ABOVE: John Graham was the NSW Featherweight Champion in 1973.
John Graham will always be visible in Kyogle – for several reasons.
There is the giant concrete turkey at the entrance to town on the Casino side that you can’t miss. The turkey in the paddock was John’s idea and has become a reminder of his humour and tenacity as well as a tourist attraction.
John wasn’t one to wait for others to do things when he could do it himself. And the giant turkey highlights that.
Another reminder of John is the distinctive red and white concrete rotating trucks.
The original concrete bowl from 1967 sits in pride of place at the entrance Graham’s Concrete at the Kyogle plant.
In 1967, Ernest Henry Graham (Harry Graham) opened his first concrete plant in Kyogle with his son John by his side.
In September 1980, Harry handed the business on to John and his wife Chrystine, with John running the concrete side of the business and Chrystine managing the bookwork.
In 1988 John’s eldest son Peter came on board by helping out with the building of the Geneva bridge.
Rodney, the youngest son, joined the concrete business in 1997 after finishing school.
In April 2004, John and Chrystine handed the business on to their boys Peter and Rodney.
John officially retired in January 2006. Chrystine officially retired in December 2007 and stayed on call for the odd day to help out with some of the bookwork.
John loved his cars, boxing, hunting, fishing, travelling, the footy and his work.
His spirit and enthusiasm will live on in Kyogle – the place he called home.
Vale John Henry Graham, 70 years old, January 19, 1952- April 14, 2022
Relatives and friends are invited to a celebration of John’s life on Saturday, April 23 at noon at Graham’s Concrete Kyogle, 1 Craig St.
