On Saturday, October 2, 2021, Graham Hooper, 54, of Truro Heights, passed away after a short illness, at home with his partner, Dawn Winterbourne, at his side. Born in South Africa, Graham was the son of Anthony and Clarice (Owens) Hooper and moved to Canada with his family at a young age.

Graham’s first love was music; it was a lifelong passion for him. A self-taught musician, Graham was a singer, songwriter, pianist and guitarist. Throughout his 54 years, he played on many stages, in many genres and with countless musicians. Musically, Graham's biggest point of pride was his rock opera, Dorian. His job at Long & McQuade in Truro was a perfect fit, and he will be greatly missed in the music community in Nova Scotia and beyond.

The only thing that surpassed his music was his daughter, Olivia. From her birth, she was everything to him. Graham was very proud of Olivia's independent and mature spirit and her current success and dedication at Acadia University.

Graham was also very close with his family and, although his parents moved to the UK in 2009 and live close to Graham's sister, Laura, and her daughter, Evie, he kept them in his heart always. Graham called weekly and often spoke with them for hours at a time. In recent years, Graham made trips "across the pond", with Dawn and Olivia. In 2018, Graham and Dawn had a wonderful holiday in Spain with his parents, sister and niece to celebrate his Mum's eightieth birthday.

Graham and Dawn were beyond lucky to have met each other in 2015. Though they met in their late 40s, they found true love and created many great memories in their seven short years together.

Graham was active in the mental health and tennis communities in Truro. He was known for his loyalty and generosity, and if anyone needed anything from a listening ear or a song played, day or night, Graham would be there. He had a larger-than-life personality that drew people from all walks of life to him. He leaves behind a legacy of humour, love, generosity, music, storytelling and great wit. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved our Graham.

Along with his parents, Graham is survived by the light of his life, daughter, Olivia, Truro; sister, Laura (Goldson) and niece, Evie, England; common-law spouse, Dawn Winterbourne, Truro Heights and family in southern Africa, England and The Netherlands. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where Graham’s family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m., Sunday, October 24, 2021, and funeral service 2 p.m., Monday, October 25, 2021, Marty Clark-Ettinger officiating. (Please note that proof of double vaccination and photo identification will be requested prior to entry to the funeral home for visitation and funeral service, and masks must be worn at all times; thank you for your co-operation and understanding.)

If so desired, donations in Graham’s memory to Colchester Food Bank are welcomed. Webcasting of the funeral service will be available at 1:55 p.m., Monday, October 25, 2021, and will remain on this website for some time. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Graham’s obituary on-line and selecting "Send A Condolence" at: www.mattatallvarnerfh

"Wherever you are, you're never alone, if we all share a piece of our home."

"Home" Graham Hooper 2012

Thinking Differently about Thinking Differently