2017
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Graham McCallum left us on November 13, 2017. Graham is survived by wife Sandy, son Patrick (Emily), daughter Kathleen, stepdaughters Susan, and Debra (Chris), and sister Maureen (Don).
Though born in Saskatoon in 1932, Graham’s childhood was spent in New Westminster where he was raised with his elder siblings John and Maureen. If there was one defining characteristic of Graham, it was his sense of kindness. Born to Northern Irish immigrants and through his life witnessing first hand the products of poverty, racism, and every manner of inequity, Graham’s response was to impart an altruistic warmth to everyone he met. A staunch supporter of social policies intended to aid the neglected or mistreated, Graham was outspoken in his belief that a civilized society takes care of all of its members regardless of their circumstance. His scope of support was broad, from actively supported aid-providing charities, all the way to worrying if the dog waiting for its owner outside a shop needed some water.
Graham’s working life found him in a variety of roles. He spent five years in Fort Churchill, Manitoba as a wireless operator with the Royal Canadian Navy, later a guard at Oakalla Prison in Burnaby, and eventually a Western Canada-based fire insurance underwriter. His time working in the fire service brought him the most fulfilment and satisfaction, however, first as a firefighter with the Penticton force in the 60’s, and finally as a Captain Inspector with the Victoria Fire Department up until his retirement in 1992. Though Graham enjoyed the camaraderie and professionalism of the fire service, it was their dedication to protecting and preserving life that offered him the most pride.
Music and art were among Graham’s many gifts and he was adept at both, as an excellent pianist, painter, and draughtsman. He spent many years after retirement both performing and sharing his knowledge of music for residents in rest homes. Graham had an insatiable curiosity for all the pillars of wisdom that informed his encyclopedic knowledge of everything from theology to physics. As with all things, Graham was generous with his knowledge and cherished his role as a gifted teacher and mentor.
Family always came first, however, and it will be as a husband, father, brother, and uncle that Graham will be missed the most. For those of us left behind, his absence will remain a source of heartache, but also a testament to a man we all consider ourselves so fortunate to have known and loved.
The family would like to extend our warm thanks to staff at both Oak Bay Lodge and The Lodge at Broadmead for their care and support.
A Celebration of Life for Graham will be held at The Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney, BC on Sunday, December 3rd at 1:00pm, Activity Room #2, and all are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the B.C. Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund or the Alzheimer’s Society of BC.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Graham McCallum – 2017.source

Death notice for the town of: Victoria, Province: Colombie britanique

death notice Graham McCallum – 2017- mortuary notice Graham McCallum – 2017