65 tributes have been left in memory of Paul Francis Graham.
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corky
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corvette02
🕯 Our best memory of Paul was when he first returned from his implant surgery in Toronto and we watched out our kitchen window as he ran across the street to our front door. He was so proud of himself and the first words he said with a big grin on his face were "Wanna see me do it again"
Paul was a kind and gentle soul and treated everyone around him like they were the most important person of the moment. You were loved Paul.
Donna Craig
Bob Weisbrodt
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corky
My parents cottage on McArthur Drive.
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corky
Kelly and I tried to plan our own wedding but didn't have a clue about what we were doing. We even had the invitations printed. Paul phoned me and said would you like me to help???? So Paul and Helen organized our wedding at Windermere. We could not have done it with out them.
My Father's buddies all showed up (Halls,Wakelys, Bernardos, DeCarli) and were sitiing at a table waiting for lunch. Paul came over to the table, in cohoots with my Father, and told them that Kelly's family were very religious and that it was a 'dry' wedding and that there wouldn't be any alcohol served all weekend. Paul then let them sit for a bit while Mr. Hall and Mr. Wakely almost had heart attack trying to find out where the nearet LCBO so they could have a bottle in their rooms. My Father and Paul told them that it was too far to drive and the LCBO would be closed. In the end Paul let them know it was all a joke.
The day of the wedding Paul sent a bottle of champagne up to Kelly's room to enjoy while the girls got ready. Subsequently Kelly and the girls and her official photographer (Margie Graham) were 45 minutes late for the Church.
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shonnie.fred.grise@gmail.com
Paul, you were a remarkable caring person. We knew you first when you worked at the Delawana like the family and so many of us. You were always brilliant in social situations. When you were Social Director your bingo games drew hundreds! In a room full of people, you could form a real connection with each and every one. For those of us lucky enough to know you well, you made us all feel like we were your best friends.
If laughter is the best medicine you should have been a doctor. We don't mean just the ordinary kind of ha!ha! (although we shared many of those) but the sidesplitting belly laughter that releases the heart and mind and soul.
Although we could write a book of treasured memories, we especially think of you and Helen at Windermere House when you were so close to us and our children. We shared so much during those times and your good cheer and optimism influenced us all.
Then there was your courage! You bore a relentless disease not only with amazing grace but with your unfailing sense of humour. You are a true inspiration.
Paul, we will never forget you!
To Helen, Andrea and Clare we send our condolences on your loss-he was taken too soon. We wish you joy and consolation in precious baby Sophie and laughter through your tears.
Lots of love, Fred and Shonnie
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chinoboy77
Another winter weekend at the Graham's....I'm a rum drinker so I guess the 2 cases were Paul's!
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davidb11@rogers.com
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corky
“A good leg will fall, a straight back will stoop, a black beard will turn white, a curled pate will grow bald, a fair face will wither, a full eye will wax hollow. But a good heart...is the sun and moon...for it shines bright and never changes, but keeps its course truly.
Henry V, Act V, Scene 2”
Paul did so much, for so many...
Love Peter & Kelly
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davidb11@rogers.com
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corky
In 1964 my brother John and his wife lived behind St. Gabriel's Church in the Richelieu apartments. I volunteered Paul and I to babysit their son JP. There was a CYO dance at St. Gabe's that night and I wanted to go to but I was underage and our parents wouldn't let me go. One other little problem was that I didn't know how to slow dance. In our bedroom I put a record on and I talked Paul in to showing me how to slow dance although he kept balking at the whole idea. So on the night we showed up the baby sit and as soon as John& Bonnie left I fired over to the Church. It was great but the only problem was Fr. Paul was chaperoning the dance and he knew I wasn't supposed to be there. After a bit he had to " kick me out" with a promise he wouldn't tell my parents. Meanwhile Paul was back at the apartment changing diapers and burping the baby JP and everybody we thought we were such great kids to do the babysitting.
By the way one of Paul's favourite songs was Moon River from the movie Breakfast at Tiffianys.
