Raymond Joseph Graber, born in 1919 in Forestburg AB, was one of ten children of Joseph and Katherine Graber. Joseph was a blacksmith. In 1929 the Graber family moved to a farm near Bear Lake. While visiting his two married sisters living in Valleyview, Ray met his future wife, Mildren Swanson. (She was the daughter of Carl and Alma Swanson). During their courtship, they enjoyed meandering on his motorcycle and sidecar. They married on February 17, 1942. By that time Ray was in the services in WW II, stationed in Victoria. Millie often joined him there. After the war, Ray and Millie bought a farm north of Valleyview from the Haldin’s. Ray farmed, and also was a general handyman, doing mechanical and carpentry work for neighbors. Entertainment at community events was often supplied by the couple – Mildred on guitar and violin, Ray on the banjo. The Grabers had 3 children who were born in Valleyview: Judy, Connie, and Dennis. Their home was always welcome to friends, especially bachelors. Raymond passed away on July 2, 1973 in Grande Prairie at age 54. Mildred died in Red Deer on March 3, 1977.
Source: Where the Red Willow Grew (Valleyview) p. 303 name only in Roll or Honour – War Veterans, p. 92 Family story- Photo of Ray and Millie
Grande Prairie Herald Tribune: March 5, 1942 p. 3 c. 5 “Marries”