Graham Willis

The close of 2024 marks the end of an era at The Pottery Supply House. Graham Willis passed away on November 29. As partner and co-manager of PSH for 45 years beginning in 1961, his steady, competent guidance was essential to the company's progress and success. We are deeply indebted to him for the healthy, strong company that PSH is today at the dawn of 2025.

Graham was trained as a carpenter. His building skills were exploited in so many ways at PSH, from internal office and warehouse construction to design and manufacture of original potter's wheels, spray booths, damp cupboards, wedging boards or whatever PSH customers wanted. He repaired their malfunctioning kilns and their ceramic equipment. He learned how to design and make kiln elements and then gradually built up an extensive library of manufacturer's coil specifications so that PSH could fit any kiln with the correct element. It was this body of repair experience and acquired knowledge that laid the foundation for in-house Euclid kiln & element manufacturing.

Those of us who worked for or with Graham learned that he was an engaging, intelligent man with quick wit and good humour. Every day we came to see that he was the kind of man who asked the best of himself so it is no surprise that he was highly respected as a good boss and a trustworthy leader. Graham earned our respect and affection.

Life for Graham was much more than PSH. Graham was devoted husband to Shelagh for nearly 65 years and father to Jeremy & Meg. When family and work time allowed, you'd more than likely find him in the garage. That's where he built his boats, more than 12 of them, several of which were enjoyed on various Ontario waterways by him and his family. When not in the garage, he might be seen pulling out of his driveway on a motorcycle, one of many iconic brands that he rode over the years. 

Graham died at 90 but his continuing presence here at PSH says otherwise. It is comforting to continue working here where signs of him and his achievements are all around, reminding us of the guiding example he set as we go forward into this New Year.