WILLIAM (BILLY) JAMES GRAHAM

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WILLIAM (BILLY) JAMES GRAHAM Passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, in Toronto on June 6, 2003 at the age of 74. Beloved father of daughter Tracy Ann and her partner Zoran Pavlovic, and daughter Jennifer Melchiorre and her husband Steve. He also leaves behind his very special nieces Barbara Graham and Lorraine Barnett, as well as many dear friends and colleagues. He is predeceased by his parents, David and Annie; sisters, Evelyn, Margaret, and Jane; and brothers, David and Thomas, who all emigrated from Belfast, Ireland to Winnipeg in 1927. Billy was a passionate and masterful jazz musician who never compromised his art and will be remembered as a loyal friend and, above all else, an unwaveringly devoted father. He began his career as a drummer in Winnipeg and went on to live, perform, and record in Montreal, New York, Vancouver, and Toronto, working with notable figures such as Charlie Parker, Hazel Scott, Sarah Vaughn, Tony Bennett, Edith Piaf, Gordie Fleming, Paul Bley, and many, many others. A Memorial Service was held June 19 at The Metropolitan United Church in Toronto. Burial service will take place June 27 at 1:00 p.m. in Winnipeg at Brookside Cemetery, 3001 Notre Dame Ave. Friends are welcome to attend.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 22, 2003