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
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of David Graham – or as I used to know him, Mr Graham.
I was in Mr. Graham’s Grade 5 class at Trinity College School. He was one of the greatest teachers I have ever encountered and I feel so blessed to have known a man who has inspired so many.
I think I can safely say that I was one of the luckiest Grade 5’s in the world. It is not often students can say that their Grade 5 teachers taught them how to make bread, do Grade 9 math, or even took them on ‘nature walks’ that ended in ice cream. Those are my fond memories of you, Mr. Graham, and I will never forget you.
My condolences and prayers are with Mrs. Graham and her 3 boys.
Jenna Dickson
TCS ’08
Colin,
We were saddened to hear of David’s death in Victoria. We know how proud you and Karen were of him and his many accomplishments in the education field. It was a calling that he happily followed and in which he was able to serve and help many young people. We remember him and you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
With our love, Jean and Ken Laundy
Colin,
We were saddened to hear of David’s death in Victoria. We know how proud you and Karen were of him and his many accomplishments in the education field. It was a calling that he happily followed and in which he was able to serve and help many young people. We remember him and you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
With our love, Jean and Ken Laundy
Colin,
Sincerest condolences to you and your family.
You are in the thoughts and prayers of your RCM colleagues.
Len
Jill and family,
I was very sad to hear that Dave had passed away. He has been in my thoughts several times a week for over a year – every time I was out running or rowing or swimming. Dave’s memory will not fade, however. I will forever associate him with the fun and accomplishments we had together on the Queen’s rowing team. I will also remember and continue to be inspired by his positve attitude to life and his honest acceptance of everybody for who they are. I am sure that the inspiration Dave thus provides will continue contributing to an improvement in the quality of life for everybody who has been touched by it, directly or indirectly..
I’m thinking of Dave and of you, his family.
Greg
Jill,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Unfortunately my kids and I know exactly how you are feeling at this time. I lost my husband and our kids lost their father this past July from cancer. We see ourselves as blessed to have been part of his life and our memories get us through the hard times day to day. Hopefully you and your children will be able to draw strength from the time you shared together. My kids said of their father “He didn’t tell us how to live; he lived , and let us watch him do it” As your kids get older I hope they also see the significance in this quote. If you need someone to listen please feel free to call me anytime. I will be thinking of you all on Friday and always. Draw strength from family and friends.
Sheila MacKay
Beth and Colin:
I am so very sad to hear this news.
Beth, my memories of David come directly from you. I can remember you talking – with such enthusiasm – about your awesome brother David – even when you were about 7 years old. And he was awesome. When we were a little older, we’d walk to school together from Strathallan, up Avenue Road, and I’d hear about the cool things David was doing. The rowing, the running, the camping…..
I am certain that he talked about you with the same awe and love.
I can still see that sparkle he had in his eye when he spoke – and I haven’t seen him in about 25 years.
I am thinking of you. Strength and love to you all.
Jen
Jennifer Ross
Jill, Patrick, Cameron, Christopher,
We are so sorry to hear your loss and can only imagine your grief. David was a special person, and we feel honoured to have known him even though it was only briefly through GVAS swim club. I will always remember him for his genuine smile and calmness. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Heather,Marshall, Chris and Stephen Kennedy
Our hearts are heavy for you Jill, Patrick, Cameron and Christoper. David was a truly special person as you all know. He was a blessing to all around him, what he added to everything he touched was outstanding in his quiet, caring and helpful ways. He truly did put everyone before himself – our society will always mourn for David. David is someone that shall never be forgotten. Our family always felt blessed to have met your family through GVAS and also lived in the same neighbourhood as you. Please know how special you all are to us, and how sad we are for you. Jill, Patrick, Cameron,and Christopher you are in our thoughts and prayers – our hearts go out to you all and to David for leaving his lovely family far too soon.
It is with the deepest sadness that we learned of David’s death; sadness, marked with shock at the loss of someone so young and vibrant with life.
Jill, Patrick, Cameron and Christopher; you are in our thoughts as you have been during this time of incredible struggle. We will never forget the great amount of good that David did for Cole and Ryley in their time at Westmont.
Take heart and be of good cheer when you remember all the wonderful things David accomplished that impacted many, many lives in such a positive way.