It is with great sadness that we share the news of the sudden death of Graeme Spafford on June 3, 2023, at the age of 60.

 

He is survived by his beloved wife Kazuko Nomura; and mourned as well by his mother Darby Spafford; his three siblings, Jim Spafford, Joan Sutherland, and Cathy Hirano; and their families.

 

Graeme was a kind and thoughtful person with deep intelligence and a wonderful sense of humour. He studied linguistics with a particular focus on the Japanese language. He and Kazuko lived in Japan from 1990-2000. He was fluent in Japanese and for much of his career he worked as a translator for a Japanese company, translating and writing camera and equipment manuals. Photography and desktop design was one of Graeme’s creative outlets and his creations were appreciated by many.

 

He loved small boats, a passion he shared with his father Gordon Spafford who predeceased him. Graeme spent many enjoyable summers with Kazuko sailing, canoeing and houseboating on Lake of the Woods. He was a skilled recorder player and a long-time member of the Winnipeg Early Music Society. He performed with the early music group Amindra Consort.

 

Social justice was important to Graeme, and he was a supporter of the Council of Canadians and the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, Manitoba. He was also involved with Friendship Force, Manitoba and served as an interpreter to Japanese visitors for the organization. Graeme was always there for his family and in recent years was steadfast in his care and support of his mother. He was instrumental in keeping his family connected.

 

There will be a celebration of life for Graeme at 2pm on Sunday, June 18 at the Japanese Cultural Association of Manitoba (180 McPhillips Street).

 

Graeme’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.