It is with great sadness that we record the passing of Ernest (Ernie) William Graham, a regular & valued contributor to Your Democracy over the past three years.

Ernie is survived by Rosie, his loving wife & life companion of 35 years.

To honor his life & show our respects, Rosie has agreed to our publishing the following Eulogy for Ernie.

Ernest William Graham was born on the 20th May 1930.

He was a truly remarkable man, who displayed a fearless conviction in his pursuit of excellent principles.

Ernie always said he wanted to be loved or hated but never ignored - he was never ignored.

He was a man who had the courage to swim against the tide - to speak up for what he believed in & was always there to give encouragement & support to others.

Ernie's handshake was his word & people trusted & respected him for that.

He served 12 years active duty in the navy where he trained as a Physical Training Instructor - qualifying as a PTI in 1951. He was very proud to be a part of the Physical Training Branch.

After leaving the Navy he worked for Caltex & was a head operator at their Oil refinery for 28 years. Shortly after joining Caltex he became involved in the union where he fought & won safer working conditions for the operators of that refinery. 

In 1988 Ernie & Rosie moved to Tuross, where he derived great pleasure in growing veggies & fishing, & prepared for a quieter life.

In the last couple of years Ernie discovered the joy of the internet with its many forums where he could voice his definite opinions of the world & politics to all who were interested, especially in the last 18 months when most things were difficult for him. Expressing his viewpoint in this way gave Ernie a sense of purpose in life.

Ernie's proudest moment was the recent Physical Trainer's Reunion last October in Mornington. At the reunion he was able to catch up with not only newer members but recruits still undergoing their training. 

He was a respected elder & when he retired from the union, he did so with a standing ovation from the many members of his beloved PTI branch. Indeed a very proud moment! A wonderful experience.

I believe Ernie was a wonderful man & the love of Rosie's life - her true soulmate! On their wedding day he said she was making a mistake by marrying him. He was wrong!

He has taken her on the most wonderful journey - a journey full of love, support & true mateship.

Ernie & Rosie met, fell in love & married in 1975. Rosie tells me she had a crush on him when she was 16 & just never got over it. They settled in Tuross in 1988 where, as we said earlier, Ernie was going to fish & grow veggies, & brew his own beer. Ernie's home brew was very popular with his friends.

Ernie & Rosie thought golf might be an interesting pastime. The Physical Trainer in Ernie came out & he decided to teach Rosie how to play - always a test of a good marriage.  Ernie even caddied for Rosie once or twice - still the marriage not only survived but grew stronger.

Then they discovered caravanning so come July they would head north for the warmer weather. Ernie had a love of McDonald's bacon & egg burgers & chocolate thick shakes.  Many a time Ernie would go through McDonald's drive thru with the caravan on the back just to get these snacks. It was amazing the looks they got. Maybe that's why there are now height barriers in McDonald's drive thru's - does it really mean beware of Ernie!

When Ernie became ill a few years ago he accepted the diagnosis in his usual no fuss way - he would just get on with it & take it as it came.

In true style, he rarely complained about the many tests & procedures he had to undergo. Rosie never left his side; she has been his primary carer over this time - they have always made such a great team. The bestest mates. 

Rosie wanted to tell you of her appreciation for those who nursed & treated Ernie over the course of his illness. Our health care professionals work in difficult & demanding situations. And on his behalf, we thank you. Your compassion & professionalism will forever be appreciated.

And a special thank you must be made to Dr Stephen Murray & his wife Chris for their unwavering support.

Through his contribution to Your Democracy, Ernie showed that he was a 'true believer', demonstrating an unshakeable belief in democratic ideals; the critical importance to a democratic society of an independent & principled media; a profound commitment to the defence & protection of those being victimized & persecuted & a conviction that if our beliefs are to have meaning & substance for future generations, then we must speak out & champion them fearlessly.

Ernie was always fearless in his remarks, ably demonstrating the truism that we have nothing to fear more than fear itself. His passion & compassion was evident in everything he wrote, He dreamt of a better world, seeking nothing for himself.

Whilst Ernie's contribution to our discussions will be sorely missed, they will not be forgotten & will act as beacon for those who seek to achieve a better world for all.

In her farewell tribute to Ernie, Rosie Graham read the following poem for her wonderful husband & friend, that resonates with the man who was Ernest Graham.

The Measure of a Man

Not - How did he die? But - How did he live?

Not - What did he gain? But - What did he give?

These are the things that measure the worth

Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.

Not - What was his station? But - had he a heart?

And - How did he play his God-given part?

Was he ever ready with a word of good cheer?

To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?

Not - What was his church? Not - What was his creed?

But - Had he befriended those really in need?

Not - What did the sketch in the newspaper say?

But - How many were sorry when he passed away?

These are the things that measure the worth

Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.

Vail Ernie