CHALMERS, Frank Graeme

Graeme Chalmers, 82 of Fergus, Ontario, died at home in his sleep after several years of the increasing burden of Parkinson’s Disease, but only five days after one of the most happy days of his life, travelling to Calgary for the wedding of his son Andrew John Cumming Chalmers and Maddy (Maddison) Shaw. He was born in Takapuna (Auckland’s North Shore), New Zealand, October 27, 1943, only child of John Wilson (Jack) Chalmers and Joan Chapman. He was blessed by nearby caring family including dear Aunty Betson Sherwood, and his cousins Lenore (recently deceased), Barbara, John, Rick and Pam. He has also been blessed by the late Uncle Lloyd Chapman who led the way to Canada, and by Lloyd’s daughter Carolyn Petrie. Graeme and his adopted son Marcel Richard Chalmers became a cemented family when he married Millie (Alice Mildred) Cumming on December 28, 1988. His life was further blessed by the birth of Andrew on August 29, 1990. Graeme also acquired a large family from Millie’s family, including her sister Anne Marie (recently deceased husband Garry) and her brothers Peter (Shelleen), Stephen (Carrie), John (Jane), Mark (Carrie), Tim (Judith), and Darren as well as many wonderful nieces and nephews). Marcel (Sumantha) and Marcel’s daughter Jan Chalmers have been an ongoing important part in Graeme’s life. The Canadian Society for Education through Art observed that “As an artist, researcher and teacher with a particular focus on social justice, Graeme was a colleague, mentor and inspiration to many members of the CSEA/SCÉA. Graeme was also an active contributor to the CSEA/SCÉA for decades, including co-chairing the national conference in Vancouver in 1986; receiving the Canadian Art Educator of the Year Award in 2007”. It is further referenced on the website of Graeme and Millie (https://www.millieandgraeme.ca/) that “F. Graeme Chalmers was Professor Emeritus of Art Education, University of British Columbia. He was born, attended school, art school, teachers’ college, and began teaching art in Auckland, Aotearoa/New Zealand. A Fulbright Award enabled Graeme to earn graduate degrees (M.A. and Ph.D) in the United States, and he came to Canada in 1972, first to Concordia University and then to UBC, retiring in 2008 and moving to Fergus Ontario with his wife Millie Cumming. Along with many journal articles, reports, and conference presentations, Graeme was the author of several books. The best known is Celebrating Pluralism: Art, Education, and Cultural Diversity (Getty Museum). He edited Studies in Art Education and served on several other editorial boards. He was the recipient of awards from the Canadian Society for Education through Art, the National Art Education Association, the International Society for Education through Art, the British Columbia Art Teachers’ Association, Heritage Canada, and the University of British Columbia, where he was named a “Distinguished University Scholar.” Graeme also served as Principal Examiner for Extended Essays in Visual Art with the International Baccalaureate Organization. As an art educator Graeme held UBC’s David Lam Chair in Multicultural Education and worked with others to move art education into diverse arenas and use the arts to address issues of social justice. His art education colleagues and students revered him as a mentor and Inspiration. In retirement Graeme returned to painting and the simple enjoyment of making things. His birdhouse creations first began with visits to thrift stores. Using found, wooden objects such as lamp parts, wooden salt and pepper shakers, candle holders, bowls, chess sets, and children’s building blocks, Graeme transformed everyday objects into architectural masterpieces. His birdhouses are an intersection of vibrant colour and architectural decoration. The results are funky and playful palaces for the birds, and everyone, to enjoy. He was a member of the Wellington County Historical Society, the Elora Centre for the Arts, the Elora Fergus Arts Council and the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario”. Graeme was also an active member of Melville United Church, including being the archivist for Melville. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Groves Hospital Foundation or to Melville United Church. A celebration of life will occur on Sunday April 26, 2026 at Melville United Church, 300 St Andrew St W, Fergus, Ontario. A Visitation will be held from 1:00pm to 1:45pm followed by a memorial service at 2:00pm. Following the service, family and friends are invited to gather in the fellowship hall for a time of visiting and refreshments. A livestream of the service is open to those who are unable to attend by using the link to follow: https://www.youtube.com/@melvilleunitedchurch/streams. Arrangements were entrusted to Graham A Giddy Funeral Home Ltd., 280 St. David St. S. Fergus, ON N1M 2L5, (519) 843-3100. Visit www.grahamgiddyfh.com  for Graeme’s online memorial.