Fr. John Graham
Date de décès : 8 janvier 2013
Father John Graham passed away peacefully and entered the Kingdom of Heaven on Jan. 8, 2013.
He was the son of the late John Alexander and Genevieve Graham.
F. John and his brothers were raised by their devoted mother in the home of their grand-uncle, Fr. Charles MacDonald, Pastor of Immaculate Conception parish, Bridgeport, C.B. Growing up in Bridgeport, Fr. John formed lifelong friendships with Alice Graham and her late brother, Fr. Joe Graham. Fr. John attended St. Francis Xavier University at age 16, graduating in 1946. Called to serve the Lord, Fr. John attended Holy Heart Seminary in Toronto and was ordained in May of 1950. He served the diocese of Antigonish faithfully for 56 years in a variety of parishes in Antigonish County, Guysborough County, Reserve Mines and Glace Bay.
Fr. John devoted much of his life to helping people suffering from addictions. He worked closely with a variety of local, provincial and international organizations, including the Nova Scotia Commission on Drug Dependency, where he served as a board member for many years. Fr. John was also passionate about supporting people who had difficulties in the criminal justice system. He never gave up on anyone and served as a committed and loyal chaplain at the Cape Breton County Correctional Centre for many years.
Fr. John’s contribution to his community was uniquely recognized in 1988 when he became a Member of the Order of Canada. Fr. John’s special place for relaxation was at his bungalow in Ottawa Brook. He was most proud of his vegetable garden, and he could be seen waterskiing (on one ski) on MacKinnon’s Harbour until the age of 78.
He is survived by his brother, Senator B.A. Graham, Halifax; his sister-in-law, Betty Graham, Saint John; many nieces and nephews, Patricia, Alasdair (Margaret), Jack (Michelle), David (Nancy), Eileen, (George), Bill (Leah), Danny, Mary (Rob), Jeannie (Jeff). Anne Marie (Paul); John (Charlene); Pat (Angie), Alastair (Kim), Mary Beth (Darrell), Jimmy (Margaret), Paul (Sue), and their children with whom he had a very close relationship.
He was predeceased by his brother, Charles and sister-in-law, Jean Graham.
The family of Fr. Graham would like to thank the caregivers of Talbot House and Celtic Court who provided wonderful and compassionate care for him for the last several years.
A Prayer Vigil will be held on Thursday, Jan. 10, at 7 p.m. in St. Joseph’s Church, Main Street, Reserve Mines. Visitation will be on Friday, Jan. 11 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in Curry’s Funeral Home, 775 Main St., Glace Bay. A Funeral Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Saturday, Jan. 12 at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Church, Reserve Mines. The Most Rev. Brian Dunn will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Saint Joseph’s Cemetery Fund 22 Main St., Reserve Mines.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.jmcurryfuneralhome.com.