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fablack
I feel so grateful to have so many special memories with Paul. I will miss him always and cherish him forever. We were always in each others corner and he was the most loving, consistent and fun cousin/uncle (cuncle?). The memories are flooding me right now - some small and silly ones are: eating endless jujubes out of a hole we would make on the side of the bag, jumping off the back of his boat in the Okanagan and him convincing me that the Loch Ness Monster was just staring at my toes and giving me dating advice all the time with the best being 'men are like buses, they come around every 10 minutes'. When I close my eyes and think of him he was always laughing - laughing at Mom & Helen laughing or laughing because Clare, Andrea and I were laughing and always laughing with us. He cared about Matt and I being happy and doing well. He travelled far to be at our wedding and he was the first person I locked eyes with when I walked up the aisle. We smiled. He had intelligent conversations with Matt about motivating a staff and working in hospitality. Paul was thoughtful with his advice for us in a lasting marriage. The worlds best cuncle!
Big hugs to everyone who loved him, especially Clare Bear, Andrea & Helen. xoxo
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gregjohnson
I took this photo of Helen, Paul and baby Andrea at their Castlefield Ave home in 1980. Paul was working at Ontario Place and was a larger than life character with hair to match.
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chinoboy77
Our families celebration for Father Paul's 25th.
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stevegrise
Paul was simply a great guy. He and Helen were best friends with my parents for decades while we were growing up and there are so many great moments it's hard to know where to start. From the Del to Aston to Toronto to Windermere to Minaki Paul was a big part of my life.
One thing I will always remember about Paul at Minaki Lodge was his ability to make everything better. He made guests happier, parties better, tough situations easier, and he enriched lives around him every day. I think a lot about that in my own life and try to be a bit more like Paul whenever I think about him.
If that's not a great guy I don't know what is.
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chinoboy77
Windemere weekend. What does cousin Judy have in her hand?????
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judyflanagan
Good Lord I thought I destroyed all the pictures of me and cigarettes ,!
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paulgraham
The stories of Hide and Seek in Windemere are legendary, I can only imagine how much fun that was... and maybe scary in that big old building!
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judyflanagan
If so many wonderful memories and stories and things about Paul it's very hard to keep it short. But two memories just keep coming to my head.
The first is when I was about 17, and had decided to brazenly skip school the day before March break. My friends made me do it. I got caught and got grounded for the entire March break not allowed to go out at all. On the Saturday night the phone rang and it was cousin Paul Graham who is looking for someone to go with him to a hockey game at Mapleleaf Gardens. I told him I was grounded and couldn't go at which point my mother stepped in, grabbed the phone she said yes she can go and she said to me after you can go because it's Paul. I wouldn't want to let him down. I like the story because You see Paul was the best of us, the trustworthy one, the straight arrow, the one that always made things a bit lighter and easier with a smile and a laugh and joke. He was a favorite of my mom.
The second huge memory I have of where the incredible cousins weekends we would have at windemere, and Paul & Helen would find a way to put 25 of us in the house with mattresses everywhere on the floor, and a great roast beef meal, sleigh rides of course hide and seek in Windemere house. You can't make these things up ... we just laughed and laughed and laughed. You see he was a social center for many of us when Paul and Helen lived in Ontario. The hotel proprietor, The guy that got you jobs at Ontario Place, the guy Who met the queen .... and things like that.
We didn't get to see him a lot in the past number of years. But certainly I felt his presence, and of course now I miss that reassuring feeling.
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chinoboy77
Windemere House wild weekend!
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neleh4melba
Thanks David - we had such good times and these photos bring smiles and great memories.
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neleh4melba
Thank you Maureen - yes, many years of wonderful memories of great times.
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rufus2010
Ah....another CYO story - Paul was not involved in this one, but it brought back a memory - Michael and I told our parents we were going to babysit in the neighbourhood - we then went to the CYO dance -we were not allowed to go either - guess who was our chaperone?? Auntie Mary and Uncle Bob! We told them we weren't suppose to be there and they never told my parents. Thank you Mary and Bob and sorry Mom and Dad!!
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neleh4melba
So that is where he was that Saturday morning. I assumed he was at mass at St. Gabe's!
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chinoboy77
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judyflanagan
Paul and Peter are the only two paying any attention.
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davidb11@rogers.com
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paulgraham
this photo is hilarious Judy!
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fablack
The best! Your Dad loved those striped Aussie sweaters :)
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corky
Paul and I grew up in a house full of life and love. There was always something happening. We played hockey outside until we couldn't see the ball anymore and our Mother would yell for us to come home for dinner. We would often stay over night at Granny Graham's house on 27 McNairn. Her rules were that we could watch what we wanted on TV but she had it for three programs - hockey night in Canada, Don Messier's Jubilee and the 'rasaling' (wrestling) show.
