Graham Todd Schultz

Graham was born on October 12, 1972 in London, Ontario to Sheldon and Beryl Schultz. He started life with medical complications, including being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as a very young child. Throughout his life, Graham was no stranger to hospitals.

Despite the health challenges, Graham highly enjoyed engaging in schooling and several other activities. As a child, he thoroughly enjoyed the Christian Boys Brigade where he made an active choice to follow Jesus as his Saviour. A choice that Graham never swayed away from. Some other activities that Graham enjoyed growing up were drama (including participating in drama competitions), public speaking, debating, playing saxophone (and piano), archery, kayaking, and being a camp counsellor (at Forest Cliff camp). Graham was known for loving and accepting everyone and enjoyed being used by God in whichever way He led him.

In 1993 Graham left Ontario and moved to BC to attend Trinity Western University (TWU) where he studied religion, culture, and ethics along with philosophy and psychology. Graham thoroughly enjoyed learning more indepthly about His faith and being challenged via philosophy (especially in the realm of ethics). Graham later completed his Masters of Divinity at ACTS Seminary (Langley, BC) and served as a pastor (Faith Fellowship Baptist Church in Vancouver and South Abbotsford Church) for several years. Finally, Graham pursued a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and enjoyed supporting people through the role of a counsellor.

While attending TWU he met and later married his wife, Tammy Schultz in 1997. The two of them continued their educational pursuits and engaging in ministry together. Graham experienced great joy while serving in ministry. He thoroughly enjoyed preaching, teaching, encouraging and supporting people, and being used in whatever way God desired. He was never concerned about being the center of attention. Rather, he delighted in serving God and His people and giving God the glory.

Graham was a proud father of two children, John and Hannah Schultz. Graham loved playing with them, teaching them, and spending time with them as his health allowed him to. Unfortunately, his health declined rapidly over the last few years which made such times far less frequent. In saying that, he was always grateful for times he was able to help them and be there for them. He especially enjoyed being able to have deep theological conversations with them at a young age as their curious minds were full of questions. In his final years he took much comfort in the moments where he could be with his family and puppies.

Graham spent his life with numerous health challenges. Despite this Graham never complained about his health or any other struggles he had. He trusted Jesus fully and wanted his life to bring Him glory, even if it was partially through sickness and pain.

The past few years proved to be incredibly challenging. Graham had already lost sight and hearing on his right side but his donated kidney began to fail and ultimately failed. Graham went to dialysis several times a week and was in and out of hospital with a myriad of health issues. In addition, he started struggling with memory issues and lots of headaches. We later learned that Graham had been suffering from encephalitis for a long time. As the virus continued to do damage to Graham’s brain, Graham suffered with many rounds of pneumonia, and numerous neurological deficiencies (inability to swallow, limited ability to digest food, paralysis in his face, and increasing weakness in his legs (limiting his ability to walk), and hearing deficiencies on his left side). Despite all the challenges Graham continued to fight to be here for his family. Unfortunately, Graham then suffered a major stroke which resulted in him being paralyzed on his left side (including severe impact on his ability to see and hear).

Graham’s deepest desire was to share Christ’s love with everyone. He showed this through his love for all of God’s children, stopping to help anyone in need. He thoroughly loved every opportunity he had to serve God and share God’s love with others.

On December 13th Graham left this world and entered into God’s presence. Graham was passionate about his love for Jesus. He was not afraid to pass on from this world. On the contrary, once Graham realized that God was calling him home he was incredibly excited to be with his Saviour. We celebrate that Graham is happy, full of joy, and with God. At same time, his family and friends deeply grieve the loss of Graham from their lives.

Graham is survived by his wife, Tammy (Tam); his children John (15) and Hannah (12); his parents, Sheldon and Beryl; his brother, Berkeley; and many uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends. Graham is predeceased by his maternal and paternal grandparents.

A visitation for Graham will be held Thursday, December 21, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 2310 Clearbrook Road, Abbotsford, BC.

His Celebration of Life will take place in the New Year, on Friday, January 19, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Northview Community Church, in the West Court. Immediately following, guests are invited to the reception in the West Court lobby. Located at 32040 Downes Road, Abbotsford, BC V4X1X5.