Son of Adam and Amélie, brother to Elizabeth, David and Tinah, uncle to Esmée and JoJo, nephew and cousin to many, friend to all. Graham lived almost all his life in Ottawa. He graduated from Lisgar Collegiate where he forged great friendships and helped lead the boys basketball team to victory in the City Championships of 2007. After two years at Dalhousie University studying political science, Graham returned to Ottawa to join the family renovation and construction business. He was completing his Red Seal apprenticeship for carpentry at Algonquin College. He was a brilliant political observer and voracious reader whose keen intelligence was surpassed only by his gentle kindness. He died suddenly from a pulmonary embolism, reminding us to be good to each other always. His family invites all who grieve to celebrate him on Sunday, May 26 at 5:00 pm. in the Sacred Space at the Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa. You can also honour him with a donation to First Book Canada and by sitting down for a good read.
Digital Guestbook
Sharon Lofgren
Amanda Cliff
What a lovely tribute to your beautiful son. We will be humbled to honour him with a donation to First Book Canada and to remind ourselves and our family of the importance of reading and writing, and all things creative. The universe always mourns the loss of a gentle soul. They are far too few among us. We join in the collective mourning for this lovely life lost and in sharing our love and support for you and all of Graham’s family. My son Patrick Burpee said that he had just seen Graham at school, and that it’s so hard to believe. You are right. We need to be good to each other always, every day.
Amanda
Marc Chimes
“Death loves a shining mark” was a quotation I saw in college and never forgot. Surely it applies here. All to make the parting more numbing, the loss of breath more deep. I ache with you, and offer my sorrow to the heap. My sincerest condolences for your loss. Peace in the days ahead...
Shawn and Jon Simmons
We send our sincere love and sympathy to Graham’s dear family.
Heather Rourke
Love surrounds and supports all of you in this sad time. Your many friends are thinking of you.
Debbie, Keith, Chelsea and Allan Vickers.
Our children spent a lot of time together in the early days of growing up and our hearts are so broken for you There are no words to describe how sad we feel. Love from all of us.
Maria Giovanna and Giovanni Melillo
We are heartbroken by Graham’s passing. It’s hard to imagine the infinite sorrow of his family. Even harder to imagine that such a bright, kind young man is not longer amongst us. Our next read will be for Graham. Much love.
Sylvia Haines
Graham was loved, the greatest gift of all.
Betsy Duane
The world may have lost his potential but you are the lucky ones to live daily with his spirit. Blessings and hugs as you find the new normal.
Margot Cameron
What a very sad loss. I know that you have the strength, and I hope that you have the support you need to get through this.
My heart bleeds for all of his loved ones. What a loss, not only for his family and friends, but the entire world has lost a good man.