A great turnout of club members were on hand to hear Graham Whitehead deliver his Classification Talk. You could say “it was standing room only”! (Please remember to register so that there are enough seats).
Janeen Halliwell provided her introductory notes, delivered by Tracy Bray. Graham, Janeen and Paul met at a mutual friend's party, where Janeen and Graham had a wonderful conversation. Graham has led an interesting life of service and is a wonderful addition to the Rotary Club of Belleville. What stood out to Janeen beyond his charm, was his depth of knowledge and genuinely caring nature. Janeen learned that Graham was looking for meaningful ways to spend his time and immediately thought of Rotary. Paul and Janeen look up to Graham, not just because he is taller, but because he is a truly good human being and they value their friendship greatly.
Graham started by thanking Paul and Janeen as well as Jared and Peter Malone for introducing him to Rotary and answering his questions. Graham retired from Grand Bend, served on the board of directors for the Children’s Wish Foundation for 5 years and had his own charity; Children 911. Two and 1/2 years ago, Graham lost his wife Valerie. They had already moved to the Quinte area to be near their 2 sons. Graham grew up in south east London, England and when he was very young his parents decided to immigrate to Canada. They arrived here with 5 suitcases, 3 children and $200.
Graham attended high school in Scarborough. He attended the Recruitment Office office of the Canadian Armed Forces in Toronto and was accepted to the Regular Forces Army. He did his basic training with the 8th Canadian Hussars and spent 4 years in military service. He was stationed in Germany, so saw some of the world. During this time, he completed his high school diploma and went on to university after he left. The only profession he ever really wanted was to be a police officer, with either the Toronto Police force or the O.P.P. He joined the Toronto Police for basic training in Elmer, walked the beat, drove the scout car answering radio calls, rode the Harley, did the accident car for fatal accidents and also drove pursuit cars for 5 years. He worked in the youth bureau, worked in the 52 office downtown (detective office), worked in the fraud squad and in a special 6-month special assignment with the Grey’s and Special events. (Every event in Toronto has to get permission from the police, TTC and the metro roads). During that time, Graham learned that the Pope was coming and also the Queen and Prince Philip. To drive in a motorcade, special training had to be completed. Graham reflected on the peaceful character of the Pope and also the Queen and Prince Philip who felt that the barricades were too far away from their ship. Prince Charles also visited Toronto, which was one of Grahams favourite memories. The Prince actually came over to thank them for their service. Graham also experienced working with the film industry, had lunch with Martin Sheen and over time, he met Elizabeth Taylor and Carol Burnett.
Graham was instrumental in setting up the original Collision Report Centre in Toronto. He wrote a report for the Deputy Minister of Transport on the Red Light Cameras, which were widely introduced. For the last 5 years, he was Duty Commander of his own unit. Graham continues to work in the security industry for a billionaire family in Toronto, 8 nights a month. Graham says the job is nothing like the movie “The Bodyguard”!
Family; Graham has two sons; one who lives in Toronto and one who lives in Rednersville and 4 grandchildren. He is the middle of 3 children, having a brother and a sister. Hobbies for Graham include model trains as well as playing guitar. In fact, he’s played in bands! Graham was thanked by Director Jared Bellemare.
Graham’s observation of Rotary; “everyone who is here is here for the right reason”!