Graham Killmaster Stratford passed away peacefully on April 1, 2024, surrounded by his family. He is predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Gabrielle (née Talbot), his brother Philip (Jacqueline), and his sister Nora (Roger). He is survived by his six sons: Richard (Sylvia), Philip (Qian), Graham (Sylvia), Michael (Ruth), Andrew (Heather), and Will (Suzanne), as well as 16 grandchildren.
Graham was born on Aug. 23, 1931, in Sarnia, Ont. He was the second of three children to Reginald and Phyllis Stratford. A devoted family physician for almost 50 years in Cobourg and Whitby, he was a gentleman who naturally connected with people. He was a renaissance man who cared for and welcomed all.
While working as a doctor at a Canadian Air Force base in France in 1958, he met Gabrielle. They were married the same year after a storybook romance, including trailing a bottle of wine in the water while rowing around Lake Como, Italy.
Dad lived 50 wonderful and peaceful years at Stillbrook, the family home. He lived his faith as a parishioner of St. Mary’s Catholic Church (Grafton) and as a long-standing volunteer with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Knights of Columbus, and many other charities.
Beyond the professional and social accolades, Dad saw his greatest achievement as his family. He and Mum cultivated a home of hope and peace by loving each other, their family, their community and their surroundings. Through their work in the garden and woods, their enduring hospitality, and their warm and open hearts, Dad and Mum lived a life both timeless and boundless. Dad's example inspires his children, grandchildren, family and friends. He is and will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre.