Reverend John Graham Canham (Passed away 28 Jul 2019)

A tennis friend from almost 70 years ago. Rest in peace Graham.

My English teacher at Chester Cathedral Choir School from 1965 to 1967 and friend. A truly good man who officiated at our wedding in August 1975 at St. Chad’s Farndon. God bless “Fred”.

One of our teachers and Chaplain Choral at Chester Cathedral. One of the nicest, gentlest people you could wish to meet. So sad we didn't hear of his passing until much later. Did he have any relatives?

Reverend Canham was assistant chaplain at Rossall School alongside Reverend Tim Roper who was senior chaplain and housemaster of Mitre House at that time. Mr Roper was a powerful preacher but rather austere whereas Mr Canham was a constantly-smiling, gentle and unfrightening man who did a lot to humanise a pretty grim public school regime (in my memory of the 1970s at least). Mr Canham also took assemblies in Rossall Junior School - I remember him reading from a book called Day By Day and later, in the Senior School, he took confirmation classes in his living room in Alleyn House which was beside the Music School and the chapel. I'm glad he became a housemaster and after retiring from Rossall a vicar in 'civilian' life - he set a living Christian example to all who met him although I (as an ungrateful teenager) didn't fully appreciate that at the time. Thank you, Graham Canham.

Sad to only find out this news today. Rev Canham married us in Minera church in 2001 and we’re still going!!! Thank You (what a lovely man)

Graham became Dragon Crescent Housemaster in 1983 and I had the pleasure of knowing him as House Captain in 1985. From all in my year including Gary Davies, Richard Edwards, Mark Clayton, John Freeman, Marcus Hilton (deceased), Anthony Bailey and all 'housemates' in Dragon Crescent during my tenure ... he was a dutiful, true and kind gentleman who had everyone's best interests at heart. On behalf of everyone in DC may I share our sadness at this time but remember with fondness the time we spent at school under his 'watch'.
Rest in peace Graham ... you did an EXCELLENT job my friend!
Les Howarth (Rossall 1980-1985)

May our loving Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, receive his servant with peace. Yes, Graham was there for everyone at Rossall.

A true Gent who always had time for everyone - very well respected especially at Rossall School.