Obituary (Keith L. Graham)

Keith L. Graham
May 7, 1922 - March 2, 2018

Keith Graham, RAIC (Fellow), well known Nova Scotia Architect passed peacefully at Camp Hill Veterans Building on March 2, 2018. Born in Fox River, Nova Scotia, he was the eldest son to the late Ross and Martha (Hatfield) Graham. Keith was proud of his shipbuilding ancestry. His father Ross was ‘Head Planker’ at Wagstaff & Hatfield Shipyard in Port Greville. The influence of growing up surrounded by talented Parrsboro Shore craftsmen shaped his life long love for the profession of Architecture. Finishing his secondary education at Fox River School in 1940, Keith pursued opportunities to join the RCAF. After traveling overseas twice, he was accepted to flight school training and in 1942 joined the ranks of Bomber Command 6 Group, 427 Squadron (Lion) as Pilot Officer (Wireless Operator/Navigator). He and his flight crew flew 27 sorties over France and Germany in Wellingtons, and 24 more in the Lancaster. After the war Keith graduated from the School of Architecture at the University of Manitoba in 1950 and began his career in Montreal. By the late 1950’s Keith had moved back to Nova Scotia, where he followed his singular conviction for creative design that led to a legacy of institutions and residences built under his leadership throughout Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Most notably - The Halifax North End Library, Halifax Police Department, Nova Scotia Archives, Halifax Explosion Memorial, and the Canadian Coast Guard College. Keith’s remarkable career spanned over five decades, with never a thought to an end. He was also innovative in his personal life, embracing the virtues of long-distance running, yoga, and a rigorous holistic health regime, long before they were in vogue. Noted for his command of the English language, he was a great orator, with a sharp memory and wit. He would tell stories, recite poetry, and share his deeply held beliefs with influence and passion. Keith is predeceased by his daughter Laura; brothers Harold, George, Carl and Donald; sisters Ethel, Jessie and Francis; and survived by his loving wife Norma (Cassidy) Halifax, son David (Carolyn), Calgary; son Jonathan (Hilary), Victoria; daughter Maria (John), Halifax; son-in-law Stewart, Halifax; eight grand children- James, Ross, Ian, Hugh, Rosemary, Sophie, Martha, and Nicholas; sister Barbara Bishop (Alberta); and Norma’s children, Robert, Lee, and Carol. Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, June 17, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Fox River, the Rev. Tory Byrne officiating. Burial in church cemetery. Reception to follow at the Ottawa House. Donations in memoriam may be made to The Nova Scotia Nature Trust.