Graham went peacefully to his “final Home” on October 19, 2011; at his side his life partner, Ted Simonite, left to recall many happy years together & Graham’s remarkable personal life accomplishments. Left behind his much loved aunt Alfreda Hill (Nigel), adopted families Jan & Mario Pavan, Sheila & Richard Zurbrigg, Robert & Candyce Jackson, his cherished & steadfast friends & neighbors on Vancouver Island, all of whom he referred to as “my only real family”. Graham was predeceased by his mentor ‘Gramps’, John Miller & his ‘Grandma Bett’, Betty Hill.
Graham aka ‘Simply Fabulous’, born July 22, 1950, in Digby, NS, left at 18 to enter nursing in Kingston, Ontario achieving his RN status; then served many years at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children, in ’79 moved to Vancouver serving briefly at VGH, soon after moved to St. Paul’s Hospital where he remained until 1990; following his dream, he entered College, graduating in Interior Design in 1993 followed by the opening of Graham’s Design Studio in N. Vancouver. With the long-awaited move to Vancouver Island he, with Ted, retired to enjoy an ever-more-wonderful life in Fairwinds Nanoose Bay.
Four years of diverse medical challenges were ably met by Nanaimo Regional General Hospital & St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver. Special thanks to Dr. David Forrest, the many caring Specialists, Doctors, Nurses, Technicians, support persons in both hospitals who, with genuine compassion & concern, made “miracles” happen granting him 4 extra years of life.
Grateful thanks to the numerous Friends & Neighbors & Alfreda Hill & Ted’s extended family for their loving & caring support over these sometimes difficult years.
Cremation with no Service by request. In Springtime, a ‘Happy Celebration of Graham’s Life’. Graham’s final wish, “I want a party with my friends & neighbours!”
If wished: Nanaimo Hospital Foundation & St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation suggested.