Bytown Brigantine Director Emeritus
It is with a heavy heart that we relay the news that our dear shipmate John Grahame has crossed
the bar.
John embodied the time-honoured traditions inherent in square-rigged sailing. He dedicated tens of thousands of his hours, over decades, volunteering in support of opportunities for others to experience life through sail training and the romance of the sea.
John was a multiple recipient of the Bytown Brigantine Volunteer of the Year Award and retired from the Board as Director Emeritus only when health would prevent his attending.
A graduate of the UK sail training scheme, John’s character, experiences, and stories regaled
around the wardroom, island, workshop, or boardroom added immeasurably to Bytown’s
programs over the years.
He was skilled in the art of the sailor, exemplified by his craftsmanship at building working ship models, many of BBI’s annual trophies, or turning out scores of his trademark belaying pins for Black Jack and Fair Jeanne.
John personified what it means to be a shipmate. Regardless of any generational gap, his
enthusiasm for Bytown’s mission and presence aboard will always be remembered fondly and dearly missed by all of us who were lucky enough to sail with him.
Bravo Zulu John! Your shared experiences have enriched the lives of so many. You have earned your Valhalla. No doubt you are being welcomed aboard by all our dear Bytown Brigantine shipmates that have crossed the bar before.
Thank you to Suzanne, John’s wife and his sons Hugh & Byron and their families for sharing John with us. A very special thank you to Christy Griffin for her extraordinary support & kindness given to John and his family. (Funeral at St. Thomas Anglican, 1619 Main St, Stitsville, Saturday Feb 4 th , 1400)