Obituary of Thomas Robert Grahame

Grahame: Thomas

Tom grew up in Ottawa attended schools there, and then moved to Calgary for his high school years.

His first job was at Canadian National Livestock Records, where he became the registrar of all breeds of horses.

He then moved to Toronto in 1963 to become Secretary and General Manager of the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society.

This is a breeders’ organization that holds sales of yearlings in Toronto every September, as well as mixed sales of thoroughbreds in Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver. It also provides education of new horse breeders.

Tom judged the thoroughbred class at the Royal Winter Fair, and was often  asked by banks to evaluate horses in order to settle an estate.

Later he also owned a printing company in Etoibcoke.

On his 48^th birthday he had three heart attacks, which forced him into early retirement.

He was an avid salior and skier. He bought a sailboat, followed by three others, each one a few feet larger than the previous sailboat.

In 1997-98 he and Beth spent eight months travelling south and spent the winter in Daytona Beach.

On a subsequent trip they helped bring a boat back from the Abacos in the Bahamas.

His favourite place was where he spent his early summers, Norway Bay, Quebec, on the Ottawa River.

Passed away at Fox Run by the River Retirement Home on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at the age of 86. Beloved husband of 56 years to Beth Grahame (neé Meldrum). Proud and loving father of Melanie Goldberg (Eytan) and grandchildren Ezra and Graham, and Stephanie Bell (Dave) and grandson, James Thomas.

Predeceased by his brother John Grahame (Sue). Will be remembered by his two nephews, Byron and Hugh Grahame and sister-in-law, Jean Meldrum.

The family will receive friends at Tompkins Funeral Home on Monday, June 26 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm and 6:00 – 8:00 pm. A Memorial Service will be held in Christ Church on Tuesday, June 27 at 11:00 am with a reception to follow in the Church Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Organ Fund at Christ Church or to the Lung Association.

Heartfelt thanks to the incredible staff at Fox Run.