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Richard Lynn Graves, 45, was called home to be with the Lord on December 13, 2005. Richard was battling complications associated with the degenerative kidney disease that had put him on the list for a transplant. He suffered a heart attack in his Glendale, AZ home while recovering from recent surgery. Family and friends mourn his passing greatly.
Richard was born in Roseburg, OR as the youngest of Hester and Robert Graves' seven children. His family moved to Medford in the mid-60's where Richard attended grade school and graduated from Medford Senior High in 1979.
After several years living in Springfield and the Portland area, Richard moved to Phoenix, AZ where he met his wife Myrna, created a successful career, earned bachelors and masters degrees, and became the father of his two beloved children. He is survived by wife Myrna, children Tyler (11) and Bailey (7), mother-in-law Daisy, mother Hester and siblings Greg, Loretta, Sandy (all of Yakama, WA), Fred (Eureka, CA), Randy (Central Point), and Roberta (Portland).
He was a light to everyone who knew him - an easygoing guy with a million-dollar smile and genuine personality. Richard is remembered as a devoted Christian, loving husband, father, and a friend to many.
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Laura Williams
I was saddened to see Richard's name on the "In Memory" list. He was my 7th grade boyfriend with the St Christopher and all. He broke my heart in 7th grade and we did not speak again until the 10 year reunion where he apologized and we danced and hung out together. He and I got together a few times in Portland after the reunion and went to a couple of shows together. He was kind and gentle and we had some good times. I always wondered what he was up to after we drifted apart again several months after the 10 year reunion. He will remain in my memories as a young, robust 7th grade boy who stole the heart of that 7th grade girl all those years ago.Laura Kerr (Harms)
You were a SHINING STAR and a ONE of a kind...that's for sure! Heaven must have needed you. Just remembering you brings a big smile to my face...and tears...I was so shocked to see your name listed, In Memory. You were always so full of LIFE and so nice to everyone...and soooooooo very FUNNY...:) Thank you Rich, for all the smiles and laughter you brought to my life when I was a younger girl. It has been years since we ran in to each other on the street in Portland...you walked away smiling that big teddy bear smile of yours...with your curly hair going every which way...waving goodbye SO BIG at me like I was the only person on the street or in the world that mattered...that is my last memory of you. One I will cherish now as I did not know it would be my last here of you. I was so looking forward to seeing you at our 30th this summer...my 1st to attend...it will not be the same w/o you...I KNOW you will be missed by EVERYONE...you made a difference to many...I will toast you...:)...and I look forward to seeing you again some day and we'll catch up on "everything" then...so until then, my friend...SHINE ON and be THE STAR that I know YOU are in Heaven.Brad Alfrey
Tim Fletcher. Dave Casebier, and I flew to his funeral in Phoenix, Arizona. I was amazed with his beautiful wife from the Phillipines, Myrna, their children Tyler and Bailey - and his whole neighborhood network of friends and neighbors! Just like the old days, he was so laid back and accommadating to people that everyone wanted to be around him. You should have seen his barbecue and backyard tunes and pool! Not a ton of room, but tidy and effective - kind of like his old bachelor pads, but super nice! In the old days, he was the kind of friend that would turn over the keys to his orange Datsun B210 to me for as long as I needed it when I ran my Camaro into the ground and had no wheels for a date. As a friend, his outstanding qualities were that he was never judgmental to anyone, and he managed to keep a positive attitude almost always!I was particularly impressed to learn that Rich earned Bachelor and Masters Degrees later in his life.
It was heart warming to realize from meeting his wife, children, friends and neighbors that he lived a short, but extraordinarily rich life!
David Casebier
Rich was one of the first friends I made my junior year at Medford Senior High. We met during Football daily doubles. I have so many great memories spending time with Richard (as his mom called him). Riding around town in his smoking Orange B210. I mean literally smoking blue oil that would engulf the car at intersections as we listen to Wild Cherry.We maintained our friendship during his years in the Portland - Vancouver area getting together with Hank Schmidt playing golf. When Rich moved down to Phoenix, AZ. I stayed with he and Myrna at their home a number of times over the years. We'd hook up with Tim Fletcher going out to play pool or hang out at Rich's swimming pool and eat some of Myrna's great Pilipino food. Rich & Myrna have two great kids, Tyler and Bailey. Keep them and Myrna in your prayers; they miss their Dad.
I am so thankful for the kindness and friendship Rich always extended to me. He was one of the best friends of my life and I miss not getting to speak with him.
Love ya buddy, see ya on the other side.