The community of Lorette is mourning the loss of one of its faithful volunteers.

Tim Graham died last week Tuesday at the age of 60 due to complications related to cancer. Graham spent 13 years on the Local Urban District committee of Lorette and 15 years on the fire department, retiring as District Chief.

Steve Stein is a Councillor in the Rural Municipality of Tache. Stein had a connection with Graham because of their years together in politics, but the two also served side-by-side on the fire department for about a decade. In fact, it was Graham who hired Stein to the role of fighting fires.

Stein says he will remember Graham for his quiet confidence.

"He was a very good leader, especially in the fire department," recalls Stein. "One of the things I personally learned from him is how to stay calm despite what your surroundings are."

During his years on the fire department, Graham worked alongside his daughter Morgen, who was also a firefighter. Graham and his wife Dawna started the Fire Chief for a Day event.

Stein refers to Graham as a selfless individual, who even in his spare time would deal with people and help work out their issues.

"He just gave his all to the community," adds Stein.

According to Stein, one of the big projects which Graham can be credited for, is the large water project in Lorette, which was done about ten years ago. Stein says Graham was a big part of that project from start to finish. He also credits Graham with improving parks and sprucing up the community.

"We had a lot of stuff that was going wrong over the years and he was really pushing to make those improvements," adds Stein.

Why does someone like Graham give so much to his community?

"It was who he was," says Stein. "He loved his community so much."

Stein says it was always about the community and never about himself, which is why he was willing to respond to fire calls in the middle of the night.

"It's something he did because he really felt the community needed him for that," adds Stein. "And he was by far one of the best gentlemen I ever served with."

Stein says what he will miss about Graham is just the way he was. The way he inspired people around him to be better.

At the request of Tim Graham, no formal funeral service was held.