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We will miss our great friend, Michael Graber

Posted by Ian

Filed under General on Monday June 18, 2012 at 7:53 PM

 

It is with great sadness and a sense of loss that we farewell a popular member of the Ace Team. Michael Graber died of a heart attack while attending the Perth PSWA Stamp Show on 20th May. The only consolation was that he was surrounded by his stamp friends and only minutes before had been enjoying the exhibits including his success in being awarded a special prize for his Comet exhibit. For all those that knew him, he will be greatly missed in particular for his wonderful sense of humour, his optimism and friendly manner. It was greatly appreciated on auction days, as was his tireless enthusiasm which at times resulted in some confusion when he handed out lots before payment had been received!

Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Karen and his family. Karen took great strength from his passing while pursuing the hobby he loved but exhibitions and shows will never be the same without his presence and his unrelenting search for platypus, sharks and racing cars on stamps.

Our sincere thoughts also go to John McPhee who lost his wife, Irene, to cancer in late May as she bravely battled its return for the third time. The funeral was a wonderful service reflecting her love of life, her family and the huge contribution she made to the world of nursing in Western Australia. Obviously John will be taking time out from the describing and receiving of lots on behalf of Ace but his return in the next few weeks will be welcome and we wish him well at this difficult time.

 

The 2011 Ace Stamp Auctions Christmas Party. From back left to right - the boys! Marc Poupart, John McPhee, Michael Graber, Ian Boulton, David Gardiner, Damon Mayston & Trevor Spencer. The girls at the front from left to right are Pat Palmer, Kath Herold, Carol Lee, Christine Boulton, Krissy Clarke. Missing from the photo, the valuable auctioneer David Lynch, Dave Heffer & Janene Freeman.