Graham, Dr. John Philip Thomas “Jack” – His family regret to inform you the well‑loved Dr. Jack Graham is no longer seeing patients. He is off on a hard-earned, eternal sailing trip into the great unknown, with his wife and best mate, Dianne Graham, who predeceased him by two weeks and one day. Although our hearts are heavy with their loss, we can’t help but wish them fair winds and smooth seas.
A proud father, husband, sailor, piper, gourmand and a dedicated doctor, Jack lived his life in service to community with dignity and integrity. Many will feel the loss of a doctor for whom health care was more than a career; it was a calling and passion. Denied entrance into the Dalhousie medical program, Jack refused to take no for an answer and learned Spanish in order to apply to medical school in Mexico. Impressed by his determination, Dalhousie finally accepted him, proving that old dogs really can learn new tricks. He came to be affectionately known as “Grandpa” by his classmates, graduating with his Doctor in Medicine in 1979. Practicing in Nova Scotia with Family Practice Associates and in Montgomery, Alabama, he never rushed his patients, taking time to know and care about them, then going above and beyond to do house calls and give support during times of need. He saw patients up until his final months, caring for others despite his own failing health. Jack will be remembered for his involvement as a piper and extremely active member of the “H” Division RCMP Pipe Band, The Saint Andrews Society of Alabama and Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.
Throughout everything, Dianne was Jack’s constant support, the quiet presence making everything possible. After their marriage in 1972, she continued working in the hematology lab at the VG, delaying starting a family until his graduation from medical school. While Jack worked long hours caring for others, Dianne cared for the home and their children, Elizabeth, Christopher and niece, Laura. Blessed with an extremely fortunate life together, filled with memories, their time here came to a close with Dianne leaving us on June 2 and Jack on June 17.
Predeceased by parents, Frank and Margaret (Hodgson) Graham; survived by siblings, Frank (Joan) and Alan (Shirley); daughter, Elizabeth Brown; son, Christopher Graham (Jessika) and grandchildren, Ila, Sela, and Emma.
A graveside service will be held in Dartmouth Memorial Gardens, 767 Main St., Dartmouth, Friday, June 24, at 10 a.m., followed by a reception and remarks in Atlantic Funeral Home (same address), 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. A celebration of life will be held for friends and family from 6 p.m. until the wee hours of the morning, in the family home in Tantallon. Due to the sudden loss of Jack and Dianne, in lieu of flowers contributions and condolences can be sent to the family by mail, to Christopher & Elizabeth Graham, PO Box 1690, Lunenburg, NS B0J 2C0, or in person, with the intention of establishing a Jack & Dianne Graham memorial to preserve their legacy and memory. The family can also be contacted at 902-826-1320.
Arrangements are under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit.
