William Riley "Billy" Graham

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of William Graham, known to all as "Billy", on December 27, 2024 in his 93rd year.  Predeceased by his beloved wife and best friend Tamsen Cora (nee Flynn) for over 53 years.  Son of the late Robert and the late Jean (nee Riley) Graham.  Cherished father of Tony (Janice) Graham and the late Nore (Jorge Estrada) Graham.  Loving grandfather of the late Tyler Graham, Leanne (Trevor) Stephenson, Kirk Graham, John (Ellicia) Topham, Jason (Julie) Topham and Jessica (Jamie) Elliott.  Proud great grandfather to Aster, Luna, Evelyn, Thomas, Erik, Mark, Troy, Ophelia, Ava, Philip, Mayson, Layla, Lauren and Alyssa.  Cherished brother to Anita Vanmaarion and the late Robert Graham.  Dear brother-in-law to Grace Flynn, the late Nore Flynn and the late Morag Graham.  Also survived by his loving and special nieces and nephews, the late Glenn Graham, and great nieces and nephews that were like his own children, as well as family and friends who live abroad. 

 Billy joined the Scottish Navy at 15.  After transferring to the Canadian navy, he immigrated to Canada where he became a professional boxer, a miner and a carpenter.  After moving to Timmins, he met Tammy, the love of his life and enjoyed fishing and hunting with many friends and acquaintances.  Following his brother, he moved his family to Woodstock in 1963, and in 1969 he and Tammy bought land and built the family home in Beachville where he resided most of his life, creating wonderful memories with family and friends.  Billy ran the Ingersoll Boxing Club for almost 30 years.  He was extremely passionate about the sport of boxing, and it showed in his coaching and mentorship of many troubled teen and youth.   Billy was a member and Past Sergeant-At-Arms of Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 495, recently receiving his 50-year pin in recognition of his long-standing membership.   Billy, Tammy and family built a  remote log cabin on Diamond Lake in Temagami where they spent some of the best years of their lives fishing and enjoying the wilds of Northern Ontario.  Billy loved travel, having sailed around the world in the Navy and going on trips abroad with his granddaughter, Leanne, niece Carole and great-niece Tara.  To know Billy was to profoundly love him.  He touched many lives with his sense of humour, good natured spirit and was especially loved as Santa's helper at the Beachville Legion, and the Leprechaun at Park Place and Charles Dickens.

A special thanks to the staff at Park Place Retirement Residence while he was a resident, and to the staff at Woodstock General Hospital and VON Sakura House for their loving care in his final days.  

If desired, memorial donations to VON Sakura House, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 495 

(P.O. Box 9 434852 Zorra Line Beachville, ON N0J 1A0) or the  Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.