GRAHAM PETRIE

GRAHAM PETRIE It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Graham Petrie on December 9, 2023, with his daughters by his side. Graham was a deeply thoughtful and intelligent man. His intellectual curiosity was boundless, leading him to share the depths of his knowledge and insights generously. As we mourn his loss, we remember this along with his kindness and humility; a lasting legacy that will be remembered with deep admiration and respect. Graham is predeceased by his parents John and Catherine Petrie, and by his wives Anne Baillie (1974), and Catherine Gibbon (2021). He leaves behind loving daughters Alison Young (Rob) of Brantford, and Janet Henderson (Eddie) of Dundas. Devoted grandad to Flint, Fiona, Jeff, Carley, Tori, Kenzie, Marshall, Isabella, Seinna, and Sophie. Born on December 10, 1939, in Penang Malaysia, Graham was educated at Boarding schools in Malaysia and at Dollar Academy in Scotland. He read English at St. Andrews University and Brasenose College Oxford. In 1964 Graham immigrated to Canada and taught English Literature and Film at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. After retirement from McMaster, Graham went back and taught for a year at St Andrews and spent some time teaching for Queens University at their Herstmonceux campus in Sussex England. Graham is a well published author, publishing two novels, Seahorse and The Seige, and several short stories. He has also published several books on film. As a member of the Toronto Film Society since 1965, Graham was their Scholar in residence and helped to organize the programming for their trips to the Nitrate Film Festival. In December last year Graham received the TFS Inaugural Petrie Award. Graham was also one of the founding members of the Canadian Film Studies Association. As a Humanitarian, Graham was also a long time member of Amnesty International and joined in letter writing campaigns to free political prisoners. He also sponsored children through World Vision and gave monthly to many other charities. Locally he was a proud sponsor of the Arts and the Hamilton Conservation Authority. He was a member of both The Westdale and Playhouse cinemas. Along with his wife Catherine, Graham enjoyed being part of the Artistic community in Dundas. He spent his retirement travelling to film festivals in Italy and the United States. He enjoyed hiking, seeing films and continued to write and to mentor students. He was a great collector of books and wine. A special thank you to the many friends who faithfully came to visit Graham in his home. To Kate Riley, a special friend, Gerry and Nina Chapple, Nancy McKibbin, Libby Toews, Bert Dorpmans, and Lee Alexander. A very Special thank you to the many caregivers who made it possible for Graham to stay in the home he loved. Ginalyn, Cecile, Cylah, Grace, Sharelle, and many others. Uncle/Lolo loved you and you cared for him like family.