Proud and loving father, devoted husband, encouraging teacher and larger than life to all who knew him. David was the principal of the Glenlyon Norfolk Middle School. At the age of 47, after sixteen months of a battle with Glioblastoma handled with grace and dignity, David died. He will forever be in our hearts. David was a highly respected educator, who led by example and put others first. He had a sense of adventure that gave him many opportunities, teaching and administering schools in British Columbia and Ontario. David was an adored camp leader in both day and residential camps. He loved the outdoors and especially had passions for canoeing, rowing and running which he shared enthusiastically with family and friends. David is survived by his wife, Jill; children, Patrick, Cameron and Christopher. Predeceased by his mother, Karen. Also survived by his father, Colin and stepmother Sherrill; sister, Beth and husband David Burrows; stepbrothers Andrew and Tyler Walker, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins with whom he shared quality time.
There will be a private family service, followed by a memorial celebration of his life in Victoria. This will take place at the Beach Drive Campus (1701 Beach Drive) of the Glenlyon Norfolk School at 2:00 pm on Friday, October 9th. There will also be a celebration of his life on Friday, October 16 at 2:00 pm at Timothy Eaton Memorial Church, 230 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto, Ontario. In the expression of sympathy, donations would be appreciated to the David Graham Family Trust, c/o Michael Newediuk, 2058 Kipling Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M9W 4J9.
62 Responses
Mr. Graham was my grade 3 teacher at Crescent School. My mother’s brief experience meeting him was all it took to convince her that Crescent was very special. She relates to me every now and then that she believes that she witnessed that year was the most impressive demonstration of teaching that she would ever see in her life.
I remember his teaching distinctly. He was enthusiastic and challenging with an earnestness that was noticeable even to an 8 year old. Even now decades later some of us will nostalgically recall his purity of being and his transcendentally sunny optimism. He was an exemplar of positive role models for boys. To this day I am exceedingly grateful to have had him as a teacher for 1 year of my life. Patrick, Cameron and Christopher, your father had a seismic impact on those he taught that continues to resonate now. I am exceedingly proud to have been his student.
My best wishes,
Alex
It was with unbelievable sadness that I just heard of David’s passing. I remember David so well for four things – his great family, his wonderful smile, his well developed sense of humour, and always being the kid you wanted most on your team!
David was an athlete’s athlete – always doing every sport with great ease, wonderful style and fantastic enthusiasm – Canada has lost one of the best.
But most of all I admired him for his love and respect for his younger sister Beth – they seemed to be inseparable and were both admired and loved by everyone.