Raymond Graves

Graves, Raymond
On April 25 of the year 2015, God gave Dad his last pair of wings upon the rising of the sun, leaving us behind for heaven. From the small town of Tioga, Pennsylvania where he was born, Dad's journey took him many places in his well-lived life. He served his country in the Army Air Corps as a B17 bomber pilot, completing thirty five successful missions over the course of World War II. In 1948, following the end of the war, he studied at New York State's Albright Art School, which is where he met Mom, who had herself lived through the Nazi occupancy of her home in Nijmegen, Netherlands. By 1950, this match made in heaven was cemented in marriage, and the pair headed west to begin their new life together in Arizona. It was here that they began a family and became faithful members of O.L.P.H., where they saw all five of their children graduate. In 1959 our parents opened a shop on 5th Avenue in Scottsdale, Arizona named Gra-Wun. Over the course of the next forty years Dad created beautiful original jewelry and sculptures, attracting scores of wonderful people first as customers, and later as lifelong friends. When he wasn't working, Dad spent his time nurturing his family, with much of our free time spent travelling in a Volkswagen bus camping in the Arizona mountains, and up and down the West coast from Rocky Point into Canada; adventures we still talk about today. We were constantly surrounded by art, music, creative souls, and abundant love. Dad was strong, gentle, patient, funny, and incredibly gifted. He was a wonderful husband, father, brother, and cousin, and we couldn't have asked for a better man. Dad loved accessorizing with unique and whimsical walking sticks and hats, looking great in everything he wore. He was 'liefhart' (sweet heart) to his beloved wife Elsje, and 'Pop' to his kids. We are all grateful that God gifted us with his presence for so many wonderful years. Ray was preceded in death by his brother Tom, who was lost in action during World War II, as well as his sisters Peg and Charlotte, and his son Raymond John III. He leaves behind his wife Elsje, the 'Kids' Patty, Sue, Fred, and Sharon; 'adopted' daughter Joan Miller, favorite cousin Norman, family Carol Ann and Susan many friends and extended family across the country and around the world. Services will be held at O.L.P.H. in Scottsdale on Friday May 1st at 10:00 AM followed by a short reception at the church. Starting promptly at 2:00 PM his ashes will be interred at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. An informal gathering to celebrate his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of gifts or flowers we ask all who are able to donate what they can to Hospice of The Valley.