June 21, 1951 – May 1, 2014
Graydon passed away peacefully on May 1, 2014, at the age of 62 with wife, Maria, and family at his side. Graydon is survived by his wife, Maria Hooker (nee Fitterer), of 37 years; children, Christopher(Nadia), Lara, Joshua (Deserey); grandchildren, Aiden and Anabella; father Bruce (Jose) and sister Judith (Bob) Hooker.
Graydon was born on June 21, 1951, in Prince George, BC. He grew up in Williams Lake and then moved with his family to Victoria, BC. He graduated from UBC with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. In 1978, Graydon became a Realtor and in 1995 he became a self-employed property manager. He retired in 2012.
Graydon always took pride in his work. He was a capable person who enjoyed working with his hands. Graydon was known for his outgoing social nature and was always heard happily whistling. He loved to laugh and tell stories of his experiences. He made friends quickly and made sure to keep in touch regularly. Graydon would always drop everything to help someone who was down on luck or needed a helping hand.
Graydon and his wife enjoyed raising their 3 children and spending time with them at Cowichan Lake. He was extremely family oriented and was proud of their hard work and accomplishments. He had a close connection with each of his children and remained in constant contact throughout the years. Graydon developed a strong bond with his grandson of 3 ½ years and was blessed to meet his new granddaughter. He had a close relationship with his father and they enjoyed rebuilding vehicles together and being partners in real estate.
Graydon was an avid reader and loved the classic music of his era. He was fond of photography and harvesting seed from wild poppies to scatter and watch them grow.
Graydon fell ill for the last 4 years and was determined to fight with courage and live as happy a life as possible. He was never one to complain. His family is filled with sorrow that their time with him was cut short. Graydon will always be remembered and loved.
He lived life fully – and those around him felt his love and kindness.
Special thanks to family and friends for their love and support through recent years.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Fireside Grill, in Victoria (4509 W Saanich Rd.) on May 25, 2014, at 1:00 pm. Donations may be made to the BC Cancer Agency to support research to further improve lives.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
16 Responses
We feel privileged to have known Graydon for almost 20 years. He always had a smile and a story to tell and we will miss him deeply.
Ann and I express our sincere condolences to you and your family during these difficult days. May God give you the courage and strength to continue.
Dale and Ann
It was with sadness that Dave and I read about the passing of Graydon. We have lived at 1410 Fort Street for 17+ years, but in the past few have missed hearing stories about his children (he was an extremely proud father) and the tell-tale sign that Graydon was somewhere in the building – whistling. He will be missed by many.
Dear Bruce and Josie
We were very sorry to hear of Graydon’s passing. It is very hard to lose a son. Our thoughts and prayers are with you both at this time.
Love Bob and Maggie.
Dear Bruce and Josie
We were very sorry to hear of Graydon’s passing..
Maria,
I was shocked and so sorry to hear of Graydon’s passing, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love Carmen
The description of Graydon was so true and touching!
May you find peace that comes from above…a true peace during your time of grieving…
Love always,
Lise
xxx
Dear Maria;
I don’t know if I have the words to adequately express our deepest sympathy at Graydon’s passing.
One could not spend time with Graydon and not smile or laugh. Joe and I so enjoyed the times we had with you both.
He was so willing to give of his time and knowledge about real estate matters. And he had an opinion about almost everything; we always found his perspective entertaining and informative!
He was one of the good guys who life was too short.
You, Graydon and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless you, your kids and their families.
Dear Maria: what a sad time. All of our thoughts and prayers are with you all. It has been a very long time since I have seen Graydon. What a well accomplished man he became and what a fight he has gone through. “All that we love deeply becomes a part of us forever”. Celeen and Fred
Dear Maria,
We read of Graydon’s passing with deep sadness. I knew he had not been well for some time. Please accept our prayers and sympathy at this difficult time for you and your family. Graydon was a fine man and always eager to help and lend his expertise. He will be missed by many.
Graydon and I were born a day a part the same year. My mother and her sister Auntie Anne both knit each other baby outfits of the same pattern which they didn’t realize until they received their gifts from each other in the mail. Mom knit yellow, Auntie Anne knit pink. Then to be born so close together later, gave us a special bond in spite of the distances that we lived. He was a great cousin and will really be missed. To die so young makes you realize how important it is to make the best of our short time here on earth. His mother thought the world of him and I’m sure she is happy to be with him now. May he rest in peace.