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John Graham Obituary
John leaves behind his wife of 27 years, Lia Westerlund, his children Veronica (Christopher Hirst) and Melanie, his cherished grandchildren Nate and Teddy, and his brother Stephen (Lesley Anne), nephew Wade, and niece Cynthia.
Born July 19, 1954 to Harry and Donna Jane Graham in Brampton, ON, John started his life on a farm before calling Kleinburg home for almost 40 years.
An incredible athlete, a devoted audiophile, and voracious reader, John began his career as a golf course superintendent working primarily at Vaughan Valley Golf Course before joining the Vaughan Fire Department in his 40s. A number of John's years were spent caring for the McMichael Canadian Art Collection grounds in Kleinburg. He was always rooting for the underdog and knew that life was better with laughs. His kindness was admirable and infectious; his integrity unwavering.
Both a man of few words and an avid storyteller with an incredible vocabulary, John was happiest among the trees. He was a staunch environmentalist who lived his life in harmony with nature appreciating the power of taking the time to just stop.
And listen.
John was many things to many people but it was the title of Gramp that he held so dearly. From weekly Gramp Days to non-stop wrestling to fun foolishness, he gave his heart and soul to Nate and Teddy and their lives will forever be richer because of Gramp's love.
A Celebration of Life picnic will take place on Sun July 13, 2025 @ 1p; Boyd Conservation Park (8739 Islington Ave; Hillview Site).
For those looking to honour John's memory, donations can be made, in lieu of flowers, to Forests Canada or the Canadian Cancer Society.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Kimmie Graham
July 19, 2025
Happiest of Heavenly Birthday John..wow 71
.I remember when met picking u up on the side of the road to go play a game of mixed baseball..I fell in ahhh then.
Your looks, charm & athleticism..I believe the game g of us all hung out for the Day & night..
I believevthats why I've been single so long as no.one has ever measured up to you except our Son in Law Chris..
I want to thank for being my friend,confidant & one of my biggest supporters thru life as we've known each other since you were 23..
My goodness what lasting memories you've left me ; especially our daughters Veronica & Melanie & grandkids Nate & Teddy..soooooo special to me as they were to you.
We did good..
I know your up there with our families as they all adored you especially Grandpa Gillmore for your abilities for helping him one summer on the farm..he even got out an old high chair & cleaned it up for Veronica..
You will forever remain in my thoughts & heart till it's time forever to depart this earth..
Much love, gratitude & admiration.
Love
Kimmie Graham
John Twist
July 13, 2025
John was immediately likeable. That was my first impression when I met him shortly after I married his cousin Joanne. She would have talked about his kindness, his smile, his devotion to his children, his steadfastness. He was always fun to be with, which did not happen enough. If there is a heaven, John and Joanne will find each other, tell stories about their common experiences with cancer, their childhood adventures, and then try to outdo each other with stories about their children and, then, more enthusiastically, about their grandchildren. If we could only listen in on that.
He was a very good man!
Greg Harrington
July 12, 2025
Grew up in Kleinberg was friends with Melanie, very sad to randomly come across this news. My condolences, wishing the family all the best.
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Nick Vozgenikov
July 10, 2025
"A real stand-up guy that John Graham" is how my father, Paul Uytenbogaart ,would describe the friendship he's maintained since highschool.
John wasn't my friend. I didn't see him often.
But he was the friend my father spoke most highly of and the friend my father chose as my godfather.
As a young boy we visited John at the fire station. Many years later , after becoming a father myself, John was at my Dad's table when my wife and I were married.
A fighter, a runner and a lover of nature. In our hearts, our memories or wherever he is I know John is still keeping busy doing the things he loves.
"A real stand-up guy that John Graham"
Rosemary DeFrancesco
July 2, 2025
John was a peaceful man and I pray for his soul. He will be deeply missed. I am also sending thoughts and prayers to his wife and family, until they meet again.
W
June 24, 2025
Victoria Wilde
June 19, 2025
Lia...Hugh and I send our deepest heart felt condolences.
There are good men and there are Great men. John surly was a GREAT man. So many good memories to reflect upon. Alway so kind and wanting to be of help and service. His love of the mother earth and care and respect for her was an inspiration for us.
As we spoke about many times Lia...the great mystery of life is the arriving and the departing. This we know " there is no death, only a change of worlds".
John Graham...truly the Earth's loss and Heavens gain.
