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GORDON RICHARD GRAHAME MD, FRCPC
Born: Mar 12, 1933
Date of Passing: Mar 28, 2024
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryGORDON RICHARD GRAHAME MD, FRCPC
It is with deep respect that we announce the passing of Gordon Richard Grahame on March 28, 2024, at the age of 91. Surrounded by his loving family, Gordon’s journey came to a peaceful close. He was predeceased by his wife of more than 60 years, Moira, son John and his sister Ruth (Bob) Cooke.
Gordon is fondly remembered by his son Stephen (Pam), grandchildren, Claire (Alex), Robyn (Jason) and Spencer (Annika), alongside his friends, Mark Torchia and Pat Hill as well as a host of extended family.
Born and raised in Winnipeg, Gordon's favourite days were spent at Stony Mountain and later, at West Hawk Lake, igniting a lifelong affection for the serenity of nature. His path led him to the University of Manitoba, where he graduated as a doctor in 1957, a milestone marking the beginning of a distinguished career in medicine. Gordon's life took a turn for the forever when he met Moira McGill at Deer Lodge Hospital, where she worked with the Red Cross. He loved her fiery auburn hair and incredible intellect; he always admitted that his wife was smarter than him.
His career as a general internist saw him leave imprints of his expertise and compassionate care across borders, from London, England to Birmingham, Alabama and back home to Winnipeg in the halls of St. Boniface Hospital, Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg, and the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Medicine. Known for his straightforward approach and direct manner, Gordon was a caring mentor who shared his knowledge and experience generously, though his stern and oftentimes gruff exterior belied a profoundly kind bedside manner that earned him the universal respect of his patients.
Gordon's work extended beyond his medical practice reflecting his passion for community. His connection to the YMCA was strong, beginning in the 1940s when he travelled by steam engine to Camp Stephens, an experience he loved to share with his two sons and later, three grandchildren who all attended with his support. Gordon’s personal values of inclusion, integrity and family led him to be a strong advocate for his son John. This advocacy led to his son being the first person with a mental handicap to attend YMCA summer camp in Manitoba, paving the way for those that followed.
His favourite pastime was spending time at the family cabin at West Hawk Lake. Gordon’s love for West Hawk Lake was shared with Moira and passed down through generations. Gordon found most joy in solving the everyday problems associated with owning a remote cabin, believing that everything could be fixed with the stuff from the gashouse.
He loved Birkenstocks, bird watching with Moira, travelling, clogs, Tilley hats, shirts with pockets for his pencil, political observation, and was a member of Red River Railroad, was passionate about his grandchildren and had an unwavering commitment to his family.
The family extends their gratitude to the Gaynor Family Regional Library for enriching Gordon’s final years with the gift of literature, reflecting his wide-ranging curiosities, especially Kristen, who took the time to get to know Gordon’s voracious and varied interests and brought him a steady supply of reading material. The family would also like to thank Dr. Ian Alexander for his respectful and kind care.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Selkirk and District Community Foundation - Inclusion Selkirk Futures Fund, 200 Eaton Ave., Selkirk, MB R1A 0W6 or www.SDCF.ca, a gesture that honours Gordon's lifelong commitment to inclusion and community.
A private family celebration will commemorate Gordon's remarkable journey. His was a life well-lived.
"Life is just better at the lake.”
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 06, 2024, Apr 06, 2024
Condolences & Memories (2 entries)
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I had the privilege of working with Dr. Grahame on GH4 for many years. His knowledge and expertise were remarkable. He was also always willing to teach and explain patient care to any and everyone. He had enormous respect for nurses and saw him advocate more than once. He had great compassion and patience with patients, and would sit on their bed and tenderly feed them. He was a remarkable man in spite of his gruff exterior. Beneath this, he was a very dedicated doctor who would be willing to go the extra mile. He took on my mid 90s father on as I couldn’t find someone to care for him. I’m eternally grateful for his generosity. Rest in peace Dr. Grahame. - Posted by: Sandra (Coworker) on: Apr 14, 2024
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Gordon was an exceptionally kind and sensitive man. I spent a lot of time with him during my internal medicine residency and was heading off to do specialty training in the US. Gordon pulled $500 US out of his pocket before I left so that I could buy a textbook in gastroenterology. He did this with several trainees. He had a great depth of knowledge of medicine and was an excellent teacher. While in some interactions he could seem gruff but as a teacher he was extremely patient. When I returned to Winnipeg, he was the Head of our Section of Gastroenterology and selflessly let me develop my career in any way I chose. We started the Gastroenterology Fellowship training program and of the current gastroenterologists in Manitoba 16/20 trained in our program. Hence, Manitobans would not have access to modern gastroenterology care if not for Gordon Grahame. - Posted by: Charles Bernstein (Former trainee) on: Apr 14, 2024
