GRAHAM: John Thomas
Posted By On September 24, 2021 @ 12:00 AM In Dashwood,Exeter,Obituary | 5 Comments
GRAHAM: John Thomas Graham, (84) passed away peacefully, his loving wife Lynette Graham (nee Beaune) by his side on Friday, September 24, 2021, at the Mount Hope Centre for Long Term Care, London, Ontario. Born November 13, 1936 in Stratford, Ontario, the eldest of 6 children to Stanley Ian Graham (d. 1961) and Dorothy (nee Jasper) Metcalf (d. 2000). John graduated from Walkerton District High School and continued his studies at the University of Western Ontario. After earning his B.A. in Math John married Shelley Irene Graham (nee Currie) (d. 2006) and had two children Laura Roberts (nee Graham) and Currie Graham. After serving 3 years as Lieutenant in the Royal Regiment of the Canadian Artillery, John received his teacher training from the University of Toronto and began his career with the Board of Education for the City of Hamilton teaching math and serving as Department Head at the Leeds and Grenville Board of Education. John was a Vice Principal at Thousand Islands Secondary School. During successful tenures as Principal at Brockville Collegiate Institute and North Grenville District High School, John earned his M. ED., at the University of Ottawa. John served as a Superintendent of Education until his retirement in 1993. An advocate for youth, John and his wife Shelley fostered a number of children. An active member of the Brockville Rotary Club, John also served on numerous committees including the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation where he received an Educational Services Award in 1994. A gregarious man, John played golf for the social not the score, was an elegant dancer, loved puns and gardening almost as much as he loved desserts. From Stratford, Ontario to travelling the world John was the epitome that success in life is not a destination but the distance traveled. John is survived by his wife Lynette Graham. His children Laura Roberts (Derek) and Currie Graham. Siblings Jessie Koepke (Wayne), Doreen Gress (Doug), William Graham (Ann), brother-in-law Harry Leppington, sister-in-law Sherry Graham, step-sister Sharon Murray (nee Metcalf) (Ron d. 2020) and granddaughter Sasha Daria Graham. Step-children Natalie Harvey and Andrew Harvey (Chelsey). Step-grandchildren Trevor Roberts (Rae-Ann) and Christopher Roberts (Ashley), Jordan, Jamana, Aidre and Braidan (Harvey). Step-great-grandchildren Gwyneth Everly Roberts, Henry Alexander Roberts and Kemi Lyn Harvey. Remembered by as well by many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and colleagues. Predeceased by Step-Father Maurice Metcalf (d. 1993), Sister Dorothy Leppington (nee Graham) (d. 2012) and brother Stan Graham (d. 2016). At John’s request, cremation has taken place. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, St. Joseph’s on Thursday, September 30, 2021 at 11 a.m., with Visitation held 1 hour prior. Interment to follow. Rev. Fr. Matthew George Celebrant. The Family would like to express a special thanks to Dr. Gillis, Mindy, Leena and all of the fine staff who do the work of angels on St. Mary’s 1 at Mount Hope Long Term Care, London, Ontario. Arrangements entrusted to the T. Harry Hoffman & Sons Funeral Home, Dashwood. If desired, memorial donations (payable directly) to the Alzheimer’s Society, the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
Condolences for the family of “GRAHAM: John Thomas”
Jane and I send our condolences to Laura, Currie and Lynette on the passing of our beloved friend John. JTG was a mentor to me and a role model to many whose positive spirit and “can-do” attitude were hallmarks of his being. I can recall many conversations about education and life in general with John whose appetite for helping others was large. John never met a pun that he didn’t like. He was one of the original “Dad joke” guys who could bring a groan and eye roll from his audiences – whether it be a school assembly or an audience of one.
People come into our lives for a purpose. John and I met in 1975 when he hired me to become his Head of the English Dept. at BCI. He was more than my Principal. He acted in many ways like my older brother as I navigated a difficult time in my personal life. I will always be grateful for the interest and quality time that he gave me.
May John rest in the arms of our Lord. Blessings David & Jane Dargie
Dear Graham Family
Please accept our sincere condolences on John’s passing.
Mary and I were students at BCI in the late 70’s, during Johns tenure as principle.
John always greeted his student body with a big smile and kind words. A staunch supporters of all student activities whether they be academic, athletic or the coveted musicals.
John will be missed, but certainly not forgotten…it’s been 45 years and we haven’t.
Sincerely,
Bob & Mary Langmuir
Class of ’78
I am so sorry Laura and Currie to hear of your father’s passing. I have many fond memories of both your mom and dad and their visits to the farm in Ivanhoe. xxoo Please know you are in our thoughts. ((hugs))
Janet, Steve, Matt and Nick Davenport
My sincere condolences to the Gram family. I had the honour of working with Joh when he was at TISS. He was highly regarded by staff and students alike. He will be missed by by the people he has touched
Sheila Rhodes
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Lynette and family. Our deepest condolences in the loss of John. We’ve missed his sense of humour since his health took such a drastic turn a few years ago. We are praying for all of you. May you find peace and comfort and may his rewards be great in heaven.
Sincerely
Don & Charlene