April 3, 1948 – April 7, 2023
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of William (Bill) Graham, a remarkable man whose contributions to the Canadian government, Internet governance, and global policymaking have left an indelible mark on the world.
Bill was born and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan. He started reading Julia Child’s cookbooks as a child of ten, a defensive strategy, he recalled. Upon entering university in Regina, he gravitated to progressive causes and student journalism, experiences which coloured his political views for the rest of his life. He also deepened his expertise in cooking and baking. To fund his many travels and his record collection he became an expert typesetter. He eventually headed to Victoria to adventure into the wilds of British Columbia to hike and camp. As computers signalled the sunset of lead type, Bill enrolled at the University of Victoria to finish his BA and take a Master’s degree in Asian-Pacific studies, kindling a lifelong love of Japan, and its language.
His subsequent career spanned more than three decades, beginning in Ottawa in 1988 when he joined the Canadian government. Throughout his tenure, he held various positions, promoting community networking and Internet adoption in Canada, and shaping international telecommunications policy. A true champion of global cooperation, Bill played a crucial role in coordinating Canadian participation in multilateral organizations such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), CITEL in the Americas, and APEC TEL in the Asia-Pacific region. He also served as a member of the UN Internet Governance Forum Advisory Group and co-Head of Canada’s delegation to the UN World Summit on the Information Society. Bill’s efforts in developing Canada’s International Trade Business Plan for the information technology and telecommunications sector further highlighted his commitment to fostering international partnerships.
Bill’s dedication to Internet governance extended beyond our borders. He represented Canada on the Governmental Advisory Committee of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) eventually serving as its Vice-Chair. In December 2007, Bill joined the Internet Society (ISOC), where he led strategic global engagement activities. He spearheaded the development of ISOC’s positions on critical Internet issues and engaged with policymakers at the highest levels to advance the organization’s mission. He retired from ISOC, and was then elected to the ICANN’s Board of Directors from 2011 to 2014. He loved the work, travel and friendships that this entailed.
His wisdom and expertise in Internet governance made him an invaluable asset to the Global Commission on Internet Governance. As the penholder for the Commission’s final report, he steered the organization’s work with brilliance and dedication, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues. He was a Senior Fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation, and produced several papers.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bill’s kindness and generosity touched the lives of many. He was gentle, wise, modest and a trusted friend, equipped with a sly sense of humour. He served as a mentor to many aspiring policy analysts, providing guidance and inspiration throughout their careers.
Bill’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew him. In 2013 he traded the winter snow and summer heat of Ottawa for the charms of Victoria, British Columbia. There he loved to garden, cook, preserve his harvest and nurture his precious sourdough. He walked daily along the ocean trying to spot the bald eagles that ruled the neighbourhood. He enjoyed travel in near and far off lands, hiking through varied landscapes and experiencing the best of local cuisine and wines, often with friends and family. He read five newspapers a day, and delighted in pointing out all the grammatical errors in the editorials. He leaves his beloved brother Kevin Graham, in-laws Denise Eberle, Margaret and Dave Maddock, and Bill McDonald and Laurie Reynolds, nieces Tara, Erica and Christie, nephew Rob and their families. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Helen McDonald, who takes comfort in the memories of their life together, the love of his many friends, and the fine example he set of how to lead a good and full life.
Bill died from pancreatic cancer, but at a time of his choosing. Those wishing to honour his memory could support the causes he was passionate about: Seva Canada, Médecins Sans Frontières, and supporting First Nations students in graduate studies in Canada.
