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
Dear Collin & Sherrill:
Sorry for the delay in sending this note but we just saw it in the Globe. Hildegard and I want to send you our most sincere condolences on the death of your son. We know it has been a very difficult year for you both but we trust your fond memories of this very beautiful person will help you through this most dificult time. It is not just what you do in this life but what you leave in the form of memories that truly determine your impact. You have a great deal to treasure..
David & Hildegard Hales
Colin & Family,
My thoughts have been with you thoughout. My sincere condolences to you and your entire family during this very difficult time.
Fondly,
Gayle
Dear Jill and family,
Dave was a legend when we were training in the UCC weights room in the late 80s. We were told that he could squat many times his weight. We heard a story that Dave had burst a blood vessel doing power cleans – it made us want to do weights even more.
Later on I got to row with the legend. I was fortunate to have Dave join my crew when he came to Queen’s in 1989 for a graduate degree. We were in the lightweight eight together that placed second at the Head of the Charles and won the OUAA Championships. Dave’s intensity and soft-spoken personality helped make a cohesive, competitive and memorable crew.
My deepest condolences to you and your children and Dave’s legendary status will always remain with me in my heart.
David was such a warm thoughtful person who loved life. He touched our lives and will be deeply missed. I will always remember his beautiful smile.
Our hearts go out to all of you.
Dear Colin, Sherrill, Jill, Patrick, Cameron and Christopher,
On behalf of all of us who worked so closely with Colin at The Royal Conservatory of Music I extend deepest condolences on the loss of your precious David. This is a loss beyond words.
Like Colin, David was pure in heart, courageous, intelligent, compassionate and humble. On the occasions I met David he radiated love and joy. During the many years Colin and I worked together I often thought how fortunate David was to have such a wonderful role model in his Dad. I know the same holds true for Patrick, Cameron and Christopher. David was an excellent role model. He was so proud of his family and his legacy will remain always in the lives of his wonderful children.
“Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.” ~Author Unknown
Much love,
Angela
Dear Jill and Beth,
I have such a clear memory of Dave at Queen’s, running down Division St. in his blue rowing shorts and white t-shirt, face all red, red hair, and freckled legs, with Jill running beside him (decked out in your Queen’s rowing jacket, and black leggings)…both of you smiling.
This past year I have thought about Dave almost daily for this reason:
Some 7 years ago Cindy Tripp explained to me the importance of children’s car seat installation. At the time Cindy said that Dave Graham was the guy she deferred to regarding his task. (which is very high praise from Cindy). Over the last year knowing how sick Dave was, and having not seen Dave for year, I thought about him almost every time I strapped my daughter into her car seat. And I thought that knowing and caring allot about children’s car seat installation really kind of epitomized Dave. Like giving up an accounting career that he didn’t want, for a life in teaching that he did want, Dave Graham always seemed focused on things that mattered. Meredith Cartwright
Dear Jill,
It has been a very long time since seeing you and David at OOCH.
You were BOTH favourites of mine. I then thought how fortunare the kids would be to have you both in their lives as teachers and as parents. My heart aches for you and for all your family.
Please accept a huge hug with a lot of love,
Pat
Dear Graham Family,
How sorry we are to hear about your loss of David. I don’t know whether you are aware but our mother, Kenny Lanskail, died early Oct. 5th in her 91st year and thus we have been scrolling through the Globe and Mail website to read our condolences. While doing this, we came across David’s obituary. We remember David as a smiling, happy, gentle soul and our mother was very fond of him and all the Graham family. Great neighbours, great friends. We offer our deepest sympathy to all of you.
Fondly,
The Lanskails (Part of the Strathallan gang)
Dear Jill and boys,
Dave was my friend throughout university at Queen’s. He was always there for a late night run, or a game of hockey or just a good chat. We had many a good morning bike ride to the rowing club at 445am in Kingston.
Dave’s smile, his passion and his kindness helped to motivate me and brighten my days each time I saw him on campus. Jill, when you and Dave fell in love, you were always my most favourite couple. Your love shines through like the brightest of sunshine.
I lost my mother to glioblastoma 20 years ago, and I feel your loss.
David is truly one of the great people I have been lucky enough to meet in my life and I will always remember him.
I know Dave, the eternal optimist, will be keeping us all happy with his great spirit. All my love and best wishes and thoughts, Sincerely, Bob Stevens
The first time I met David, I was struck by his enthusiasm and genuinely happy face. He welcomed my children to his school with open arms and infected them with a joy of learning and living. The world has lost a truly wonderful, joyful, caring person.
Jill, Patrick, Cameron, Christopher…my thoughts are with you. Take comfort in the joy you all shared as a family. David will never be far away from you, you meant too much to him.