CORNER BROOK, N.L. — For 53 years Gary Graham instilled a love of music and performing in students young and old in Corner Brook.
On Monday, the man who gave his all, without asking for anything in return, died of cancer at the age of 73.
“Very peaceful, very quiet,” is how his longtime friend, Barb Rogers, who was with him through his journey described his final moments.
Originally from Nova Scotia, Mr. Graham moved to Corner Brook in 1966 and taught in many of the city’s schools.
After retiring in 1998 he continued to teach privately and at Immaculate Heart of Mary School.
Over the past three years he taught in the musical theatre and choral programs at the Graham Academy. The performing arts division of Gros Morne Summer Music was established, and named for him, to support and perpetuate his legacy of musical excellence. He also served on the board of Gros Morne Summer Music as a past chairperson.
He’s been honoured with the Order of Newfoundland and honorary doctorate from Grenfell Campus, Memorial University of Newfoundland, accolades he was humbled to receive.
To some he was Mr. Graham, to others Mr. G. and to friends like Rogers simply Gary.
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Rogers got to know Mr. Graham after she moved to Corner Brook in 1977. Her former husband, Wayne Rogers, was the musical director at Sir Wilfred Grenfell College, and Mr. Graham was the accompanist for the choir.
Mr. Graham would drop by the Rogers’ home after choir practices and became a part of the family.
Rogers and Mr. Graham just clicked. Their friendship spanned 42 years.
“I guess we just kind of recognized each other,” she said. “We just had a sort of mutual trust and respect for each other and it just built on from there.”
So, how does she describe her friend?
“He was a very public, private person,” she said with a laugh.
He loved people, but avoided recognition, always allowing his students to shine.
“He had such a genuine concern for people. He was generous to a fault.”
He’d often deliver cards to people and there was a time he gathered up dresses and bought shoes so some of his students could have something nice to wear for their spring concert.
While very ill at the time his musical theatre students presented their spring show, “Seussical,” Mr. Graham was there to watch them, slipping in after one of the performances started and slipping out after.
Rogers also said he had a wicked sense of humour and loved a good time.
“He loved to know what was going on — a sense of curiosity.”
And he was always very fashionable, with his colourful jackets and shoes.
Rogers said it was always her privilege and honour to help Mr. Graham as he dealt with his illness privately and that he died with “dignity and grace.”
Ellen Janzen was also with Mr. Graham on Monday.
Both of her children were students of his so she knows the impact he has had.
Her daughter, Elizabeth Janzen, is now a professor of flute at Texas A and M University in southern Texas. She credits her mentor for where she is today.
Janzen said it was through that connection of her children’s music lessons that they formed a friendship.
The nights her children had lessons she would make supper for Mr. Graham and they would bring it to him. When he went away the Janzens looked after his cat. And they would spend many special occasions together.
Janzen said she’ll remember her friend fondly for the special person he was.
“How thoughtful and kind and generous he was to everyone, his students and everyone he knew.”
Janzen said Mr. Graham didn’t want people to know how sick he was.
“He wanted everybody to remember him as he was when he was well.”
And he was thankful for the two and a half years he got after his diagnosis.
“He was able to do all the things he loved to do.”
Twitter: WS_DianeCrocker
Tributes to Mr. Gary Graham
David Maggs
Gros Morne Summer Music, artistic director
If there’s a person outside my family that is the most responsible for who I am today, that’s the guy.
He was my teacher and mentor from the time I was six years old. And really in the formative years of my life, when I was a teenager in Corner Brook, it was really his world that I was so enamored with and so interested in understanding and trying to participate in.
I can feel his influence just in everything … Sometimes you stop and you think why is it that I see the world in the way that I do or why do I understand myself in the way that I do. For me the answer to that has always been really obvious, and it’s been the influence of him and him as a person and as a teacher.
Mayor Jim Parsons
What a truly remarkable human. Such poise, humour and generosity. Thank you G. for everything you’ve done for Corner Brook and for me. You will be missed, but you’ll never be forgotten.
Brad Vardy
Ottawa
It is impossible to overstate the impact that Gary Graham has had on Corner Brook. If there is a family untouched by his gift, I’d be surprised. He rose from obscure music teacher to define what music education should be. He inspired, he mentored, he raised the bar for thousands of young people who may never have otherwise had the opportunity.
Charles Pender
I was very saddened to learn of Gary’s passing today. His contributions to the cultural life of Corner Brook and the province are well documented by the hundreds of lives he touched directly through his teaching and love of music. He was adored by his many students who always strived to meet Mr. G.’s expectations and who showed him so much love and respect through their many successes. Gary will be sorely missed by all who had the opportunity to study and work with him and the many of thousands of proud parents, grandparents and audience members who had the opportunity over the years to witness his talent and his love of music that he so graciously shared with us.
Nikk Walsh
Kalasin, Thailand
Doctor G. ... Gary! I will remember your smile when the chorus was in tune and the world was a beautiful place. Godspeed.
Karem Simon
Charlottetown, PEI
Gary and I were music teachers in Corner Brook, where he was responsible for choral instruction and I, instrumental. Our collaborations were not just limited to our school concerts — I still have very fond memories of the Herdman Chorale and Wind Symphony — but we performed numerous recitals together.
Gary leaves behind a legacy like no other. That Corner Brook, a small mill town in western Newfoundland, would have such rich culture is due in no small part to him.
I count myself among those who have known Gary personally and professionally on so many levels. He enriched the lives of so many who had the privilege to experience him — students, colleagues, parents, audiences.
Shauna O’Brien
Halifax
Mr. Graham was my piano teacher and his influence on my musicality remains to this day. I still use his notations when marking up a score, even! I am terribly sad to learn of his passing.
I just recently heard of the Graham Academy and am so glad his legacy of nurturing generations of musicians will continue through you.
Gudie Hutchings
Liberal MP
Long Range Mountains
Mr. G. was one of the most influential music teachers in Newfoundland and Labrador, teaching generations of us how to truly understand and appreciate music. He had a way with every person he taught, which was truly exceptional. He found the best in everyone. I will never forget ‘Now My Beauties’.
Thank you for the music, and the memories Gary — you will always be remembered.
