Sturgeon Point Association General

In Memory of Ted Graham

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James E. (Ted) Graham

December 24, 1933 to August 13, 2022

Our family is profoundly sad to announce Ted’s passing, but we are grateful for his legacy and gratified that he can be reunited with his beloved wife Lorna (d. November 11, 2020).

Ted was born in Coboconk, Ontario on Dec 24th, 1933. His extended families had pioneered the area, especially in the hospitality and tourism industries . In 1870, they built the locally famous hotel which is still in operation as the Pattie House. They then expanded into every business needed by cottagers, bought a second hotel, opened the first gasoline station and managed various other retail and service outlets. Eventually, Ted’s extended family developed hundreds of cottages on 2500 acres of cottage land on Balsam and Shadow Lakes and additionally provided land for the provincial parks on Balsam Lake.

Ted’s parents, Roy Graham and Etta Isobel Jackson moved to Lindsay in 1934, where Ted excelled in sports on his way through the educational system. Ted married his high school sweetheart, Lorna Margaret Christian. They then moved to Toronto, where Ted started his business career sweeping floors for Northern Electric. 25 years later, after sales management roles at Procter and Gamble and at Lever’s, Ted became President and CEO of Versa Services.

In 1995, Ted and Lorna bought the historic waterfront property at 6 Second Street and proceeded to restore, update, and enhance the property. It was built in 1896 by Sir Joseph Flavelle’s father-in-law and was in terrible shape. It had sat for 100 years on four stumps, one of which was rotted. The whole residence was sliding towards the backyard, so Ted and Lorna had the cottage lifted to install a basement. They restored the old finishes and Lorna did a magical job of restoring the décor and acquiring period pieces. Truly a labour of love. Ted loved to wander around the Point, chatting with everyone he met.

He led a large Sunday school in Toronto for 28 years and then became a touring lay preacher conducting hundreds of services in the Kawartha Lakes area, and in Toronto. His sermons were recorded and distributed widely. Both Lorna and Ted were dedicated songsters, singing in church choirs and choral groups. Ted took a co-leadership role of a gospel group which performed for thousands in Clarington and area. His booming voice will be missed at the Sturgeon Point Union Church on Sunday mornings.

The family is planning on having a celebration of life in the fall.

Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety

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A Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety is in effect for some large Kawartha Lakes, including Balsam, Cameron, Sturgeon, and Pigeon Lakes, as well as Lake Scugog.

No flooding is expected, but flows throughout the system are high and could be dangerous.

Affected Municipalities:

  • City of Kawartha Lakes
  • Municipality of Trent Lakes
  • Township of Scugog

A Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety is in effect for some large Kawartha Lakes, including Balsam, Cameron, Sturgeon, and Pigeon Lakes, as well as Lake Scugog.

No flooding is expected, but flows throughout the system are high and could be dangerous.

As Trent-Severn Waterway officials advise, the Trent-Severn Waterway drainage area, including the Kawartha Conservation watershed, have received up to 120 mm of rain over the past 10 days. It significantly exceeds the normal precipitation for the month of June. As a result, there are higher-than-normal water levels along the Trent-Severn Waterway.

In addition, flows will increase outside of navigation hours as a part of the Trent-Severn Waterway water management operations. The public should consider these overnight flows as non-navigable.

The public is cautioned that fast-moving water will create hazardous conditions especially around the dams and locks. During this period of above-normal water levels and flows, residents and visitors should exercise extreme caution on and around water. Areas around dams, culverts and bridges should be avoided at all times. Parents and caregivers are advised to keep children and pets away from all waterways.

Trent-Severn Waterway officials are monitoring water levels and flows throughout the system very closely and will adjust the water control structures as required. Anyone having concerns about water levels throughout the system can contact Parks Canada at (705) 750-4950 or [email protected].

This Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety – Kawartha Lakes will be in effect until further notice.