Graham Vincent Claus

March 24, 1929 – March 14, 2026

Graham Vincent Claus passed away peacefully at Westhills Care Centre in St. Catharines on March 14, 2026, just ten days shy of his 97th birthday.

He was the eldest son of the late Melville V. Claus (1976) and Dorothy M. Claus (née Graham (1997). Graham was predeceased by his beloved wife of 66 years, Geraldine “Gerry” M.Claus (née Lawson) (2014), his high school sweetheart, and by his younger brother, Francis“Frank” Claus (2018).

Loving father of Claudia L. Niles (Mike) and Julia L. Claus (Al Schmidt). Proud grandfather of Eric (Rachel), David, Daniel (Victoria), and Jamie, and great grandfather of Violet and Graham. He is survived by his sisters, Donna Chiborak and Janice Claus.

While still a preschooler, Graham’s family moved from Niagara Falls to Queenston, then to St.Catharines, and eventually to the family farm on Ontario Street, where the Q.E.W. now runs. He often spoke fondly of the adventures he and his brother shared growing up on the farm. As a teenager, Port Dalhousie was a favourite destination, especially the beach, the midway, and the dance hall featuring live bands. The trolley streetcars were always a memorable part of trips to "Port.”

After finishing high school, Graham entered the workforce and held several jobs before beginning an apprenticeship in drafting with a local consulting engineering firm. When the company closed ten years later, he continued working in the same field, primarily in the Hamilton area. He later joined the engineering team at Domtar Fine Papers in St. Catharines as a Senior Engineering Designer. After 25 years with Domtar, he retired in 1989.

Graham was an avid reader with a lifelong curiosity about the world. Of United Empire Loyalist descent on his father’s side, he spent many years researching his family history in archives and libraries, exploring the lives of ancestors who were prominent military officers and involved in government affairs in early Upper Canada. Recently, he was honoured by the Niagara Foundation, which is restoring The Wilderness, a historic Niagara-on-the-Lake home built by his ancestors and slated to open as a public heritage site.

In his younger years, Graham enjoyed five-pin bowling and lawn bowling. He was also a keen sailor and even tried his hand at flying. A longtime member of the Hamilton Warplane Heritage Museum, he cherished opportunities to take flights in the museum’s historic World War II aircraft.

Cremation has taken place. A private family committal will be held at Victoria Lawn Cemetery, where Graham will be laid to rest beside his wife, Gerry. A celebration of Graham’s life will be held at a later date.

The family would like to thank the caring and compassionate staff at Westhills Care Centre for their kindness and support.In honour of Graham’s life, the family welcomes memorial donations to Niagara Children’s Centre or Hospice Niagara.

Online condolences may be shared at www.hulseandenglish.com.