Mike Graham Memorial Fundraiser

Mike Graham, the loving, gregarious man who brought his light, humor, and intelligence to so many of our lives, died at his home the morning of Saturday, February 4th. He was 64 years old. They say dying is listening to a party from another room, and for many of us, this seems apt as it still seems like he is still here, just out of reach. Given the largeness of his personality, it will probably remain that way forever.

Talking about Mike is hard as he seems to have lived 5 complete, full lives, and was good at all of them. World Travel, Pilot, Racecar Mechanic, White Water Rafting Guide, Gold Miner. Friends of Dogs Everywhere, Carpenter, Printer, Contractor, Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Keeper of the Mountain Lore, Friend. Mike was the preeminent storyteller and always had a surprising, often startling, story from some part of his life you never knew about. And he was good at anything he put his mind to. Once I was watching Mike hang trim and telling him how frustrating it was that I could never get the joints as tight as he could. “ Well, there is no way I could do your job either.” To which I responded, “You could, you just haven’t tried to yet.” That is the feeling I think so many of us have about Mike and why we always came to him with our problems and for help. He always seemed so immediately helpful and competent, that the world seems somehow less manageable without him to fix, repair, and guide. That is also why when his cancer recurred that everyone who knew Mike approached it with such confidence. If anyone could get through it, Mike could. But it turns out no one could. As the disease progressed, Mike comforted those around him and assured everyone it would be okay.

The loss of the man who supported us all so much has left spaces in all our lives and now we can all repay his support by supporting those he loved. Mike always gave everything he could—his time, his humor, his talent and never asked for anything in return. His spirit of love and generosity is remembered by all of us and is something we can commemorate by contributing to his loved ones in his honor.