Contributions to the tribute of Thomas Edward Graham

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Wednesday, May 18, 2022

It’s difficult to articulate just how cool Granddad made academia and learning seem to me as a kid. The picture Kate posted sums it up perfectly though: a dedication to furthering one’s knowledge about the world and themselves. I don’t think I would have felt the same drive to do this PhD without him making it look so worthwhile, and in doing so, have found a new way to approach religion and faith in general. I had the opportunity to take a class on the works of Jurgen Habermas who stresses the need for secular individuals to deeply analyze religious texts to find their truth and meaning, regardless of how they are presented through myth or parables. I’m grateful for Granddad’s strong moral compass and gentle introduction to religion, because without it, I might be too biased in one way or the other to fail to see exactly what humans throughout the millennia have been striving to understand. He enabled me to eventually realize why values are important, as without them, we drift astray in a world fueled by hedonism and superficial goals. From here, I know now that indeed, I know nothing; but in this state of chaos and confusion, I can nonetheless follow my heart and the principles it has been given to make good decisions. This goodness is not just for myself though, but is instead cultivated to reach as many people as I can manage. We’re all in this mess together, and by working together, we can achieve more than anyone can ever dream, a metaphysical principle demonstrated by John Nash and his Game Theory. Everything is connected, and while I might have always felt that this could be the case, it is through his love and dedication to others that I know it to be the truth. I don’t know where you and Morgana are, but I know you’re happy. With undying love and gratitude, Molly

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Rory Graham lit a candle

Friday, May 13, 2022

Everything about Grandad was absolutely fascinating. He was playful, loving, witty, banterous, and providing. Spending time in Winnipeg at their house was a trip that rivalled Disneyland in so many ways. I was obviously musically and artistically influenced by Morgana, but it hasn't been until recently that I have found his roots of my other influences. Grandad's own curiosity and thirst for everything meant that on multiple occasions he was one step ahead of me, whether it was a book series I was interested in, a movie to watch, or my favorite pastime of video games, he had it and we would indulge immediately. I could only conquer the rollercoaster at Tinkertown with him beside me for safety reasons and he hopped in without a second thought, For such a studious man, he put no limits on having fun. I always appreciated how supportive they were in attending performances and while grandad wasn't the one to be talking after, his smile said more than enough. He was so happy to spend time with me and that always showed. Winnipeg will forever be Grandadland.

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Richard Graham lit a candle

Friday, May 13, 2022

I came across this passage from a sermon called All Our Saints that Dad wrote for Unity Chapel in 1996. In his own words he sums up the feeling many of us have of him. "...there are many whom we revere and whose memory we cherish. People whom we may call our saints. This isn't an official or public use of the word. These are not canonized by some authority, or held up as universal models. Not St. Peter or St. Patrick or St. Theresa or St. Joan. But for me it is rather easy to think of St. Jenkin, St. Ed, St. Beulah and now, St. Helen. These are some of my personal saints as I am sure that you have personal saints of your own. "We can look in our hearts and our memories for those whose stories and lives are significant to us. Maybe parents, grandparents, siblings, wives, husbands, children, nieces, nephews. And of course some of our saints are not from this family at all. But since we are in this place, my mind most naturally turns to those whose graves and remembrances surround us. "The people I am thinking of as saints are those whom we remember with gratitude for what they have been to us. Our saints have touched our lives in major ways and left us better peoople, closer to goodness for their presence. "Our saints are also people who call forth our admiration and our respect. Either directly or indirectly they have taught us how to live and what to live for. We are who we are in part because of what our saints have done to shape our judgments and choices. "I invite you for a moment to identify a few of them to acknowledge your debt and recall the affection..." Nobody could have said it better. Richard

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Jane Dick posted a condolence

Friday, May 13, 2022

Deepest condolences to all the family and close friends. I was a student of Dr. Graham in the early 70's at UofW. Though our connection was short-lived, I have thought of him and his teachings many many times over the ensuing decades, always with pleasure and delight. He was a true gentleman, and a marvellous and inventive professor; his classes were enriching on so many levels. I will remember him always, with admiration, respect, and great fondness. Jane Dick, former student

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Kate McCoubrey uploaded photo(s)

Thursday, May 5, 2022

This is my favorite photo that I took of Dad - in his natural environment. I will miss him terribly, but I know he is thrilled to be hobnobbing with his ancestors.

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Karen Clarke posted a condolence

Thursday, May 5, 2022

My grandad will be missed. I am grateful thinking of his influence of the values in my family; Knowledge and community. My earliest memory is sitting in a wooden chair opposite his big desk in his home office, and the bowl of wrapped sugar-free candies that I didn't like but also couldn't resist grabbing even though he told me not to. He was always the smartest man I knew and proved that you're never too old or in a circumstance that you can't learn something. As my mom said at our family gathering, he truly saw the humanity in people and connected with others at the simplest level despite his ability to speak on any subject, and in multiple languages. My last memory was sitting with him at Simkin Center on his birthday having a tiny shot of Johnny Walker. Much love. Karen (grandaughter)

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sergio lit a candle

Wednesday, May 4, 2022

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Pat Ledieu Posted May 18, 2022 at 2:03 PM

My heartfelt condolences to you Tom and all your loved ones. What a beautiful tribute to an amazing man. He was well loved, and you were all well loved in return. You can’t ask for more! So sorry for your loss. Hugs and love, Pat Ledieu

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The family of Thomas Edward Graham uploaded a photo

Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Thomas Edward Graham

1931 - 2022

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