James Wilson Grahame (aka Wiz, Wils, Wizlon, Dad, Grandpa, Sweetheart, colleague, healer and friend) died peacefully on November 6, 2020 in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. He was born on February 13, 1939 in Maghera, Northern Ireland. Wilson is survived by his loving wife Jane, and their blended family of six children, Michael, Jennifer, Stephanie, Timothy, Penny, Oliver; and six grandchildren, Rileigh, Storme, Skyler, Laighton, Caitlin, Dylan.
Wilson studied medicine at Queen’s University, Belfast before immigrating to Canada in 1965 where he undertook a Urology residency in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and was blessed with two children from his first marriage. In 1976 he relocated to Vancouver, British Columbia, married his “Darling” Jane the following year, and expanded his family with open arms to include her four children. After a triple bypass in 1993, he fully embraced his new lease on life, retired from his Urology practice and moved with Jane to Maple Bay on Vancouver Island, before eventually settling in Oak Bay, Victoria.
With a twinkle in his eye and an abundance of Irish humour, Wilson pursued his passions whole-heartedly and with vigor; from sailing, to travelling, gardening, sports (Go Canucks!), guitar, and most importantly spending time with family. He left an indelible impression on the innumerable lives he touched along the way. Kind, generous, loyal, funny, wise, full of life, maker of mischief, and bringer of joy, the world was better for having him in it. Truly a class act!
A private family ceremony was held in Victoria on Friday, November 13, 2020. Click on the link below to watch the service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Wilson’s honour to Canuck Place Children’s Hospice: https://www.canuckplace.org/
Memories, tributes to celebrate Wilson’s life and condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Karen Michalek
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Austina Parsons Dear Jane and Family–My daughter Tammy and I were so sad to read of Wilson’s death.
Such a fun time at Quadra island with both of you a couple of years ago with the hiking group!
Our heartfelt condolences..
Tammy and Tina
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Janet Blair Jane, I was so sorry to hear of Wilson’s passing. I have such fond memories of the times that Bob and I shared with you and Wilson. Wilson was one of a kind and will be greatly missed by you and your family. I’m sure that Wilson and Bob are having a great time!
Love to you and the family.
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Ernie Cockayne Our condolences to the family on the loss of your wonderful patriarch. One of the world’s characters. Always the life and soul of the regular morning “ parties “ in the changing room of the Oak Bay rec. centre. I would also like to recall with gratitude Wilson’s prompt actions in dealing with medical emergencies at two of our social gatherings. Firstly, a wasp sting in the mouth of a trombone player. Secondly ( and more seriously ), on another occasion, Wilson noticed that the trumpet player was sitting out in some distress, suspected heart problems, drove him to hospital and undoubtedly saved his life.A great friend ! I will miss him also.
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Shirley MacFarlane Dear Jane, I was so saddened to hear about Wilson. He was such a darling man, funny and so caring. My thoughts are with you. Love Shirley
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Anne and Ian Short Jane, He was truly a wonderful man. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
With love from
Anne and Ian
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Darrylyn&Jeff Child SO sorry to learn of Wilson’s passing. We have many happy memories of time shared with Wilson and Jane in False Creek Yacht Club when we sailed together, laughed together. The most memorable was when Wilson entertained us one St.Patrick’s Day – joke after joke from ‘The Biggest Leprechaun out of Ireland’. Wilson was truly a warm and ‘larger than life’ character who will be missed by so many. With heartfelt sympathy to Jane and family. Darrylyn and Jeff Child
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Murray and Lia Woods It was both my pleasure and privilege to build a special friendship and walk with Wilson through the final season of his life, over the past 18 months. Put simply, he was a fine Irish gentleman. Wilson and Jane introduced my wife, Lia and I, as newcomers to Victoria, to a number of new contacts in this community, including the NEW RADICALS coffee group. Wilson was about outreach, inclusion and consideration for others. He was clever, curious, optimistic, very funny, and ever ready with stories and jokes, or a wise comment on the issues of the day. He brought out the best in everyone around him. His vigorous and committed approach to his life and he accomplished much in his life, serves as a beacon for me, and all who knew him. We, too, will miss the twinkle in his eye, the sharpness of his wit, and the goodness of his heart. Condolences to Jane and the rest of the Grahame family.
