Obituary of Graham Neil Dalton
Graham Neil Dalton, Clementsvale, Nova Scotia.
It is with deep sadness that we, the family of Graham Neil Dalton, announce his passing at age 75 on Friday, February 17, 2023, due to complications during treatment of a rare leukemia. Born in Halifax on March 7, 1947, he was the only child of John Allison and Marie (Burgoyne) Dalton. Graham was defined by his family, his friends, and his land. He was an eternally positive and optimistic gentleman, honest, sincere and reliable. He had a contagious smile, a firm handshake, and a humble wisdom. Graham brought out the best in others, always willing to listen and provide sound advice, encouragement, and guidance. He lived his life to the fullest and found happiness and enjoyment from the simpler things in life. His joy came from his family who he loved very deeply. Graham grew up in Annapolis Royal and had a wonderful childhood. As a young man, he followed in his father’s footsteps, being active in both Scouts Canada and the Royal Canadian Army Cadets, attaining the rank of Master Cadet. His summers were spent on the range with the cadet rifle team, where he rose to be top Marksman. This passion led him to later become an instructor for Sea Cadets at CFB Cornwallis as a Range Officer (Lt.(N) CF Res.). These were formative years for Graham that would influence the rest of his life. He completed high school in his hometown at the Annapolis Royal Regional Academy and completed his secondary education at Acadia University with a BA in Geology (class ’69) followed by a B.Ed (class ’70) in order to stay closer to Dinah, the love of his life. Graham thoroughly enjoyed his career of 32 years as an educator, teaching junior high science, math, and industrial arts at Clark Rutherford School (CFB Cornwallis) and ARRA (Annapolis Royal). Graham was a favoured teacher by hundreds of students and became a life mentor to many. In 1969, Graham married Dinah Charlotte Wilcox and their life of 54 years together began. Their years together were filled with the joys of travel, with many epic adventures through Europe and North America. His endless love for Dinah was shown in so many ways, the most beautiful example being his devout labour each year to assist in perfecting her many wonderful gardens. Their beloved home and property in Clementsvale on the West Moose River was to become their forever home, an anchor for them to raise a family. The loving restoration of this 1840 dwelling followed. Perfections and additions were to continue for many years to come. A deep connection to the land and the community and a great sense of pride grew strong in Graham’s heart. This love was documented in the thousands of photographs Graham took over five decades. It would be an understatement to say that Graham completed all tasks to the highest level of professionalism and competence. He took great pride in leading by example through his work ethic, strong sense of morals, duty, and adherence to proper business etiquette. Graham took no day for granted and would fit as much into a day as physically possible, be it managing his own projects or, more commonly, helping others. His ability to problem-solve using practical and elegant techniques was commonplace, and he welcomed any challenge no matter how complex. He had a strong appreciation for and a vast knowledge of natural science, history, engineering, and architecture, and thoroughly enjoyed his tools of metal and wood. In his retirement years, all skills culminated into the creation of a masterpiece barn derived from his own design, lumber, and construction. Graham lived a rich life full of many passions, but few things brought him more joy than time on the range or in his woods with his trusty saw. Graham will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and neighbours. He is survived by his wife Dinah Dalton, daughter Sarah Dalton and sons Christopher (Kate) Dalton and Peter (Melanie) Dalton, grandchildren Jayden, Sophie and Eli Dalton, cousins Elizabeth Ann (Murray) McIsaac, Marion Johnson and Wendy Purcell and several extended cousins. A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, March 18, at 2pm at the Clementsport Royal Canadian Legion. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Atalanta Hospice Society (www.atalantahospicesociety.ca) or Nature Conservancy Canada in Nova Scotia (www.natureconservancy.ca). E-mail condolences may be sent to: KAULBACHFH@ns.aliantzinc.ca