duty Mechanic ticket. Then he was hired at Syncrude and he joined the Fire and Rescue teams. While volunteering, he realized he would love to do this as a career, and therefore switched his career by obtaining his fire courses and EMT (paramedic) training. Kevin has always loved helping others and has always stayed strong for his beloved firefighter family. They are a huge support for one another. During the fire in 2016, as his family left, Kevin stayed and fought “the Beast” in Fort McMurray with Syncrude’s Engine NINE “that was nicknamed My Brothers’ Keeper”. He loved to cook for his team and support them in every way he could.
Kevin was our rock. He was always able to stay calm, look at the bigger picture, and keep our priorities in order.
Kevin loved Michele with his whole heart and gave her everything. Kevin always knew how to talk to all his kids, he always brought humor in. We would always find ourselves laughing when we were with him.
He will be deeply missed. If you know Kevin, you knew he loved his wife and kids so much. He loved his family and was so proud of all of them. We are heart broken and so sad he is gone. We look forward to that day when we will be reconnected with him forever.
Family is grateful to all the first responders, nurses, and doctors who tried to save Kevin's life. 'Thank you"! We are so grateful for the outpouring of support coming from the community, friends and both our physical family and our fire family.
A funeral service for Kevin will be available to view via a livestream at 11:00AM on Tuesday, May 18, 2021. The link for the service will appear below, on this page, beginning at 10:45AM on Tuesday.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Kevin Lee Graves, please visit our floral store.