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
27 Responses
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.
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!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.