Victoria & Hugh
Mario Iandoli
June 16, 2025
John was truly one of the greatest individuals I have had the pleasure of working with. He was always there to lend a helping hand and always went out of his way to make sure everything was ok. He will truly be missed and will never be forgotten.
Sebastian Montanari
June 15, 2025
I met John in 2021 at the McMichael Art Gallery. I´ll always remember the long conversations we shared about the wildlife and plants. You could be looking at a tree and not even know the species and then John would tell you everything about it. He would always be thrilled to discuss things like growing patterns and invasive species. I´ve never met anyone that was so passionate about living things. He always took pride in the landscaping work he did. He spoke once about the career he chose and said he tried working in a few trades, but there was one thing he said that always stuck with me. He said "I just gotta be outside" this inspired me to take a different career path and changed my outlook on the way I want to live my life. He was truly one of a kind, I´ll forever be grateful for John and I´ll never forget him.
Marianne Leo
June 14, 2025
Lia we are so sorry for your loss. We are shocked by this news.
We wish much love and comfort at this time.
God bless you and your family.
Dean Stambolich
June 12, 2025
My wife and I met John regularly, walking our new dog during Covid, on the McMichael Gallery grounds, HIS grounds. He always reminded me of my father in law, who I love. In a short time, our relationship grew strong. We will miss John. Good bless you and your family.
Richard McCurdy
June 9, 2025
Worked with John many times over the years at the firehall and what a great person. A keen listener, soft spoken, always positive and never a negative word ever spoken. Heartfelt condolences to his friends and family.
Chris Dennis
June 9, 2025
I too had the pleasure of working with John. He would share with me his trips into work on the bus and people he would meet. Truly humbling. God bless and sincere condolences to the family.
Bryan Denney
June 9, 2025
Lia- sorry for your loss. John was truly one of the greatest people I have ever met.
My thoughts & prayers are with you and his family. Be well
Ken Harmon
June 8, 2025
I always enjoyed my times communicating with John. He was such an upbeat man, and always gave me a boost of his energy. RIP brother!
Anna-Lena Håkansson
June 8, 2025
Det var så roligt när John och Lia kom till Sverige och hälsade på oss. Dom stunderna fyllde Du John med sådan värme, humor och omtänksamhet. Tack för att vi fick lära känna dig. Du är för alltid i ljust minne bevarad. Vila i frid. Våra djupaste kondoleanser till familjen. Lena och Stefan
Joe Zabukovec
June 8, 2025
Sleep well John,
It's been a pleasure
Trent Lamoure
June 8, 2025
John was extremely intelligent and humble. I would speak with him in my passing at shift change at station 7-9 and he was the first person I had ever come across that I could discuss books that I had just read. And of course, he had read them as well and would give me his critique that was far more comprehensible than mine.
It was privilege to speak with John just from these limited passings.
Rest easy my friend.
Jason Fievet
June 8, 2025
Always calm and thoughtful, a smiling face while working or outdoors. A man who was respected. My condolences to the family. Rest in peace friend.
John bondrager ( bondo).
June 8, 2025
I never worked with John. We crossed paths numerous times at several fireballs.
I remember John never spoke a negative word.
God bless John and his family.
Bondo.
72 crew
June 8, 2025
Brian Culp
June 8, 2025
It was a pleasure working with John. Always amazing conversations and his thoughts and input were always well respected in the firehall.
My condolences to the family.
Andrew Anthony
June 7, 2025
I couldn't have asked for a better mentor, colleague, and friend. JG was a wonderful person who encouraged me to read, run, and consider our planet. We shared many laughs and stories while working together at station 7-9. His impact on me will last a lifetime. My deepest condolences to John's family.
Trev Pulcins
June 6, 2025
A true gentleman who always inspired others with his integrity and devotion to family. I'm sure I'm not alone in saying JG was a mentor in my life both personally and professionally. I don't think he ever set out to be a moral compass but he certainly was. I will miss his calm demeanor and thoughtful insights. My deepest condolences to the family.
Jamie McClure
June 5, 2025
I knew John from my younger days in Kleinburg & from him working alongside my Dad. John was always a very pleasant guy and easy to talk to! Dearest Condolences to the family during this difficult time.
Bosse Westerlund
June 5, 2025
I met John the first time 1996 and he became my brother in law, i have loved him from that day / Bosse
Brian Murray
June 5, 2025
A blessing as a friend and a true gentleman. John (Gahan) was renowned for his great wit and was the very best of company. He will forever be associated with many a fond memory. My heartfelt condolences to the family.
