Richard Stanley Graham, age 75 of Grand Rapids, passed away Tuesday, September 19, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter “Red” and Dorothy Graham. Richard is survived by his brothers, Jim Graham and Tom (Cindi) Graham; nephew, Tom (Ashley) Graham; nieces, Jessica (Brandon) Whalen, and Kayla Thiel. Richard graduated from Ottawa Hills High School in 1966, and from Kendall School of Design. He was enlisted in the United State Marines and served in Vietnam. Richard was employed with Walter V. Graham Builders, was a hockey coach at Lowell High School, worked at the Morning Star Productions, and was one of the founding members and president of West Michigan Water Ski Association, and director of the Lowell Area Art Center LPAC. Funeral services will be 11:00 am Saturday, September 30, 2023, at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 with visitation one-hour prior. Interment Merriman Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to The American Diabetes Association, 1550 E. Beltline S.E., Suite 250, Grand Rapids, MI 49506.
Richard Stanley Graham
03/07/1948
09/19/2023
7 Responses
He gave me my first ever paid job working with him within the schools auditorium. He would lend me CD’s for taping! We always got along great. I even worked in the summer with him. I’ve always remembered him fondly. My condolences for his family. He was an awesome man who taught me a lot! Rest easy sir. You will be missed.
Fly high Mr. Graham
You were a wonderful person and a great director of the LPAC. Thank you for all you did during your time at the LPAC. You will be missed.
I remember him working in the LPAC the first year the new highschool was open in ‘94-‘95. I went on to work at Miller Auditorium while I was at Western because of his influence. RIP Mr. Graham.
Mr. G was a wonderful mentor for the students at LHS & especially LPAC kids. Some were able to graduate from high school because of his selfless giving.
May you rest in peace.
Dick was a caring, thoughtful, cousin. He always had something special (photos, music, putting up Christmas lights, hidden candy ‘eggs’…) planned for us to enjoy when we went to their place for Thanksgiving, Easter, etc. Our family camped one year at our grandparents property with a lake. He gave a day and trailered boat and gave us rides for added enjoyment. He took loving care of his parents, aunt Dorothy and uncle Red in their later years too. Dick has left me with good memories. His smiles the few times we met later in our lives, not among the least. Really appreciate Jim caring for his brother when needed too- very special. Jim, Tom and family, you are and will be in thought and prayers in loss of brother, uncle….God bless you with His love and comfort.
Love, cousin Laurie
Worked with Dick at LHS LPAC for Lowell community theatre productions… he was very professional and knowledgeable. Nice guy!
Mr.G was my mentor. He was a Marine that served our country and he served West Michigan. And the little town of Lowell in big ways. He and his father “Red” built one of th e Lowell show boats. He enriched so many Programs The West mich ski club. Lowell Performing Arts Center. He did Audio or video at so many sporting events. He helped with Lowell Radio broadcasting. So many plays musicals chair and band concerts. He was the main editor of Car Freaks Videos. He did karate photos with me he taught me about modeling and photography. So if you have ever seen a photo shoot involving me or of me taking pictures or video it’s all because of him. I would not have graduated highschool if it wasn’t for him. I needed 1 more credit. He came into work 1 1/2 hours early every day so I could graduate with the final credit I needed. He made me his student apprentice. I learned more about life, lighting,construction, audio, video editing, and photography. How to put on concerts and much more… How to build a group of people to come together to put on something larger than what one person could ever do alone. Mr.G was the leader, teacher mentor that created life long friendships. Godspeed Mr G