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 will allways remember David playing games with the kids. those two things (his activity and his choice of people to do it with) speak volumes to his charactor and personality.. thx David..
Jill and family,
We are so sorry to hear about Dave. He will always have a special spot in our hearts. Everyday looking out from our window and seeing him playing hockey or pushing the boys on their big wheels when they were young. It was such a special time and he was such a special dad. His dedication and commitment for whatever he did in life, personally and through education, will always be remembered.
My thoughts and strength go to you and the boys.
I lost my dad when I was 11yrs old. It is tough. The boys will be your blessing to help you keep going. If there is anything we can do, please let us know. The Kristen and Michael say hello.
Miss you. Kelly
To Colin and all of David’s family, my mother has just passed on the very sad news about David. I had not seen David since our paths crossed at Queen’s over 4 years in the early 1980’s, but it was growing up and playing MTHL hockey with David from about the age of 7 or 8 until 14 or 15 that I will most remember him. The photo on this site reminds me of his smile that always was the precurrsor to his absolutely positive outlook usually followed by a laugh. I had not thought about David in many years nor had kept in touch but even through a passing of over 30 years I can still remember David like it was yesterday. His character was that infectiously upbeat and happy and I hope his family, wife and children can draw upon this in this dark time.
Jeremy Storie
Dear Jill,
I am so sorry to hear of your very sad news. Please know that you and the boys are in my thoughts and prayers.
With love and deepest sympathy,
Dana
Jill,
In gratitude for Dave’s great heart and his courage to live life fully and with commitment, in service to others.
With warmest thoughts and deep condolences to all of you on such a huge loss.
Liz.
The Truly Great
Stephen Spender
I think continually of those who were truly great
Who, from the womb, remembered the soul’s history
Through corridors of light, where the hours are suns,
Endless and singing. Whose lovely ambition
Was that their lips, still touched with fire,
Should tell of the spirit, clothed from head to foot in song.
And who hoarded from the Spring branches
The desires falling across their bodies like blossoms.
What is precious is never to forget
The essential delight of the blood drawn from ageless springs
Breaking through rocks in worlds before our earth.
Never to deny its pleasure in the morning’s simple light,
Nor its grave evening demand for love;
Never to allow gradually the traffic to smother
With noise and fog the flowering of the spirit.
Near the snow, near the sun, in the highest fields
See how these names are feted by the waving grass,
And by the streamers of white cloud,
And whispers of wind in the listening sky.
The names of those who in their lives fought for life,
Who wore at their hearts the fire‘s center.
Born of the sun, they traveled a short while toward the sun,
And left the vivid air signed with their honour.
Dear Jill, Patrick, Cameron and Chirstopher,
We are sad that David and your family had to go through such hardship and our thoughts and prayers our with you in the next days, months, and years.
David was a rare gentleman. The Memorial that we attended at the Beach Drive Campus was a testimony to what a great person he was.
James told me today that he wants to be a parent someday just like Mr. Graham.
Renee said that David was a good man.
I hope that your family stays in Victoria and we miss David very much.
Love Marilyn, James and Renee
to jill, patrick, cameron and christopher – i send you all the most heartfelt hugs from edmonton alberta. i read of dave’s death this morning, and am reeling from it, this thanksgiving sunday. david and i grew up together in timothy eaton sunday school classes, confirmation class, and later at queen’s university. what i most remember about him is his absolutely infectious laugh/giggle that would somehow get everyone else going as well, even if we were kneeling up at the front of the church waiting to take communion! david could always be relied upon to be the sunshine in any dynamic – in fact, i can’t recall ever seeing him without a smile at the ready other than at his mother’s funeral. after university my life led me out of ontario and i lost touch with most of my toronto connections, including david, but when i saw his photo in the paper this morning we were teenagers again and it will be some time before i am able to grasp that he is no longer here in the world as we know it. I know that you will continue to feel him in your lives – such positive energy cannot be destroyed… m
Dear Jill:
I was so sorry to hear recently of David’s death.
I want you to know that in his two short years at TCS, he made an everlasting impact as a teacher, mentor, friend and colleague.
There was an incredible passion and warmth to David; even in bleak and difficult situations with students, David could see the basic good in a student, especially his own advisees, some of whom were prone to “stray”. As he faced his own mortality, that same resolve and optimism gave him courage to face the future I am sure.
David has been on the prayer list at St. Mark’s, the parish church of TCS, since his illness was announced and we prayed again this morning for him and his family. May you and your boys find strength and solace in the days ahead in the knowledge that you are in the thoughts and prayers of many here in Port Hope.
A number from the School will join you at the memorial service on Friday in Toronto.
Fondly,
Peter
Dear Jill and boys,
We are shocked and greatly saddened by the passing of your dear husband -a great father and educator. There are no words that can ease your sorrow. However, may the laughter you shared together echo throughout the coming years and may your beautiful memories always bring you comfort.
Our deepest sympathy,
John, Anita, Chris, Michael and Scott Taylor
(Jill, you taught Michael at SHS in 1992)
Harold and I send our condolences and support to you at this time of tragic loss. May you be comforted by your memories of your son and by your loving family and friends.
Sincerely,
Fredelle Brief