Brian Murray
Cindy Douglas
June 4, 2025
I had the pleasure of working with John on my crew at St#72,he was a Awesome firefighter,and a all around nice guy! R.I.P John
Wim Smits
June 4, 2025
I had the pleasure of knowing John a long time ago back in our high school days at what was then, Westwood High School. He was a great athlete, a nice guy and a good sport. I´m sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family.
Wim Smits
Trevor Vickress
June 4, 2025
We went to high school together and although not a close friend of mine he was one of the nicest people I have ever met .
He will be sorely missed by all who knew him . Rest in peace John .
Linda (Murray) van Bilsen
June 4, 2025
I remember John fondly, always a smile and really enjoyed a good laugh. He was one of my older brothers friends in school, as such frequented our home. Truly a great athelete but more than that he was an amazing person.
David Waters
June 4, 2025
If you are lucky in life you meet a few special souls who are so true and real that they touch your very core. John was one of these to me. I am grateful for the lessons he taught me of simplicity, kindness, humour, honesty, and integrity. I am honoured that he called me friend over these many years.
My heart is broken. I will miss Johnny for all of my days but he will also continue to dwell in my better self as a constant joy and comfort.
Ken Hamilton
June 4, 2025
Many years spent working at VFRS station 72 with John. Great firefighter great friend . You will be missed.
Paul Uytenbogaart
June 4, 2025
I struggle to find the words that describe the friendship I shared with John since high school. I struggle today because so many memories bring tears to my eyes. John was a good listener & supported me through difficult times even when he had his own challenges. He cared for his family, friends & our planet. He was so knowledgeable; a two-legged encyclopedia. And we shared so many laughs. I will miss my friend so very much.
Bruno Zaoral
June 4, 2025
Photos of John C1982, 2004, 2020
Lucas Carusi
June 4, 2025
I met John in 2015 when I got my first job at the McMichael Art Gallery. We quickly became friends after having many conversations about different trees that we loved. I was always excited to show him photos of old trees I stumbled into on my hikes and get his opinions on them. I never met someone with the work ethic John had, I looked up to him in many different ways. He was always there when you needed him and always brightened the day at work. I was lucky enough to continue my friendship with John after we both moved on from the gallery. We spoke about our gardens and visited each others properties to see how things were growing. We shared many laughs together and John always had great stories to tell. He was a great man who made a lasting impression on me and someone who I will always remember and look up too. Thank you John.
Robert Mawdsley
June 4, 2025
One of the kindest, most inspirational people we have ever had the privilege to cross paths with. His laugh, honesty, and zest for life will be sorely missed by everybody who had the the good fortune to meet him. Our hearts go out to Leah, his beautiful family, and all of us that were lucky enough to consider him a friend.
Ben and Rob Mawdsley
Daniel Poletto
June 4, 2025
Although my gallery days with John weren´t frequent I´d always enjoy the moments I did get to work with him and see the love and dedication he had for his field. I´d bump into him on his walks or in between work and have a chat with him and he was always so passionate about everything he talked about ( especially when it came to trees or foliage). He was so knowledgeable and would always take the time to teach me something new and I´ll never forget the little life lessons and quotes he left on his journey. Im honoured to have known such a great and kind man may his soul rest in peace
David Firkins
June 4, 2025
J.P. although we took separate paths, memories of you would show up unexpectly like watching Leonard drop the winning basket, listening to certain songs, and following our son Kevin's career working for Toronto Fire Dept.
You will be missed.
Dave & Wendy
Bruno Zaoral
June 4, 2025
I met John at Westwood Secondary School in September 1968 (class 10B). Although we saw each other infrequently over the years, it seemed that no time passed between each visit as we were "old friends". I will never forget John and the chats and laughs we had.
George Beck
June 4, 2025
I knew John from my Malton days! We were not close friends, but when we did run into each other every 4 or 5 years it was always a great conversation with a few laughs! Last time I talked to John was 2 years ago, at a Malton Get together! He and his good buddy Twain shared some stores with laughs and and spoke about the John's grandkids and how rich he was! We both knew "rich" was not money!
Rest in peace John!
John Adamthwaite
June 4, 2025
Such a wonderful man. It was a pleasure working with him at the VFRS.
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