Floyd Graham passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday, August 27, 2017 in his 91st year. Our father, Floyd Graham, was an artisan – a master carpenter by trade. He was taught by one of the finest, his uncle Guy Palmer. His sons are carpenters and two of his grandsons have followed the same path. He employed many over the years, several of whom have come to introduce themselves to us as we visit with Dad. He left his mark on many fine houses and businesses on Manitoulin Island. In later years, he turned to finish work and cabinetry. We wish we had a full list of Dad’s work, but the photo albums that Mom put together over the years catalogue most of the story. The former Clare and Vi Wilson house in Gore Bay was the first he built on his own. Dad either built or helped build the houses three of us live in, and had built other pieces of furniture and cabinetry that we can enjoy and look on with pride for years to come. Dad and Mom loved Manitoulin, and Dad often remarked how lucky they were to live here. They enjoyed their neighbours and were active in their community. Dad worked hard while raising a family with the love of his life, our Mom, Jessie Marie Gordon. They had 56 years together, but he has missed her terribly these past 12 years. Dad’s devotion to his family included spending many happy hours sharing his passions with his children and grandchildren – teaching his craft, fishing, hunting, chasing them from his garden and being their biggest hockey fan! Survived by his children, Nancy, husband Bob Vaillancourt and son Greg; Brad, wife Debbie, son Daryl, wife Rebecca, sons Caleb and Joshua; daughter Amanda, husband Tyler Chapman and son, Graham; sons Jordan and Zach Whalen; Blair, wife Sandy and son Mason; Wendy, husband Gerry Clifford and sons Chris and Jordan King, and Jordan’s sons Anthony and Brody. Also survived by his sister Elaine Thorburn (husband Bud, predeceased); brother-in-law Bruce Gordon, wife Helen; and sister-in-law Jacqui Gordon (husband Stan Jr, predeceased). Dad was also loved and will be missed by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Dad’s love of family, community and Manitoulin has always shone through in everything he has put his heart, mind and hands to. A Celebration of Life was held Wednesday, August 30, 2017 from 2 pm to 4 pm and 7 pm to 9 pm visitation at Simpson’s Funeral Home in Gore Bay. Thursday, Aug 31, 2017 at 10 am, graveside service, Kagawong Cedars Cemetery, Henry Drive, Kagawong. Reception followed at Kagawong Park Centre. Memorial donations may be made to the Mindemoya Hospital Auxiliary or the Northern Cancer Research Foundation as expressions of sympathy and may be made through www.simpsonfuneralhome.ca.
