Graham George Burchell

Passed away peacefully at the Brockville General Hospital on Friday August 8th, following the recent celebration of his 80th birthday.  Graham will be profoundly missed by his children Jodi (Dale Pegg) and Jan (Steve O'Brien), his cherished grandchildren Riley, Kavan, Carter, Grace, Hannah and Aidan, as well as his great-granddaughter Aurora O'Brien.  He was predeceased by his wife Louise, his son Brad, and his brother Jeff. He is survived by his brothers Jim (Joan) and Ed (Marg) Burchell, brother-in-law Bill (Nancy) Hooper, sister-in-law Veronica Burchell, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. Growing up on the Burchell farm in Mainsville, Graham developed a strong work ethic and formed a lasting love and dedication to family and community. From a young age, he looked forward to regular social gatherings, often paired with a game of ball, crokinole, cards or a work-bee, in addition to good laughs and exceptional home cooking.

He met the love of his life, Louise Hooper, on his school bus ride to South Grenville District High School.  Graham and Louise married in 1967 and, together, they carried on these traditions. After completion of the Carpenter's Course at George Brown College in Toronto, Graham joined the St. Lawrence Parks Commission in 1972, making excellent use of his natural talents in carpentry. He began as a restoration maintenance carpenter at Upper Canada Village and retired in 1999 as Maintenance Supervisor for the Parks Commission. Graham built the first family home in Domville but returned to Edwardsburg Township in 1977 where the family spent over 25 years in the Garryowen home he meticulously built and maintained.  Among his volunteer activities, he was President of the Spencerville Agricultural Society (1980-1981), and longtime canvasser for the Canadian Cancer Society. During 45 years of marriage, Graham was Louise's steady right-hand, spending countless hours building and fixing whenever family and community called; several local organizations benefited from his talent and skill. In 2003, he constructed their retirement home in Glen Smail and they continued to entertain and volunteer until Louise's passing in 2012. In his retirement workshop, Graham loved crafting high quality woodworking items, like his famous gumball dispenser, and sharing a unique knack for ropemaking and picture framing. He always worked with a smile, a whistle, or a tune, especially when his children and grandchildren were around to share in the fun. His grandchildren have fond memories of their beloved, playful Grandpa who proudly attended school or sporting events, was a humble "pancake artist", gave long four-wheeler rides, served up plenty of ice cream or donuts, and always shared jokes or riddles.  Above all, Graham was a kind and giving soul who loved any opportunity to visit with his friends and family. His big smile, gentle nature and limitless patience will not be forgotten.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Graham's life on Tuesday August 26th from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Spencerville Presbyterian Church Hall, followed by a luncheon.  In lieu of flowers, donations to Wellington House Long Term Care, or a charity of your choice, would be appreciated. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com