Nicky (Monica) Graham

Nicky peacefully passed onward on January 11 at Oak Bay Lodge in Victoria, British Columbia. She was the daughter of Mona (Dunn) and Edmund Tattersall, and granddaughter of Sir James and Lady Gertrude Dunn. She was born at Marlow, England, and remembered taking swimming lessons, while growing up in London, with the six-year-old Princess Elizabeth. She attended St Mary’s School in Wantage, Oxfordshire, and from a young age was an avid horsewoman – a passion that stayed with her all her life.

She met the love of her life, Ewen “Pip” Graham at Cambridge. They were married in London in 1953 and emigrated to Canada in 1956, settling near Calgary, Alberta. They bought a ranch in the foothills near Millarville, where they raised their family, and created one of the most highly respected equestrian stables in Canada. Nicky was fearless in her approach to the sport – especially Three-Day Eventing – and taught, encouraged and mentored many young riders over the years. Graham Ranches hosted training for the Canadian Olympic Equestrian team, and Pip and Nicky were always most welcoming to all who visited the ranch.

In 1980, Pip and Nicky moved to Dunlop Point on Hornby Island. In summer, they explored the coasts of British Columbia and Alaska aboard their boat, the MV Lonely Bird, for nearly 20 years. They wintered in Maui, a place Nicki loved dearly, where she was a popular, skilled member of the Maui and Kihei canoe clubs. She was a dedicated volunteer naturalist with the Pacific Whale Foundation, and especially enjoyed taking keikis (school-children) whale-watching. On Hornby, she was an enthusiastic member of “Fabricators,” and became an accomplished weaver with a highly developed sense of colour and style. After Pip died in 2007, Nicky lived between Hawaii and Hornby, and, for the past five years, in Victoria.

Nicky is survived by her children: Juliet of Middleburg, Virginia; Arifin (Wiluya) of Victoria, BC; Nicholas of New York City; and Tessa of Johannesburg, as well as her grandchildren Annie (Rob), Christopher, India and Hal.

Nicky will be remembered for her warm and generous spirit, her love of people and animals, her selfless sharing of her skills, as well as her kindness, humour and great sense of fun. She will live on in our hearts and minds as we remember her energy, vitality and integrity. When confronted with adversity, Nicky would say “Bash on Regardless.” May we do the same, and continue to celebrate and remember her indomitable spirit. She will be missed and always loved.

In Victoria: A farewell service of thanksgiving for Nicky’s life will be held on Wednesday, February 14th at 11am at St Matthias Anglican Church, 600 Richmond Ave, Victoria, BC. Reception to follow, at the church.

On Hornby Island: the Hornby Island community is invited to gather for a celebration to bid farewell to both Nicky and Pip Graham on Friday, February 16th from 2–4pm at Hornby New Horizons.

With many thanks to Nicky’s companion and caregiver, Maria Serpa, and the staff at Oak Bay Lodge.

Donations can be made in Nicky’s memory to the Pacific Whale Foundation at https://www.pacificwhale.org/pacific-whale-foundation/