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Trevor Porritt My condolences to Jane and the Grahame family for the loss of their wonderful Dr. Wilson Grahame.
My parents always enjoyed their visits with Wilson and Jane. Over my years from childhood to adulthood I would have the privilege to see Wilson and Jane. Visits were always entertaining and fun. God bless you Wilson. Heaven has become a better place to be with your entrance through the Pearly Gates.
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Christopher Causton Jane and Family. I opened the Front door one morning to find a man with a fascinating accent and a Twinkle in his eye. In his hand he held the Ulster Banner which, after introducing himself, he dared me to fly on the Glorious Twelth every year. Whenever I saw him around Oak Bay in July he would remind me, and he would walk past, I know, on the day and check. Our conversations were too few, but I treasured each one. His flag is proudly flying today.. With deepest Sympathy.
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Lewis and Manon Dear Jane and family, Manon and I were saddened to hear Wilson died. He was quite a character at our TOFFs lunches. We will miss his stories. Our condolences to you and your family, rest in peace Wilson.
Lewis and Manon
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Robert W Ball Very sorry to hear of Wilson’s passing. Always enjoyed our meeting together at the Oak Bay pool for some water walking and a soak in the hot tub. I admired his energy and enthusiasm for life and his many travel adventures with his family. He amazed me when he and Jane drove across Canada in his trusty Jaguar. All my love to Jane and Wilson’s family. He will not be soon forgotten.
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Ted Cragg I was saddened to hear of Wilson’s passing and pass along my condolences to Jane and his family. I was a colleague, and once a patient of Wilson’s, and fondly remember him not only for his medical acumen but for his warmth and humour.
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Bob and Eleanor Dilts Just today we learned of this. We are saddened immensely. We met Wilson and Jane in Florence when we were all on a garden tour of Tuscany. We immediately were taken by them both. Wilson’s humour and spontaneity were infectious. Jane’s love and support for him and all were admirable. When they became neighbours along Beach Drive we saw them often and as well marvelled at their influence in the gardens where they lived. Their combined legacy of personal beauty will never be forgotten.
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Linda Gould I was surprised to see Wilson’s picture in the paper today. He was a neighbour of my Mom’s at Marina Bay and Wilson and Jane were so kind to her. I had a lovely visit with Wilson in 2018 and he inspired me to write about him in a blog (I have a music blog). I thought the family might be interested in reading it although I am sure they all know what a treasure he was. RIP Wilson and my heartfelt sympathy, Jane. https://www.playpianochordstoday.com/post/2018/11/26/a-special-gift
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Mike Yamanaka Wilson was a witty, kind and caring person. He was a mentor for me in a pathway to medicine. My condolences to family. He will be sorrily missed but always remembered.
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GEORGE GRAHAM George Graham
Back home here in Northern Ireland we were saddened to learn of the death of cousin Wilson on Friday 6 November 2020. We have many happy memories of his early years here before he emigrated to Canada. We always looked forward to his return visits with Jane and the family. He was fun loving, cheerful and the popular centre of attraction at social gatherings. He enjoyed playing tricks on friends and family. We extend our sympathies To Jane and all the family circle in Canada.
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Harley Mackoff As a former colleague of Wilson’s at Richmond hospital, he in urology, and myself in ob/gyn, I would like to express my condolences to the Grahame family. I fondly recall each morning sharing a laugh, a joke in the hospital hallway. His smile and Irish twinkle in his eye were uplifting, even during difficult times. On a more serious note, we shared many difficult cases together and I always appreciated his support. I know he retired somewhat early, but it was certainly the right time for him and I respected that insightful decision. I am sure he will be terribly missed by his loved ones.
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Bill and Helen Schuckel Bill and I have so many great memories of our friendship here in Maple Bay, rhodos for ever!, and the odd visit in Victoria–also surprise meeting at Butchart Gardens! “Wilson Wood” was a special friend as is Jane!! B&B Keeper par excellence! My aunt also treasured her time at your house, particularly the chocolate on the pillow!
