JOHN (JACK) WILLAN GRAHAM

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JOHN (JACK) WILLAN GRAHAM Peacefully, with his devoted wife and loving family at his side on Thursday, February 15, 2007. Beloved husband of Trudi for 62 years and cherished father and grandfather of Kathryn (Marc) Stevenson, Saara, Ben and Samantha; Andra (Randy) Kusano, Mika (Patrick), Marla, Marissa, Elspeth (Alex) Vovk and great-grandchildren Emma and Lucie; Mary (Jerry) Ross, Paul, Jennifer and Nicholas; Bill (Ute) Graham, Christopher and Sheena, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his only brother, Bob, in 1999. Jack was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather and took great interest and pride in his children's accomplishments. Jack was born in Lousana, Alberta on November 15, 1922. From an early age, he developed a passionate interest in art, design and nature. He began school in Edmonton at Norwood School and completed his schooling in Wilkie, Saskatchewan. He graduated from the University of Manitoba with a degree in Architecture and Design in 1943. He worked in the Engineering Department at Canada Car in Fort William. Jack and Trudi met at St. Paul's Anglican Church where they were members of the choir and Young People's Group and where they were married December 1944. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Winnipeg where he began his teaching career at the University of Manitoba. He taught there until his retirement in 1980. During his tenure, he was appointed a Fellow of the R.A.I.C., and was Acting Dean for a number of years and latterly Associate Dean. Subsequently, he was named Professor Emeritus. As well as his work at the university, he served as the head of Stagecraft Department at the Banff School of Fine Arts for many summers. He also designed sets and costumes for the University of Manitoba Glee Club, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Rainbow Stage and the Playhouse Theatre. Jack was the art critic for the Winnipeg Free Press for many years, was President and board member of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, served on the Manitoba Centennial Concert Hall Building Committee and the University of Manitoba Planning Committee. He was twice a recipient of Canada Council of the Arts grants, and was awarded many other grants and prizes for design. Among his many artistic achievements, Jack designed, assembled and installed the mural on the north wall of the Winnipeg International Airport, designed St. Paul's Anglican Church in Fort Garry, and the gates at the western entrance to the University of Manitoba. After retiring to Peachland, BC he again became very involved in the community and the Arts as well as St. Margaret's Anglican Church, and was nominated Person of the Year for Kelowna because of his leadership in the design and development of the new art gallery there. Together with Trudi, he designed and built their home on Okanagan Lake where they lived for 23 years. In 2003, they made the decision to return to Winnipeg to be close to family. His zest for life enriched the lives of all his family. Because of his love of the mountains, he taught for many summers in Banff. During these summers, he took his family on countless hikes and camping trips throughout Alberta and British Columbia. His passion for the arts and architecture led him and the family on a yearlong tour throughout Europe. Over the years, he and Trudi made many trips to Hawaii, and travelled to New Zealand for their 50th wedding anniversary. Words cannot express our gratitude to the devoted staff of Bethania Personal Care Home for their gentle, respectful and loving care of our dear husband, father and grandfather. A private family memorial service took place in the Chapel at Bethania Personal Care Home on February 20, 2007. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Bethania Personal Care Home or a charity of choice. Arrangements entrusted to: Chapel Lawn Funeral Home And Reception Centre 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 21, 2007