We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Meleme Joseph Nelson McGraw, CD (Ret’d) of Miramichi, NB, at Percy’s Place, Miramichi, on 11 September 2026, at the age of 92. Meleme started his Regular Force military career as a Sapper but remustered to the Physical Training Instructor occupation, where he served most of his career.
Born in Port Elgin, NB, Meleme served the Canadian Armed Forces for over 30 years. He joined the Militia with the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps in 1949 but transferred to the Royal Canadian Engineers of the Regular Force five years later.
After his training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering at Camp Chilliwack, BC, Meleme re-mustered to the Physical Training Instructor trade. He later served in the following locations: Gagetown, NB; Saint-Jean, QC; Gagetown, NB; Halifax, NS; St. Margarets, NB; and Chatham, NB.
Meleme retired from the Canadian Forces in 1984 and then worked at the New Brunswick Corrections Centre in Miramichi for 12 years, teaching in programs for Correctional Officers, Youth Care Workers, and Industrial and Retail Security Officers. He retired in 1996.
Meleme was a founding member of the Miramichi Chapter of the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association.
By request, there will be no visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Michael’s Basilica, Miramichi, NB, on Thursday, 17 September 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Saint Michael’s Cemetery.
As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.