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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.