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John Graves Obituary

Texas literary legend John Graves, author of "Goodbye to a River," has died at his home, Hardscrabble, near Glen Rose, at the age of 92.

Details were not immediately available, but W.K. "Kip" Stratton, president of the Texas Institute of Letters, sent an email to members on Tuesday morning, announcing Graves' death.

Graves' 1960 book, "Goodbye to a River, " detailed a canoe journey down the Brazos River and became one a landmark of environmental writing in Texas. Graves was a past president of the Texas Institute of Letters and a winner of the Lon Tinkle Award.

Published by Austin American-Statesman on Aug. 1, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for John Graves

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61 Entries

Rest in peace dear John.
You were my neighbor in Glenrose. I, high on Chalk Mt looking down over Hard Scrabble. Hope you enjoyed the Cedar soap....I will not cross the river without thinking of you always.

Linda

Friend

July 24, 2022

Valenda Newell

November 9, 2016

John Graves has always been the light that brought many a Texas writer safely ashore. His authentic voice will continue to inspire me as long as I live and write. I hope you and "the pup" are enjoying some unspoiled river somewhere in our beautiful Hill Country. Here's to you, John.

Andrea Rendon

September 24, 2015

Please accept my sincere condolences on the death of your dear love one. “And no resident will say: I am sick…” Isa 33. In this time of a loss of someone special in our lives be comforted to know God cares and will help us endure through his love with comfort and peace. We miss this talented person whom many no doubt respected and admired.

March 30, 2014

I found the book Goodbye in a library in Richmond,TX about 20 years ago.I'm so glad I did. It gave me the freedom to to do the same kind of things that Mr. Graves did without worrying about that nasty question: What the hell's the matter with you ? I wish I could have met him. God Bless you and your family.

Gary Cowart

March 16, 2014

I have never missed someone I never met as much. "Goodby" has always been part of my holiday reading..Here's thinking of you, John- God bless...

Charlie Brannon

November 27, 2013

Jane,Helen and Sally! just read about your John today, and am sorry for your loss.

Jane Blankenship Hooper

November 4, 2013

I was so sorry to hear about John. He was a wonderful man,husband and Father. I will always cherish my memories of him.
Shannon Parker Males

November 2, 2013

Before the dam, I put my arms around he trees in our pecan bottom and cried. I know John understansood.

Lou Ann Langford

October 26, 2013

To the Graves family,
I just read his book, Goodbye to a River. It was superb! I so regret I never knew him, but I can hear his voice in the telling of his tale and I am thankful that he wrote it!
Debbie Bryan

September 4, 2013

As I have for over 40 years, I think of John and silently thank him for "Goodbye to a River" each time I cross the Brazos on my journeys. I will forever be in his debt for the many literary gifts he has given all of us. I think of his family member with whom I worked at the Mary Couts Burnett Library, and how much she loved him. John was a fitting member of the "greatest generation." Thank God for men like him!

August 29, 2013

Just want to say Thank you, for being a fine example of a Texan.. Enjoyed your works and meeting you in Abilene..

Joyce & butterbean Carpenter

August 27, 2013

Sending love and condolences to the family of our longtime hero, constant source of inspiration and (lucky us!) occasional contributor to our Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine. We bumped a feature to do a tribute to Mr. Graves in October. The feature we bumped? A young man reads Goodbye to a River, and then takes his own journey on a 130-mile hike. We'll keep the candle burning for you, our beloved friend and writer.

Louie Bond

August 21, 2013

Don Henley: "Goodbye to a River". Rest In Peace. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiCnkMt-Wyk#sthash.vk0KMCBm.dpuf

A Passenger Herself

August 15, 2013

My condolences to his family. I love to read anything he ever wrote.

Mary

August 14, 2013

I do not have the words to express the feeling of lose that the family must be having , men like John Graves don't happen along often! I am lucky to have found him in time to truly appreciate all his works ! I hope for peace for the family, and friends of a very good man!

Mark Rice

August 13, 2013

Our condolences for you and your girls.
John will be sorrowly missed each time he is remembered. Thanks for letting us into you home and life and for both of you always having a smile on your faces. I've given away many of you books for presents and that alway ended with a smile from each person.

Shawn McKinney and J. Weldon Bridges III

August 13, 2013

Dear Jane,Hellen,Sally and families

We, all the Bridges family, have loved John and all of you, since your moving to Glen Rose, many years ago. We feel blessed to have known the Graves family. I shall cherish all of his books and he was so generous when he had my husband call, from our office to ask me to bring all of my John Graves books for him to sign, He was this generous with all.

Thank you, Jane, for having our daughter, Jennifer, and myself to your home last November and having John come from his sick bed, to hug and speak to us.

We will all miss him! Love and God Bless,

The Jack Bridges Family
Glen Rose, Texas

August 8, 2013

My sympathy to the family and rest in peace John Graves.

