"Gordon and I send our love and sympathy to all of your family. We have known Fred for many, many years and enjoyed wonderful fun times with him . We will remember his sense of humor,love of family,and inner strength. We thank God for the opportunity to be a part of his life's journey. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers."
In loving memory of
Fred Graham
August 21, 1936 - July 27, 2016
Frederick Artman Graham passed away on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at the age of 79.
Fred was born August 21, 1936 in Butler, Pennsylvania to Robert Humphries Graham II and Jennie Marie Schottenheimer. At the tender age of 15, he met and fell in love with Shirley Ann Ramelli. Their story began with him walking past her home on his way from work at Friedman's Grocery Store. Their early years included flirting on the stoop outside Shirley's home, a nationwide separation, a passionate reunion, an elopement to Maryland in 1955 and taking up residence in the swept-up and wallpapered chicken coop of Fred's older sister until they got on their feet. In the decades that followed, they took well-calculated risks, made great choices and enjoyed some good luck from time to time. The couple had a long and trusting companionship,enriched by four children, eleven grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren. Fred and Shirley lived in Pennsylvania, California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington throughout their 61 years of marriage.
Fred was a natural entrepreneur, making savvy business deals even as a very young boy. As he matured, he was driven by his work ethic, strong values and desire to provide a good life for his family. Fred loved to drive and explore new places. When he was 25, he loaded his 1959 Chevy with his young family and took off from western Pennsylvania to southern California in search of new opportunities. More road trips took the family along countless blue highways and through many mountain passes. On one such occasion Fred fell in love, once again. This time it was with the blue sky and crystal waters of Lake Tahoe, and he set his sights on relocating his family to the region. He reached that goal in 1977 by becoming the President and CEO of Tahoe Valley Electric Supply. He soon hired his wife, and later his son Dan, to help him run the business. Fred was a successful and well-respected businessman and employer who led the corporation with both integrity and candor until his retirement in 2002.
In recent years, he continued to enjoy road tripping via trucks, SUVs and various RVs. Boating and fishing were also favorite pastimes and earned him the nickname, "Fred of the Lake". Always practical, Fred was "green" before being green was cool as he delighted in seeking, reusing and repurposing pre-owned items. He forever marveled at the beauty of natural landscapes, revered all wildlife, and had a deep appreciation for the perfectly grilled steak with a thick slice of sourdough bread and a chunk of cold butter.
Fred leaves behind his wife, Shirley, and their children Debby (Darell), Diane, Dan (Debbie) and Denise (Steve). Grandchildren include Dan (Kim), David, Danielle (Brian), Kari (Jackie), Casey, Jessica, Bryan (Stephanie), Darren, Amanda, Jason, and Graham. Great grandchildren are as follows: Danica, Dylan, Damion, Trey, Dominic, Faith, Ryleigh, Braylon, and Aiden. Fred also leaves one surviving brother, Bob, along with numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Fred was preceded in death by his parents as well as his sister, Theola (aka "Toady"), and brother, Jim.
A private service will be held in Lake Tahoe for family members on August 21, which would
have been Fred's 80th birthday. The family declines flowers and donations, but is grateful for condolences. Cards and notes can be sent via email: reshirleygraham@gmail.com or via snail mail: Graham Family, c/o Chateau at Valley Center, 4450 Davis Ave S, Renton, WA 98055.
Tributes
" So sorry to hear abut your loss our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Michele D and Sue W"
"What a beautiful life story and we also thank you for the gift of your daughter Denise,who taught our son (now 15) in kindergarten. Ripples from the original stone,for sure..."
"Dearest Graham family, we know of Fred and met Shirley many years ago when Denise taught our 2 preschool aged children. Denise exemplifies the ultimate in kindness and respect for anyone that she meets, and I am sure that started with Fred and Shirley's parental guidance. Our family is very sorry about Fred's passing. Please know that we are thinking of you at this time of sorrow. And thank you for making the world a better place through your daughter, Denise."
"What a special life he led and legacy he left - prayers to your entire family at this time."
"Thinking about you all at this very difficult time. Sending tightest hugs and warmest wishes from Tokyo. "
"Sending you lots of love, hugs and prayers from Hong Kong! Blessings, Connie"
"I hope you are all finding solace in being together and sharing good memories. Susan"
"Denise,no doubt you were the apple of his eye. How fortunate that you had such a beautiful,smart,and curious soul for so long. I will keep positive thoughts for you and your family as you go through this difficult journey."
"Your dad sounds like a wonderful man. So sorry for your family's loss. You are in my thoughts."