Dear Chynoweth Family, As you gather together physically in Canterbury at this time to share in the memorial service for Graham, I wish to join you in spirit to acknowledge his life also, and to let you know that he is still touching peoples' lives from the other side. He has touched mine. While I had not personally met Graham Chynoweth during his time here on the planet, I had the honor and pleasure to be seated next to his wife Linda and son Peter at a mutual friend's son's wedding December 6. The strength and peace that each of them conveyed around the physical loss of a man who touched so many lives with his peace and love was deeply moving to me. My conversation with Linda will be remembered and cherished as an important step on my spiritual path. I since have read the stories written and looked at the photos shared of this remarkable man and his family. It re-ignited my faith and trust in a loving and caring God and a Universe that is woven together by the strands of love and caring that each person shares with one another. My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you celebrate Graham's life. I am blessed to have been introduced to this man of faith by the presence and messages of his beautiful wife and son. Thank you so much. Peace, Love and Light, Connie Snook

We are all changed now. Not because he has left us. But because he has touched us. With much love for the entire family, John and Wendy

Emo and family, very sorry to hear the loss of your father. I never had the pleasure of meeting him, but know all the stories Emo would share about him. My deepest sympathies for your loss.

Dear Linda, Peter, and family, I am so saddened to learn of Grahamâ??s death. He was a very special person. I remember working with him at the Co-op on the site selection committee. He was such a reliable, thoughtful, competent, caring person. In addition to all the practical advice and expertise, he inspired confidence that we could actually build a new store. That was a deeply appreciated gift. His friendship meant a great deal to me. We had many conversations, and I remember most of them because he made them rich. Our community has lost a treasure. You have my deepest sympathies. I can only imagine how much you miss him. With love and sympathy, Val

SONNET FOR GRAHAM 1945 â?? 2008 He said he was getting himself ready to step into his boat and push away. He would wave to us from every cresting on his journey home across the bay. We visited him one afternoon. He wore his woolen cap. We made small talk, saving goodbyes until we went out on the porch. He waved us out of sight, he kept on waving. Thanksgiving dinner over, folks were gone. Graham and Linda silent by the window, watching squirrels scamper by the pond. Grahamâ??s eyes were wide with blue and wonder. He asked â??What time is it? I want to knowâ?� Linda said softly â??Time to go home.â?� Dudley Laufman

To the Chynoweth family, We are deeply sorry for your loss. We send our condolences and hope that the memories you shared will help you through this tough time.

I was unable to attend on Saturday -- wanted to offer memories of Graham: to Linda -- I recall how he glowed, and I mean really GLOWED, when he first brought you to meet us at the office; to Gray -- he had Marty and me listen to your phone version of "Eat It", as he pretended to be chagrined, but could not successfully mask even for a moment the love and pride he had for you; to Katie -- I delighted in tweaking him at every opportunity, as you transitioned from teenager to woman, about how lovely you were and were becoming (as he was struggling with typical paternal misgivings about seeing his little girl grow up) and the highlight for me was to render him sputtering and speechless (not a usual state of being for him). From my perspective, his life was about handing the world over to his children, secure in the knowledge that each of them would be ready. A stalwart man.

Although I couldn't attend the service on Saturday I have been thinking about Graham quite a bit lately, recalling his smile. I hope that the gathering on Saturday was comforting to those who loved him the most. All of Canterbury feels the loss of this great man.

We had the pleasure of meeting Graham a few years ago on a trip to Canterbury with Grey and Tara. Graham took the four of us on a walk through the property, and on the way back, promised me a ghost story. Something pertaining to the property itself. I regret I didn't get to hear that story. We are keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers.

While I never had the pleasure of meeting Graham, I have been so touched and impressed by the kindness, brilliance, humor and leadership of his son Gray. From reading the articles and looking at the great photos, I gather that Graham was a really wonderful and unique man. Weâ??re so lucky to have his children in this world.