August 8, 2013

After my father gave me "Goodbye to a River" in 1970, he and I paddled down the Brazos, putting in just below the dam at Possum Kingdom and getting out at the I-20 overpass. While this was an abbreviated version of Mr. Graves trip, I understood his feelings for the river. In 1979, I went out to Hardscrabble to visit with Mr. Graves while doing research for my high school term paper on "Goodbye to a River" He spent an entire day with me, a 17 year old kid with long hair and an earring. The only thing we had in common was stories, he told them and I listened. I am now 52 years old, and that day still ranks as one of my most memorable. I didn't grow up to be a famous writer, but I do live on a river. And I have a canoe.
Thanks Mr. Graves, keep paddling.

Vincent Fondren

August 5, 2013

May god be with his family at this time of sorrow from old back then old friends Julie Lopez andrea's niece whom she used to work with many many years ago.

Julie lopez

August 5, 2013

Thanks for the great writing and insights. Que vaya con Dios!My condolences to his family.

John Kruse

August 5, 2013

Mr. Graves autographed a copy of Goodbye to a River for me in a Fort Worth bookstore many years ago. I've read it over and over and have extra copies I loan out to friends. It is the best book ever written about Texas. Mr. Graves will be remembered and sorely missed.

Bob James

August 5, 2013

A friend recommended "Goodbye to a River" as one of the best books he'd ever read. After reading it, I quit my job and embarked on a journey up to Glen Rose in hopes of traversing the Brazos myself, finding along the way some of the most beautiful points of scenery and sweetest country folk I'd ever come across. After talking to one shopkeeper about my quest, she invited me to a meeting of the Friends of the Brazos River. There, I met her husband who was more than happy to have me hop in their canoe and float down the Brazos with them. What a magical experience, one I'll never, ever forget. Thank you, John Graves, for reminding us that we each have a part in preserving the natural beauty of Texas. Yours In Conservation and Stewardship,

N.J.

August 4, 2013

After reading Goodbye to a River, I went out and bought everything John Graves had had published. I refer to them regularly today. We mourn the passing of of a true giant...the world is poorer

Keith Wright

August 4, 2013

Growing up I didn't know the importance of your great Texas writer & amazing husband & father. But, I should have known that the father of 2 amazing girls and the husband to one amazing Jane, was special. Later in adulthood, I have come to read & treasure our John Graves books as some of the most important in our Texana collection. More importantly, I know my mom & dad were also so blessed by your rich friendship. From our family to yours, deep sadness for your loss, and thankful hearts for having been blessed by each of you.

On behalf of the Goss family

Kelley Maxwell

August 2, 2013

May God Bless the family and carry you through these hard times. I will always rember how much my Great Grandparents loved being your neighbors. I will also never forget you coming to our rescue late one night when my dad and husband were out of town and we got spooked. God bless you all.

Shella Morris

August 2, 2013

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

G. Freeman

August 2, 2013

I bought my 1st edition copy sighed copy at the old Barber's Book store in Fort Worth in 1960 a wonderful blend of nature and history. Mike Thomson

Mike Thomson

August 2, 2013

I just happened to be reading Hard scrabble when I saw the article in the newspaper about John's passing. I never met the man, but, I had an close acquaintance with him through his work, and I will be forever grateful that I did.

Judy Walker

August 1, 2013

Goodbye to a River can stand with any of the world's classic personal reflections. If in no other way, Graves achieved literary immortality in that book. But he didn't suffer from cosmic pretensions, happy to be a free man who stayed close to his origins and found them wondrous. Texas gets lots of bad press these days. John Graves is an authentic Texan we can be proud of, a model for a generation that needs to learn the importance of place and moment. I thank God for his life and his writings. I'll hand my signed copies of the River Trilogy down to my grandchildren.

The Rev, BRUCE COGGIN

August 1, 2013

Please accept my sincere condolences at this time. Even though there are tears today, God promises a beautiful tomorrow. (1 Corinthians 2:9)

Pamela, Bible Student

August 1, 2013

The readers in our family will always remember him as a true Texas legend. Our condolences to his family.

August 1, 2013

The Stream of time glides smoothly on and shall pass before you know, "Alas you say time goes", No time stays we go. - RIP John,

Noel Coward

August 1, 2013

jane and girls you are in my thoughts and prayers. he was a wonderful man I am glad I knew him and yall as well sherri decker

August 1, 2013

It's because of this man I treasure the Brazos River today. Read the book, canoe a portion of his journey, and it will inspire you. But how he lived his life, that's a true inspiration. May God Bless you...

