Survived by his loving wife and closest and dearest friend, Kathy (Kathryn Amisson), former wife and long-time friend, Liz Matthews, daughters, Pam (Ken McKenzie), and Wendy (Craig Roberts), daughter-in-law Patti Wenman and grandchildren, Jake, Luke, Sydney and Caitlin.
Predeceased by son, Fred Wenman – 2016.
Graeme was born and raised in Oak Bay. He attended Monterey Avenue School and completed his formal education at Brighton College in the U.K.
His career took him through auto mechanics, underground mining, up the corporate automobile ladder in Vancouver, Kamloops and Toronto and ultimately into private business where he was a new car dealer in Nanaimo for nearly two decades. Graeme served as Mayor of the City of Nanaimo and upon ‘retirement’ from business served on several corporate boards of directors including those involved in the automobile, ferry and airline industries. He chaired the British Columbia Public Service Commission for over seven years and served as a lay bencher with the Law Society of B.C. He was Vice-chair of the Victoria Airport Authority, Chairman of the Vehicle Sales Authority. He belonged to the Camosun Gyro Club and was a past Gyro District Governor. He was a volunteer for more than twenty-five years with the B.C. Games Society and traveled to over 40 communities in this capacity. Member of the Broadmead Men’s Coffee Club, the Victoria Coffee Club, the Nanaimo Coffee Club and the Union Club Nooners.
For fun joined a Talent Agency appearing in over 25 spots, his most memorable a commercial for Panasonic as a bungee jumping Grandpa.
He was able to be at home with the help of the amazing and caring staff through Homecare. A very special thanks to Dr. Kier MacMillan for his extraordinary gift of love and support.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BC Cancer Society.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
-
Debora Nortman
-
Gary and Susan Hart We met Graeme and Kathy through our closest friends, and although it has been sometime since our move to Winnipeg from Victoria, Graeme left a great impression then and now. A fine welcoming man that was our pleasure to have known and to have enjoyed being with. Graeme left his mark like the fine paintings that Kathryn is known for. Thoughts are with you Kathy and family.
Gary and Susan Hart
-
Doug and Joan Easton Deepest condolences to you Kathryn and all of best to Graeme’s family. So many happy memories of Painters, good conversation and good company. Graeme will be missed and Doug and I want you to know that we are both thinking of you.
-
Jim Parker Dear Kathy, Liz and families: I share some of your grief at the loss of this fabulous husband, father, car salesman, politician and all-round good guy. He was a joy to be with, and never at a loss for topics to discuss, people to see, bridges to cross. Even his recent medical issues never flagged his enthusiasm for participation in the BMCC, and I know that we were only one of numerous groups that he associated with. His passing leaves a big hole in many hearts. The bungee-jumping Grandpa is truly a great final vision, and a suitable memory! God bless you all in this time of mourning.
-
Bonnie Henley Graeme and Doug Henley, my husband, both born in 1931, were friends in Victoria and Ontario.
Elizabeth Roberts came to our wedding in 1963; Graeme was off doing something more important and then Doug and I attended Graeme’s 2nd wedding to Kathy.
Doug recently passed away on June 3rd.
Their life and death coincided.
-
Sharon White Dear Kathryn, Pam, Wendy and all of Graeme’s family, friends and loved ones. You have my deepest condolences. I do not have to tell you or anyone he met that we was a wonderful man – we all knew it in the first handshake, smile or words he gave us. I was lucky to know Graeme through the BC Games Society (I work for the Sport Branch) and while occasions to see him were all too few, they were indelible. He was the epitome of the adage of “treating family like friends; friends and colleagues like family.” My warmest heart and prayers to his loved ones to get through these difficult times. Love Sharon White
-
Heather McGaw Our heart felt sympathy goes out to you Kathy and family. We will sorely miss Graeme who was inspirational for us to get out for our daily constitution.
With love,
Mike & Heather
-
Eileen and Don Colpitts It was truly a pleasure in knowing Graeme as he was an amazing person and will be deeply missed.
So sorry for your loss.
-
Carole and Ron Devion Condolences to Kathy and the family on the passing of Graeme. A man for all seasons who will be missed by many.
-
Pauline Cohen To all the family – What a gentleman! I met Graeme at Toastmasters many years ago – an extraordinary speaker! Over the years I constantly bumped into him at the B.C. Games in Nanaimo, the Victoria Airport Authority meetings and TM reunions. He certainly encouraged everyone to work at enjoying life in one’s senior years! May you enjoy the memories. My heart filled condolences to all of you.
Dear Kathyn, Pam, Wendy, Squeak and all of Graeme’s family, friends and loved ones.
We cannot express enough how deeply shocked and saddened we were to hear of Graeme’s passing.
Graeme was my father’s oldest friend of 86 years, originally from Oak Bay, that shared many years of laughter together, as part of the original 7 ‘gang / mob’ members. Those friendships lasted a lifetime and he is pretty devastated over the loss of his dear friend. As a child, I recall that our family also shared many wonderful memories with the Roberts family where there was always laughter due to Graeme’s jokes, lots of antics involving being on a boat and playing down at the beach at their Nanaimo home and/or at our cabin at Keats Island. There was always laughter and good times to be had. Our family wishes to send you all, our heartfelt condolences and to let you know that you are all in our hearts and on our minds at this time. May Graeme’s memory be for a blessing.
Deb, Al and Brandon Nortman
Brin (Einar) Brynjolfson