Two long-time public servants remembered in Toronto

SPECIAL RECOGNITION — On Monday, Toronto Council reflected on the many years of public service provided by both Ellsworth “Pickle” Graham and Bob Wilson. On hand for the presentation of the resolution honoring Graham were, from left, his children, Darlene Mason, Marlene Wolf and Thomas “Bo” Graham and Mayor John Parker. — Warren Scott

TORONTO — City officials and residents have been reflecting on the losses of two long-time public servants: former mayor and councilman Bob Wilson and former councilman and school board member Elsworth “Pickle” Graham.

At its meeting Monday, council approved resolutions of sympathy for the families of both men and presented one to Graham’s children, Darlene Mason, Marlene Wolf and Thomas “Bo” Graham.

City Services Director Linda Burkey said Kay Jean Wilson, Wilson’s widow, was unable to attend but expressed thanks to council.

The Wilsons were living in North Carolina when he died on April 22 at the age of 87. A memorial service was held on Sept. 7 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, where Bob had served as an altar boy while growing up in Toronto.

Council noted that during his 16-year stint as mayor, Wilson was involved in several projects, including the replacement of the Trenton Street Bridge and development of the Titanium Way Interchange.

Mayor John Parker said while working with many volunteers, Bob and Kay Jean raised funds for the restoration of the Sailors and Soldiers Monument, believed to be the first monument to America’s World War I veterans, and the addition of the surrounding Veterans Victory Pavilion.

Ginny Popson, a member of the Toronto Beautification Committee, noted the two also were instrumental in establishing that group, which has decorated the nearby Gazebo Commons for holidays and planted flowers there and at other sites around the city.

Carolyn Walker, president of the Historical Society of Toronto, noted that Bob was among those who formed the Toronto High School Alumni Association 35 years ago.

Maureen Taggart, superintendent of Toronto City Schools said, “He loved Toronto, and he was completely and totally committed to making it a place where people enjoyed living and working,” she said.

Parker said, “Mayor Wilson was a great guy, a pillar in the community. He gave me my start with the City of Toronto by appointing me to the recreation board, and from there I always considered him a father figure. If I ever had any type of issues or questions, I always knew I could reach out to him.”

A longtime Jefferson County Commissioner, Thomas Graham said Wilson also helped him in his early days of public service, when he served as the city’s director of safety services.

“He was one of the most honest individuals I’ve ever met and taught me about serving the public,” he said.

Council members noted Wilson also an Army veteran and Army Reservist and worked at Titanium Metals Corp. for 40 years, serving as a lab assistant, foreman and safety director.

Council members and others also reflected on the influence of Graham’s father, Ellsworth, who died on Sept. 16 at the age of 96.

They noted Graham, known as “Pickle” by many, served on council for 16 years and on the Toronto school board for eight years as well as serving as city clerk.

City Safety Services Director William “Butch” Scalley worked with Graham both while he was on council and at the TIMET plant, where Graham worked in sales and quality control, and said Graham was the same amiable gentleman in both settings.

Councilman at large Ron Holmes, a former bus driver for the Toronto school district, noted Graham’s concern for the community’s youth and his frequent attendance at local athletic events and band competitions.

Council President Frank McEwen noted Graham had been his Little League baseball coach.

Graham also was active in civic groups, helping to found the Toronto Lions Club in 1957 and attained perfect attendance at the group’s meetings for more than 65 years. He also was a member of the local Masonic lodge, serving as its treasurer for more than 20 years; the Sottish Rite Valley of Steubenville for more than 70 years, the Order of the Eastern Star for more than 65 years and the Toronto High School Alumni Association, of which he was named a life member.

Graham had enlisted in the Navy three days after graduating from Toronto High School and was assigned to the USS Sussex, a ship that transported troops to Russia during World War II.

Holmes said, “He greeted everyone with a handshake and a smile.”

Parker said, “I’ve never known a person who loved people more than he. And he truly loved life.”