Obituary of John Thomas Graham

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.