Tribute to David Graham
By Brendon and Joan Smith
David’s story……
Hugh David Graham was born on Sept. 26th, 1930 while his parents, Isaac and Martha Graham were living in Gray St., Hamilton.
All his primary and secondary schooling was in Hamilton before he decided to become a teacher and did so by training at the Ballarat Teachers’ College.
After graduating he started his teaching career working at a most impressive long list of schools including Robinvale, Charlton, Vasey, Balmoral, Horsham, Nullaware, Carpendeit, Raglan, Point Cook., Armstrong Street Laverton, Hawkesdale, Laverton North, Altona, Williamstown, Altona Gate, and finally as Principal of Footscray North from 1976-1994. This concluded a most dedicated and outstanding teaching career during which he influenced and encouraged hundreds of students and teachers with their own education and careers.
But while the list of schools David worked at is both extensive and impressive it was in 1951 that his life was to change forever! David was teaching at Vasey but due to low enrolments that school was closed and David was sent to Balmoral. It was there that he met a very pretty, young, vivacious lass named Valda and their friendship developed to the point where in 1954 David and Valda were married at Balmoral.
Moving from Balmoral their first married home was at Carpendeit before moving on to many other schools over a 20 year period - before concluding his teaching and principal’s career with over 18 years at Footscray North.
Over all of David’s long life his genuine interests in all people with whom he worked, met or interacted were paramount – and these interests were demonstrated in a most sincere way. He was most thoughtful, always “thinking ahead” as to what would be the best solution to a particular difficulty – whether it was an issue involving people or even while busy in his workshop!
Of immense importance was the love of his wife Valda and their 67 year marriage, together with their children - Julie, Glenda and Jonathan – and all 9 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren
David, Valda and their extended family have enjoyed a long connection with life and holiday activities at Anglesea. Their first holiday home was purchased in 1970 with their second house (Glissy) bought in 1975 and rebuilt in 2021.
In addition to his working life as a teacher and school principal other community interests have been a vitally important part of their lives. The impressive, almost unending list includes Rotary, Probus, Garden Clubs, Footscray Society for the Aged, the Uniting Church, 16 years as a member of Altona Council and two-time Mayor.
David was also president of the Rotary Club of Footscray from 1988-89 and responsible for the formation of the Rotary Club of Maribyrnong Highpoint in the early 90’s - and a founding and life member of the Probus Club of Footscray.
He was inaugural chairman of the Hobsons Bay Community Advancement Co-operative, Chairman of the Altona Community Hospital Board of Directors for more than 12 years, elder and chairman of the Altona-Trinity Uniting Church congregation, founding member of the Presbyterian Church of Altona, and life member of Hobsons Bay Altona and Footscray YMCA Garden Clubs.
David’s vast and lengthy services to numerous community organisations were recognised in the 2013 Australia Day Honours with the awarding of the Order of Australia medal. His interest in these awards continued and in subsequent years was responsible for nominating other successful OAM recipients.
Another major interest for over two decades has been the A’van Club of Australia. David and Valda joined in April 2000 enabling them to attend the first A’van Club of Australia AGM Gathering at Echuca in May 2000. As well as extensive travel around Australia they are part of a very small group who have attended every AGM held in all states of Australia over the following 21 years.
Not just content with being a member of this Australian-wide Club David (and Valda) played leading roles in organising and running Club activities at each AGM. David will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all Club members.
As you have heard David has been a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather while at the same time managing to support his family and the wider community in a huge variety of ways.
His engaging personality, genuine concern and sincere interest in everyone he met – together with his service to so many community activities - indicate what a pleasure and privilege it was for us to know such a person - and indeed any great Australian such as Hugh David Graham.
So not only Valda, and all the family members -
but all of us who knew David,
and who really enjoyed being with him,
will miss him greatly as we all continue to take…….
“One Day At A Time!”