Paul and Granny and I and a friend down the road on Forest Grove went out for dinner and then to Maple Leaf Gardens and we were there to see the Leafs win the Stanley Cup. Not sure of the year but I seem to remember Gordie Howe. Looking back it was amazing to see the Cup handed out
Paul and I always shared a room. Paul's side was immaculate and everything had a place while my side was a mess.
I can remember my Mother and Father coming home from a vacation and waking us up. We were probably 5 & 7 and they had bought us Daniel Boone real racoon hats with the tails. We were so excited that we wore them in bed that night.Another time they bought us Zorro hats with the cape and swords. We went crazy playing with them - nearly poked our eyes out.
When Paul and I were young boys we used to have lots of fun but we also used to fight, wrestling, throwing the punches. Paul was very strong and I seldom won a match against him. The funny thing was that in the other cousins families when the boys fought their parents would say " I wish you were more like Peter and Paul" and would never believe the kids when they said
how much we fought.
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corky
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corky
From 1955 to 1959 our Father (Tom Graham) was a member (PC) of the Provincial Legislature for York Centre. He lost the seat in 1959 and took our Mother (Margaret) to the Delawana Inn for a vacation. It was there that he met the owner Mr. Didace Grise and I believe the DeCarli Family. In 1963 our Father asked Mr. Grise if his son Paul could get a summer job as a bell hop. Mr. Grise was very skeptical about taking on a 14 year boy but my Father reassured Mr. Grise that Paul would work hard. Each year Mrs. Grise would go to Graham Swales Men's Store in Midland and buy the bell hops knee socks, Bermuda shorts, white shirts and ties. Paul's first introduction to the world of resorts was carrying guests bags to their rooms. He worked for 10 summers at the Del. He quickly advanced to waterski instructor. He learned the you could never do too much to keep the guests happy even if that meant he had to jump in the water to hold the female guests as they waited for their lift off. He became the Social Director and was renown for his bingo calling jokes. He would say "B 4" then on the next ball he would say "B after". The females guests would all giggle while the men quietly groaned. It was at the Del that he met a lovely, nomadic Aussie, named Helen.
Love was in bloom!!!
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tbaker@chl.ca
I am so sorry to hear of Paul's passing. Despite my close relationship with the extended Graham family, one of my fondest memories was working for and with Paul at Ontario Place....the staff loved him....especially the late afternoon beers at the back of the Wharf restaurant that nobody knew about! It was always great to see Paul on the rare occasion when he would return east and head to Georgian Bay. Helen, Andrea, Clare and the whole Graham family my deepest sympathies.
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corky
Kelly and I tried to plan our own wedding but didn't have a clue about what we were doing. We even had the invitations printed. Paul phoned me and said would you like me to help???? So Paul and Helen organized our wedding at Windermere. We could not have done it with out them.
My Father's buddies all showed up (Halls,Wakelys, Bernardos, DeCarli) and were sitiing at a table waiting for lunch. Paul came over to the table, in cohoots with my Father, and told them that Kelly's family were very religious and that it was a 'dry' wedding and that there wouldn't be any alcohol served all weekend. Paul then let them sit for a bit while Mr. Hall and Mr. Wakely almost had heart attack trying to find out where the nearet LCBO so they could have a bottle in their rooms. My Father and Paul told them that it was too far to drive and the LCBO would be closed. In the end Paul let them know it was all a joke.
The day of the wedding Paul sent a bottle of champagne up to Kelly's room to enjoy while the girls got ready. Subsequently Kelly and the girls and her official photographer (Margie Graham) were 45 minutes late for the Church.
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judyflanagan
So very young 14 a bellhop
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davidb11@rogers.com
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neleh4melba
Yes that sounds like Auntie Mary. Too funny.
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flexsnsp
Oh the cousin,s weekend. That was the best ever. My sister was right. Paul was the best of all of us and yes that includes Michael! We had an all cousin's hockey team and we played Steve McCarthy's team in Markdale. Paul had called to say he could not make it. That Saturday morning he told Helen he was going to get the paper. He drove to Markdale, played, bought the paper and drove home. He never lied and loved his cousins. He once drove me home from Brebeuf and told me not to tell anyone how fast we were going-80mph on Bayview ave. I have been holding that in for 45 years and now it is safe. We will all miss Paul. Rip
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gregjohnson
October 1980: It was my year in Canada, visiting from far away Australia. Paul's holding baby Andrea and we were pumpkin huntin because I had no idea how big these Canadian pumpkins were! That's me on the right with the long hair.
