Graham Leslie Anderson

Born April 8, 1929 at Bradford, England. Died November 18, 2012 at Sunridge Place, Duncan BC.

“Mr. Anderson” was a teacher at Shawnigan Lake School from 1957 until 2010. He was a Fellow of the Canadian Heraldry Society, Cowichan Herald Extraordinary, a Knight Commander of the Order of St. Lazarus, a recipient of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee medal and numerous other honours and awards.

At Shawnigan he served as a Housemaster, Registrar, Senior Master, Deputy Headmaster, Acting Headmaster, bus driver, tour director, firearms instructor, organist’s assistant and finally Senior Master Emeritus.

Graham was one of the fortunate few who found his calling early in life and pursued it to the end. He was a master teacher of history who left an indelible mark on thousands of students.

He was a true renaissance man - an authority on, amongst other things, heraldry, chivalry, pipe organs, Italian art, haiku poetry, astronomy, classical music, egyptology, archery, fine automobiles and all things British. His most remarkable quality was the ability to impart this knowledge to adolescents with colour, enthusiasm and lasting effect.

He maintained a passion for education for 53 years until at the age of 81, a stroke took him from the classroom. He did not go quietly. His focus in the final two years of his life at the Sunridge care facility in Duncan was getting back to the School.

He leaves his nephews, Alexander and Christopher Anderson of Victoria and Lake Cowichan, their spouses Shannon and Sherri and their children.

He will be remembered fondly by his former students who are better citizens of the world because they learned of the wonder and importance of history from Mr. Anderson.

Donations in Graham’s memory can be made to the Graham L. Anderson Scholarship Fund at Shawnigan Lake School.

A celebration of Graham’s life will take place at the Chapel of Shawnigan Lake School on December 8, 2012 at 1:30 p.m., boldly accompanied by music from the pipe organ that he built.