John Graham

John Wayne Graham, at the age of 56, passed away peacefully in his bed April 16 after living a full life. Ah, Wayne, you lived not only a full life, you lived many lives. From that incredibly handsome hellion with the big blue eyes who loved to party throughout his young life, Wayne certainly knew how to have fun. In his late teens Wayne met Loretta and they had a child, Michael, but Wayne was not ready to settle down and he chose living in the fast lane. By the time he reached his mid twenties he learned that the alcohol demon was taking over his life and getting him into too much trouble. Wayne finally went to AA. He had a peaceful bout of sobriety and during that time he met Tracy. Together they lived the clean and sober life. They shared a love of the outdoors, canoeing and camping in their tiny pup tent or gallivanting around on their ten-speed bikes loaded with camping gear. They had two children, Ginger Rose Jessica and Tobias Jack Lewis. Wayne was a kind and loving father. He loved tramping through the fields with his kids toddling after him with their butterfly nets, scooping up grasshoppers to feed the family pet - yup, a lizard. Wayne also loved his career as a carpenter and he was an artist with wood working. But within a few years, whatever demons lurked inside of his soul claimed him again and when Ginger and Tobies were still toddlers he lost himself in alcohol for many years to follow. Still, Wayne and Tracy remained friends, although sometimes distant, throughout those years. Later in life, Wayne found a way to leave alcohol alone for good, but by then, much damage had been done to his body and he was forced to slow down, no longer able to work. In his 50's, Wayne met a new love, Jade, and together they had an adorable little boy, Bryce, the love of his life. The relationship didn't last, but having Bryce in his life brought Wayne great joy. Yet, at the same time it brought him sorrow - for it was this joy of watching Bryce grow that he realized how much he had missed by not being there for his other children. With his heart on his sleeve, Wayne managed to connect with Tobias and Ginger and he made efforts to get to know them again. Only weeks before he died, Wayne wrote to Tracy: "Sometimes, it feels like life is trying to slow me down. Then you put Bryce in the picture and WOW! My life wants to start-up again!!! Don't get me wrong, Ginger & Tobi and All the babies give me life as well. I'm trying to do my best to get to know them again and stay involved." Wayne you lived a rough life. For many years you were lost, but you found yourself in the end. Nothing can take away the memories of your big heart, your sense of humor and the beautiful glint in your eyes when you smiled. You are at peace now dear old friend. You are at peace and you are home. God bless.

Service Information

Details:

A gathering for family and friends to celebrate the life of John Wayne Graham will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2015 at 3:00 pm at 81 McVeigh Drive, Barrie, Ontario.