Charles

August 1, 2013

When I first arrived in Texas to teach at St. Edward's University, I was assigned an interdisciplinary course entitled "Environmental Literature." I knew I would cover Thoreau, Muir and other authors well-known to me. Someone suggested adding "Goodbye to a River" by John Graves. In many ways, this simple, clear narrative of a canoe trip down the Brazos River became the centerpiece of the course and the touchstone to my own explorations into what focused observation can teach and inspire. I return to the book often and wonder at how relevant it still is. I continue to paddle in my blue canoe with my mutt on the rivers of Texas.
Thanks, John.

Mike Sullivan

August 1, 2013

My condolences to the family during this sad time. (Psalm 18:2) ~ Nicky

August 1, 2013

A wonderful man with a gift for telling stories. His "Goodbye To A River", will always be one of my treasured reading books, I have read. This man will truly be missed.

Nancy Altaras

August 1, 2013

Growing up along the banks of the Brazos in Waco, and having just been born in 1960 when 'Good by to a River' was written;I had no experience of a wild river. Since then his description of the canoe trip inspired me to fish and explore many rivers with a kayak and fly rod. My soul is richer for Mr. Graves sharing his journey through this life and look forward to future travells. As the river was forced to change course so has Mr. Graves. My prayer for his family that they have the peace (like a river) that passes all understanding.
Don Weldon

Don Weldon

July 31, 2013

May you be comforted by our Heavenly Father

Tiffani

July 31, 2013

May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of sorrow." Those who die God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes." (Psalms 116:15)

July 31, 2013

You can hear Don Henely's tribute to Mr. Graves and his writing, as well as to the Brazos itself, on youtube at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiCnkMt-Wyk

Doug Terry

July 31, 2013

Don Henley, of the Eagles and his own solo career, made a wonderful song in tribute to Mr. Graves and his work entitled, appropriately enough, Goodbye to a River. Having missed reading the book (for some unfortunate reason), I had always wondered what inspired him to write the song. Now I know. Not only do Graves works live in print and hearts and minds, he will live on in song, too.

Doug Terry

July 31, 2013

My deepest sympathy to the family. May you now RIP Mr. Graves...............

Mary Meredith

July 31, 2013

in God's care rest in peace

Dwayne Bickham

July 31, 2013

I love that river still, and Mr. Graves introduced us to each other nearly 40 years ago. I don't get on it as much, but every time I cross it on 20 or 180, I think of Mr. Graves. He wasn't alone. He had a dog.

Jim

July 31, 2013

Mr. Graves seemed to have a very firm grip on what is good in writing and in living. Terse and unembellished, his words provided so much inspiration out of proportion to the quantity of his works. I can't think of a more profound and soulful writer. My heartfelt condolences to the Graves family and friends.

Landon

July 31, 2013

Rest in peace Mr. Graves. Goodbye to a River and Hard Scrabble changed my life and gave me a deeper perspective of life as a Texan. Goodbye to a Legend.

Matthew Crowell

July 31, 2013

John was a very special man with a very special talent for writing...we will miss him

Cash

July 31, 2013

May God comfort your family and friends at this time.Your legacy will go on for generations as the love and thought you poured into your writing will pass through time like a soft summer breeze. I will enjoy your books again and remember the happiness they brought the first time I had the privilege to read them. Thank you and your family for sharing with the world.Blessings from Heaven to your loved ones RIP.

angel youngblood

July 31, 2013

John Graves was the best author of articles, books, etc. about our Texas outdoors. He inspired folks to get outside and look at the natural world. Goodbye to a great writer.

Marianne Fitzgerald

July 31, 2013

John Graves brought Texas to life with his sensitive writings, now it is time to say good by to John Graves.

Tom Soulsby

July 31, 2013

Will always treasure reading Goodbye to a River. John's description of the Brazos River and how he wove together the stories and history of the area, I will never say goodbye to. Condolences to the family.

John Bedunah

July 31, 2013

Rest in Peace Mr. Graves.

Gary Lawless

July 31, 2013

God gave him a great gift to translate everyday observations and insights to us in a way we all can understand. His literature will keep in the the Pantheon of Texas authors, equal to any of them. May God bless and keep those he has left behind, but let us all cleave to his writings as a way to always remember him.

Jimmy Johnson

July 31, 2013

One of Texas's finest...He will be missed.

Freida and Mike Lee

July 31, 2013

Rest in peace Mr. Graves, your writing has changed my life in many ways, but always for the good, to see the good in people, animals and Texas. Fair winds...

Jerry Adams

July 31, 2013

I will miss the voice of a person that I respected greatly and enjoyed through the years. Your work,voice lives on. Thank you, John...

Steve Goodson

July 31, 2013

Thank you, John, for being the one who taught me to love Texas rivers. You and Hans Weischel introduced me to that love, and they continue to be a part of nature where I can feel close to God.

Sandy Landry

July 31, 2013

He was a LEGEND and will be missed. I loved all his great work.

Janel Moye

July 31, 2013

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