The landscape architect responsible for the design of the Garden of the Provinces and Territories has past away
The OALA is saddened to announce the passing of Donald Graham on November 4th 2017. Donald has been a full member of the OALA since March 1970. The Association was notified on November 7th 2017.
Donald Walter Graham
Donald Graham died peacefully at his Iroquois home, Saturday, November 4th, 2017 just shy of his 87th birthday. Don was surrounded by his wife Ree Graham (Grisdale), his children, Brian (Cathy), Wendy (Jean Landry), and Joanne Graham. Lorna Gunstone, (Lew), his sister, as well as his 4 grandsons, Nelson, Rory, Myles and Eric also mourn his passing.
Don will be remembered as a true gentleman; passionate, patient, kind, philanthropist. An environmentalist well before his time. He founded the firm D.W. Graham and Associates, Landscape Architects in Ottawa and for 30 years, planned and designed responsible green spaces for urban and regional landscapes, locally and internationally. His commitment to our environment and our humanity will be felt and enjoyed for generations to come.
Many of Don’s projects from his time at his firm and also at the National Capitol Commission highlight his technical knowledge and can still be enjoyed today. The Garden of Provinces and Territories in Ottawa is one example.
Don was one of the first members of the OALA in 1970 and served as a volunteer in many areas including chairing the Education Committee in the early 1980’s. He was inducted to the CSLA College of Fellows in 1973 and was awarded OALA Emeritus member status in 2007.
Don helped launch the Landscape Architecture Canada Foundation (LACF). His daughter Wendy, a member of the AAPQ, now serves on its Board. The family notes that donations, gratefully received, to the LACF will go towards creating a scholarship bursary in Don’s name to carry on his legacy.
Address: LACF, 102-1637 West 5th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 1NS http://lacf.ca/membership-support/donate-now
A celebration of Don’s life will be held on Friday, November 10, 2017 at 11 a.m., Lakeshore Drive United Church, 19 Lakeshore Drive, Morrisburg. Parker Funeral Home (613 543-2271) has been entrusted with arrangements. Memorial donations may be left at www.parkerofmorrisburg.com.
Members may view the obituary and learn more about the arrangements using the following link: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/ottawacitizen/obituary.aspx?pid=187166333
As is OALA’s custom, a book will be added to our library and a Memorial tree will be planted at the Guelph Arboretum Wall-Custance Memorial Forest in Don’s name.