WILLIAM "BILL" GRAHAM

GRAHAM, WILLIAM "BILL" Passed peacefully on January 15, 2019 at the age of 81 after a short illness. He is founder and Chairman of the Board of Graham Bros. Construction Limited, one of Ontario's largest independent, heavy equipment construction contractors. Born in Goderich in 1937, Bill was an outstanding athlete in Brampton, playing football, hockey and lacrosse. He went on to become a lineman in the CFL for the Toronto Argos, Calgary Stampeders and B.C. Lions before retiring to focus on his construction business. An avid horseman, Bill with his late wife Valerie, founded racing and breeding operation, Windhaven Farms based in Caledon, Ontario and Lexington, Kentucky. Windhaven has produced many Canadian Champion racehorses including Wavering Girl, Cotton Carnival and Uncaptured. He was awarded the Sovereign award for Canada's outstanding breeder in 2012. Bill is a member of the Brampton Sports Hall of Fame and the Ontario Road Builders Association Hall of Fame. In 1995, he was named Business Person of the Year by the Brampton Board of Trade. He is a member of the Canadian Jockey Club Hall of Fame and a recipient of the 2018 E.P. Taylor Award of Merit for his life-long dedication and commitment to Thoroughbred Racing and Breeding in Canada. He served as Vice President of the HBPA, a director of the CTHS, a commissioner of the ORC, a steward of the Jockey Club of Canada and a member of Woodbine's board of directors. Bill is survived by his daughters, Jackie and Dianne, his son-in-law Frank Steblaj, his grandchildren Alexandra and Catherine. Also survived by Murray, Lorrie, Sarah and Madeline. He will be sadly missed by many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank the compassionate and outstanding work of the Palliative care team at Brampton Civic Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to the Brampton Palliative care unit at William Osler Hospital and the Canadian Race Track Chaplaincy of Canada. Funeral Service will be held Monday, January 21, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Faith Gospel Tabernacle, 140 Salvation Road, Brampton. Please visit the Book of Memories at www.wardfuneralhome.com