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davidb11@rogers.com
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paulgraham
oh wow... this is a gem! Thanks again Peter
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rufus2010
We were all very fortunate to have grown up with our kissing cousins. They were not only our cousins, they were and still are our friends. Thanks to our Granny and our parents, we spent a lot of time together. As young kids, we spent Christmases together, also 1st Communions and Confirmations with breakfast at Fran's later.
Georgian Bay was the catalyst for that bonding. Many memories of Graham's cottage; bonfires, guitars, winters up there, digging holes in the ice to get water, boating, dancing, horseback riding (I rode Bell too like Paul and I fell off him once on the big hill!)...what fun we had. As Michael said, the Windermere Cousins Weekend was the best, even if Judy Flanagan was smoking. Laughing, laughing, laughing - we all knew how to do that the best.
Formals in high school and parties - your "group" always contained at least 50% brothers, sisters or cousins. We were and are a lucky group to have each other.
Paul was one of those good guys. A nice guy. When I think of Paul, I see him with a big smile on his face. He was kind and thoughtful. When I lived in England in the 90's, Paul would occasionally call to see how we were doing. I remember he always ended the call with "I love you".
We all have a special place in our hearts for Paul. With his challenges, he still was a giver, making the journey from the West to a couple of funerals in his last 10 years and a wedding just 2 years ago. He was truly a family man and treasured that bond faithfully.
Helen, Clare and Andrea - I know that all the wonderful memories you have of Paul/your dad will keep you comforted in the times to come. How lucky we all are to have had this wonderful person in our lives.
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cassiebblack
Paul was not just a wonderful cousin but one of the closest friends I will ever have. I will miss him for the rest of my life. From the start of this failing body, he never complained and frequently said to me, "it could be worse." So dignified, brave and loving. So many memories of our travels together, from Fort Lauderdale, Whistler, Banff National Park, Edmonton for the World Figure Skating, Red Maple Court and 2 Haddington. Paul and Helen hosted us at Minaki, Windemere, Winnipeg and Kelowna. Paul was such a trooper to take the little girls in mornings so Helen and I could recoup from our previous nights shenanigans. I think he was pleased to have the three giggling girls to himself. I will miss hearing Paul tease me with "when you get my age you'll understand." Thanks to Paul for a lifetime of memories and friendship. Helen, Andrea, Clare, Andor, Andre & Sophie; love you all and will see you soon. Cassie xo
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chinoboy77
I only have fond memories of my cousin Paul.I am right in between Paul and Peter in age, and spent a lot of time with both of them growing up in Bayview Village and up at the cottages on Georgian Bay.
A few thoughts/images that come to mind;
I still chuckle remembering Paul and Peter chasing one another around their cottage property and ending up in wrestling matches when they might have been at odds.
It was always fun being the spotter in the boat when they would take one another water skiing. We all liked a certain speed and a certain course but occasionally they would alter it just to bug one another. I forget who was driving but we were way out by Snake Island, and by the language of the skier ( including a few "f words) you could tell he was not happy with the zigzag course nor speed.It was so calm and quiet that day Aunt Frances and Aunt Betty could hear the commotion on the mainland.(such language..... they thought.......it must be Peter!!)
We all loved going horseback riding at the Lawson's Beach Grove Ranch. Most of us preferred a certain horse. I can still picture Paul riding a smaller horse named Bell. I smile when I picture his long legs (on this shorter horse) almost touching the ground.(especially coming around the corner onto MacArthur Rd).
Paul loved to play hockey.We had many road hockey games up at Forest Grove and played together for a number of years at the outdoor rink at Goulding Park. Although not the strongest or most fluid skater, Paul was a skilled stick handler and would amaze you with some of his moves.
Paul was very close to my father Paul.Through my teens when I was somewhat "rebellious" ( my hair was too long!!) I wasn't able to use the family car until I got a haircut. (which took quite a while!) I remember a few occasions where cousin Paul had no problem borrowing my dad's car for weekend dates.I probably even cleaned it and waxed it for him! Paul could do no wrong!!!
I know that occasionally in our teen years Paul would tell Peter and I that we weren't mature enough to understand certain things...that we would understand when we were more mature or when we were his age.These were only over little goofy things where Peter and I thought we were cool or more with it than Paul. Paul was probably right!
