A former University of Waterloo president, Doug Wright, called Wes Graham “a humble computing pioneer who gave the University of Waterloo a worldwide reputation. He had enormous influence–he was a great teacher and a great leader and did more than any one person to put Waterloo on the map in computing.”
Wes began his career as a systems engineer with IBM Canada in electronics. He went to Waterloo in 1959 to teach Statistics in the Department of Mathematics. He subsequently served as Head of the Computer Science Department.
Wes built the software system WATFOR to increase speed and minimize error problems. That work helped make the University of Waterloo the leading computer science school for undergraduates in Canada. He was also a leader in bringing computer science programs to high school students, and he was instrumental in the growth of Waterloo’s mathematics contests, ensuring they could be marked by computer, and helping to get financial support from IBM.
Wes pioneered the development of spin-off companies, and his software ideas have been used around the world.
Wes was born and raised in Copper Cliff where he attended elementary and high school. He got his university degrees from the University of Toronto.
He was active with his family in water-skiing; was president of the Canadian Water Ski Association; and received a builder award from Water Ski Canada.  
At the University of Waterloo he was awarded a Distinguished Teacher Award. In addition, the university has established the J.W. Graham Medal in Computing and Innovation.
Three days before his death in 1999, Wes was invested as an Officer of the Order of Canada at a private ceremony at his home.