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Richard Mark I have known Wilson since 1965 when I was a new intern and Wilson became my immediate boss ( surgical resident } . He taught me with patience , humour and wisdom. We have been friends off and on over the years but became closer when he moved to Maple Bay and Victoria. He was the co founder of the FREE RADICAL doctor coffee group meeting every Friday in Oak Bay and then in the Pandemic by Zoom. We learnt of his passing last Friday and were all deeply saddened as he was the heart and soul of the group. We will miss his laconic Irish wit. Wilson was definitely one of a Kind. God Bless
Richard
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Marie Bowness As I think of Wilson, I picture a big smile, an engaging conversation, kindness, generosity, and always ready for a good laugh. His love for Jane was everlasting. He truly enjoyed life to the fullest, something we should all learn from. Our family has been privileged to enjoy the friendship of Wilson amd we will miss seeing him each summer around Chester. Our love goes out to Jane and all of their family as they celebrate the life of this incredible husband, father and friend. Keep watching over us Wilson. Love Hugh, Marie, Jamie and Lisa Bowness Xo
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Amelie Forsyth They say we remember someone not by what they said to us but by how they made us feel. Wilson made me feel welcomed, loved, appreciated and valued. I believe that all those lucky to know this special man must have felt like I did, that I mattered, that we mattered to him. And he mattered to a great many, he mattered to me. I am very grateful for the few years I spent part of your family and I grieve with you Jane, Michael, Jen, Tim, Stephanie, Penny, Oliver and with the rest of your loved ones. I won’t soon forget Wiz, his attempts at French, his sense of humour, his kindness, mischievous smile and laugh. The good chats we had in the past and the little nods and exchanges on social media more recently. I had dearly hoped to see him again one day but I promise to keep him close to my heart always. My most sincere and heartfelt condolences. With all my love, Amelie XO
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Gina Duncan We are so very sorry Jen. Keeping you and the girls close to our hearts during this very difficult time. Sending you love and light.
Gina and Cassidy
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Jane Huston I am so sorry to hear the news about Wilson. The lasting image I have of him is a fun, smiling Irish man full of life and humour who lived life to the full, adored his wife and family and loved living in Canada. Even now thinking of him I am recalling his big smile and sense of fun. I want to send you all lots of hugs from across the water and I am thinking of you all. I hope he is somewhere now where he has access to lots of ‘wafer thin mints’!
Lots of love
Jane
xx
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Sue Martin Wilson, from the moment we met you and Jane as neighbours in Maple Bay, I never saw you without a twinkle in your eye, a joke or two..or three…and ever caring and full of joy.. We loved our potluck dinners and cutthroat games afterwards, and got such a kick out of watching people gravitate to you at Saturday markets in Duncan. I’ll cherish many lovely memories and don’t you worry, I’ll take very good care of “your” bonsai for you. Much love, Sue Martin
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Ian Grant It was my honour to have had the pleasure to spend sometime with Wilson. He was a true family man with a great sense of humour. He will be missed by many.
RIP Wilson. One day we will meet again.
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Kris Hartvigsen Wils. One of the kindest, funniest and genuine people I had the pleasure of growing up around. You never could remember a single lyric to a song, instead choosing to make up your own or filling in the blanks with the odd “diddly-dee” and you brought the house down at my sister’s wedding with a joke that, if told without your indelible Irish accent, would have been one where you could hear a pin drop. My last time seeing you was at mom and dad’s 50th where you clearly fell in love with another woman, my 6 year old daughter, dancing up a storm with her in the process. I was also fortunate enough to share a birthday with you, often blowing out candles on the same cake. Wilson, on behalf of my family, my late father (who you’re no doubt stirring the pot with right now), I say “thank you for being a part of our lives and thank you for welcoming us into yours.” Jane and family, our hearts are with you and we wish you as many wonderful memories of Wilson as we hold in our hearts of our dad.
OH My Dear Jane,
How sorrowful it was to hear the news yesterday about Wilson… our honorable “Mayor of Maple Bay” and our good friend (as you are). The twinkle in his eye, the lilt in his voice and his total joy of life and family was infectious. He added much joy to our lives. Hugs and Love,, Karen