Fun winter weekends up at Tom and Marg's cottage.It would take one heck of a weekend to top the great winter weekends the cousins had as Paul and Helen's guests at Windemere House. Great hosts.... wonderful memories.
Paul loved to tease and flirt with the ladies and had a good sense of humour.
I admire Paul for his sense of loyalty, love of family and the fact that he seemed to be comfortable and at ease in almost any situation. I thank you for being a good friend/cousin and for showing us how to live with dignity,courage, and perseverance.
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judyflanagan
Paul watching over all!!
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davidb11@rogers.com
My fond memories of cousin Paul were mostly on Georgian Bay but one special long weekend stands out the most and that was at Manami Lodge July 29th weekend 1988 which happened to be his birthday weekend. Paul was the General Manager at the time and Jannyne and our four children were fortunate to have spent a long weekend with Paul, Helen, Andrea and Clare. Paul was one who would always make you feel good to be around. I saw him at in action especially around dinner time when he would always say hi to all the guests of the resort. Paul always provided exceptional service, way beyond anyones expectation. Paul loved children and always liked joking and having fun with them. He made people laugh, he made a difficult situation turn into a positive outcome, he was certainly gifted in dealing with people. Paul loved boating, waterskiing, fishing and dancing, we had so much fun especially when throwing him into the water off the dock on his birthday, we will always cherish those memories. Thank you cousin Paul for the fun and memorable times we had together, I will cherish those memories for life.
David Black
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judyflanagan
Paul happy.
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davidb11@rogers.com
auto correct "Manaki Lodge"
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paulgraham
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judyflanagan
Oh my god you two were like perfect all the time just like that picture always looking in paying attention the rest of us or not . Zorro hats!
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judyflanagan
Here's Paul when he skipped out and drove to Markdale and played hockey .
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judyflanagan
People would bring snowballs in so when they found you in the dark you'd get pummelled. It was your dads idea.
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chinoboy77
Windemere weekend. The Boss speaks....love the look on Paul's face!!
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neleh4melba
Steve Grise and Jeff Dubois, we never did find Paul's glasses at the bottom of the lake!
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chinoboy77
Winter weekend at Tom and Marg's........such a ham!
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lesia.payne@gmail.com
🕯 So sorry to hear this. I remember Paul as being funny, tall (especially considering I barely scratched 5 feet), very kind and almost always smiling! I also remember him helping us with our pool a lot :) You are both so lucky to have had such a great loving father. My thoughts are with you all.
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paulgraham
Thanks Betty & Tom Cox for this pic!
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neleh4melba
Yes, Paul was always right but he was kind enough to sometimes let me think I was right! We had so much fun at Windemere House at the infamous 'cousins weekend', he loved Georgian Bay and was so proud of his family - aunts, uncles, cousins, second cousins, parents and of course his girls. Thank you for these memories. Congratulations on your first grandchild - fun isn't it?
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neleh4melba
Michael these photos are fantastic. I hadn't seen some of them before and memories just flooded back. Thank you.
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paulmckernan
My, how time passes.
So sad to hear of Paul’s passing; he was a class act; ever the gentleman, impeccably dressed, groomed, and yet there was always a sense of humour and playfulness bubbling beneath the very calm, controlled exterior. Wonderful guy.
I will always remember him wheeling into the Brebeuf parking lot commanding that big, dark green Buick Electra 225, gliding it effortlessly; smooth, calm and confidently to rest.
Be well, friend,
Paul McKernan
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neleh4melba
It wasn't only the men who groaned. He made me go play Bingo on our honeymoon!!
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paulgraham
Thanks for this newspaper clip Peter!
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davidb11@rogers.com
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paulgraham
Another great one from Betty & Tom. xo
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lizthomson3415
Every single time time I interacted with Paul he made me laugh. I believe if I had met him 30 years ago on his boat, or in a grand dining hall, or in the entrance to one of the hotels he managed I would have been greeted with the exact same sharp wit. It's surprising to me that he kept this gift of humour so in tact ...and could crack a joke and have a room laughing before anyone else in the room had even had a chance to take a breath...
I've seen two faces on Paul and they are both captured in the images I attached....a cheeky face telling a joke he know's he's going to get a giggle out of... .and the other face that is radiating love towards his girls.
What a incredible man.
Liz
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paulgraham
It's really incredible hearing stories of the kissing cousins. My Dad loved talking about all the shenanigans you'd get up to!
