CORNER BROOK, N.L. — Gary Graham will be posthumously awarded MusicNL’s Lifetime Achievement for 2020.
Graham, a Corner Brook-based music teacher, who MusicNL described as a “mentor extraordinaire,” passed away last June.
Originally from Nova Scotia, Graham moved to Corner Brook in 1966 and taught in many of the city’s schools.
After retiring in 1998, he continued to teach privately and at Immaculate Heart of Mary School.
Over the last three years of his life, he taught in the musical theatre and choral programs at Graham Academy. The performing arts division of Gros Morne Summer Music was established, and named for him, to support and perpetuate his legacy of musical excellence. He also served on the board of Gros Morne Summer Music as a past chairperson.
Graham received many accolades in recognition of his contributions to the arts, including the province’s highest honour, the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador in 2004. The theatre at the Corner Brook's Arts and Culture Centre is also named after him.
In 2013, he received an honorary doctorate from Grenfell Campus, Memorial University of Newfoundland.
MusicNL credits Graham for tirelessly volunteering his time and talents throughout the community. The association noted he had an extraordinary rapport with the elderly, volunteering for many years at the O’Connell Centre and subsequently at Corner Brook’s new long-term care facility.
“Kind, caring, generous and empathetic, many people within and outside of the music industry, especially in Corner Brook, will remember Gary’s kindness to them,” wrote MusicNL in its release. “While he had no children of his own, Gary’s children were his many, many students who remain a living and last legacy.”
The award will be presented as part of MusicNL’s Industry Award presentations at St. John’s City Hall on Jan. 26.
