On December 28th our hearts were broken by the sudden death of Graham Smith, Formation and Safety Officer for CFB Esquimalt.
Graham started his career in 1989 joining the Navy and then moving up into working as a civilian for the Navy specializing in making policies for the Pacific Fleet. His later years saw him as an expert in First Nation affairs, developing policies and procedures that would allow the Canadian government to move forward on projects while being respectful of all Nations. His numerous awards showed that he was a force to be reckoned with.
Graham loved his work but he loved his family more. He was always helping both his boys with school projects, volunteering at cadets, doing renovations or baking his famous cookies that many people enjoyed especially over Christmas.
After being diagnosed in November 2013 with Multiple Myeloma he still continued to work from his hospital bed holding meetings, teleconferences while receiving chemotherapy. Thanks to all the hospital staff who "accommodated" his work schedule!
After a stem cell transplant in February 2014 he quickly started his "new" life. First class travel to England with Connor and Jennifer. St Lucia for his 25th wedding anniversary, spring break in the Bahamas and numerous trips to his favourite place Maui. There were many afternoon "teas" with lattes and scones that he would never pay the price for before.
Plans to retire January 2018 and do something with all those wood burls were quickly ended on December 28.
Graham leaves behind two wonderful sons, Ryan and Connor and a beautiful grandson Calaeo, his wife Jennifer along with her family and his brother Carl and his family.
Graham believed to be truly happy in this world you needed three things, someone to love, something to do and something to hope for. This is how he lived his life.
There will be a service in April and donations to Cowichan Hospice appreciated.