Mark Leonard Graves

Mark Leonard Graves – 58, of Kentville, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, June 21, 2024, following a brave and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Mark returned to Kentville from Sault Ste. Marie to be surrounded by the love of family and friends in his final days. Born on the 13th day of March, 1966 in Kentville, he was the 13th child of James "Jim" and Mona (Gee) Graves. Mark was a kind and loving person who was friends with everyone he knew. It would be difficult to find anyone with a bad word to be said about Mark, he was loved by all.  He enjoyed fishing, taking long walks and hiking. Mark was happiest by the water, especially on a beach, by the ocean. He especially enjoyed Sandy Banks and Long Beach. Mark is survived by his siblings, William "Billy" (Sandy), Berwick; Josephine "Josie" Swinamer (Norman – deceased), Kentville; Mary (Charles) Tidswell, Vancouver;  Barbara "Barb" Thorne (John – deceased), Halifax; Anthony "Tony" (Chris - deceased), Kentville; Andrew "Andy" (Charlene), Kentville; Steven (Crystal), Kentville; Mona Graves, Canning; Adam (Cathy), Kentville; special friend and extended family member, Kim Smith (Scott Adams), Coldbrook; step children, Jeff, Dustin, Cody and Colby; special nephew (raised like a brother), Rodney "Rod" (Sue) Graves, Kentville; many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, extended family and friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by siblings, Peter, Linda (John – deceased) Burgess and David, a niece, Cathy and nephews, Shane and Nick. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Mark's doctors, nurses and caregivers in Ontario (his case worker, Joanna, who worked hard at getting him transferred; Dr. Booth and Dr. Dawson, who treated him with much compassion and did everything they could to make sure his wish of being with his family were met and his favorite nurses, Celeste and Laura, who were won over by his charm. Thanks also to Hope Air for assisting in getting Mark home, to the family in Ontario, Donna and Debbie for looking after Mark and to Adam, Cathy, Kim and Megan for making the trip to Ontario and for making every effort to get Mark home and a special thank you to the doctors, nurses, caregivers and staff at Valley Hospice for allowing Mark to pass with dignity and to be surrounded by those he loves.  Cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation by request. A memorial gathering and reception to celebrate Marks life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 18, 2024 in the Meadowview Community Centre. Thank you to the Meadowview community for your endless love and support during this difficult time. Donations in memory may be made to Hope Air or the Valley Hospice Foundation. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville.