Graham Wilson

It is with saddened hearts and enduring love, that the family of Graham Wilson announces his peaceful passing on September 15th,2024 in Burlington.

Graham is survived by his daughter Karen (Mike), and stepsons Myles (Mary Catherine), Marc, Todd (Ana), and Scott (Sue). A loving grandfather to Kristi, David, Caitlin, Paul, Laura, Andrea, Tim, Shelby, Shaun, Cariana, Sadie & Pearl. Great-Grandfather to Finn, Piper, Joni, Donika, Declan, Harrison, Christopher, Jack and Finn. Graham also leaves behind a circle of close lifelong friends. 

Graham was preceded in death by his loving wife Irene in February, his daughter Heather (Glenn) in 2022, and his first wife Marjorie in 1984 . 

Graham was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Commerce, Chartered Accountants degree, and graduated from the UWO Exec Development & Entrepreneurship program. He served from 1958 to 1962 with the United Nations in the Middle East retiring in 1962 as CFO for the UN Operations in Jordan. Graham’s first daughter Heather was born in 1961 in Jordan. Graham and Marjorie returned to Hamilton where Graham held various positions with Dofasco INC., until his retirement as VP & Corporate Secretary in 1991. Dofasco provided Graham the opportunity to fulfill his passion for fundraising and supporting the Arts. Graham’s community contributions included Chairman and President of the Art Gallery of Hamilton, Chairman of the Hamilton YWCA’s fundraising board, Chairman of the Hamilton and District United Way, Chairman St John’s Ambulance Burlington, Director of the McMaster University Health Sciences Corporation and Chairman of the Chedoke McMaster Hospital Foundation. Graham served between 1985 and 1992 as a member of the Economic Council of Canada, Chairman and President of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, and as a Director for the Institute of Political Involvement based in Toronto where he met his second wife Irene Wilson. Graham received “Her Majesty’s Twenty Fifth Anniversary Medal” for his volunteering contributions. 

Graham had a passion for travelling and enjoyed 30 incredible years during retirement travelling the globe with Irene. Their favorite trip was South Africa which they claimed was the most beautiful place on earth. Twenty years were spent wintering in Bequia where both Irene and Graham became part of the local community making life long friendships. Enjoying the ballet, classical music and gardening were other favorite pastimes. Graham was also an avid fly fisherman and loved his frequent trips with his closest friends and fly-fishing companions Alan, Bruce, Jim and family all over North America. 

The heart of Graham’s world was his family, and he provided unconditional loving support, great company and positivity. He was patient, invested, compassionate and encouraging, depending on what you needed from him on that day. He inspired others to live fully, be kind to each other and be guided by integrity and values. He had an enormous impact on the entire family, providing wonderful memories for all. 

A special thanks to Graham’s exceptional medical doctors over the years, and the entire staff at the Pearl and Pine Retirement Residence. The P&P team welcomed Graham into their family in March, and could not have shown him more kindness, support or love. Graham was able to rejuvenate during his time there, and spend time enjoying his passion for books, being outdoors and gardening on his deck. 

Though Graham may no longer be with us in the physical world, the impact he made on our lives will forever remain. Graham was a unique masterpiece – a mind and soul that was so intelligent, kind, caring and inspiring that he affected everyone that he met. He will be greatly missed by his loving family, and always remembered in our hearts. 

As per Graham’s wishes, a small family celebration of life will be held at a later date.