William-Graf-Obituary

William Graf

Columbia, South Carolina

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Columbia, South Carolina

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William L. Graf Columbia – Will Graf, 72, died Friday, December 27, 2019, from complications of Parkinson's disease and cancer. He is survived by his wife, Pat Gilmartin of Columbia and daughter Kelly Ryan Graf (John) of Los Angeles. He received his PHD in geography from the University of...

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My condolences to the family. I just learned of Will's passing. Will was a colleague who served with me on the National Academies Committee on Everglades restoration. He was a great colleague and friend. We shared many memorable times together in the field, working on a report and over a meal. Will rest in peace.

There is no doubt that Will was an extraordinary scholar, but what I recall the most is his generosity. I had the good fortune to meet him almost 40 years ago, and though he "owed" me nothing (I was never his student or departmental colleague) he was unstintingly generous with advice and encouragement throughout my graduate studies and subsequent career. He will, I think, be missed even more for his humanity than for his scientific exploits.

I have had remarkable good fortunate in life to be Will's colleague, devotee, a fellow committee member for many of Will's students, and lucky collaborator on many of his plots to enhance geomorphology and physical geography for many years at Arizona State University. It is hard for me to be on campus, spend time on Will's beloved Colorado Plateau, or return to a host of his field sites without smiling at remembered moments. His legacy at Arizona State, in geography, and in geomorphology is...

Will was my colleague for 20 years and a friend for 45. We shared stories of research in the desert of the Colorado Plateau, books, movies, and the history and philosophy of geographic thought. We talked frequently and met up at least once a year to catch up on life events. He will forever be in my thoughts. I will miss him greatly.

I was deeply saddened to hear of Will's passing. Will was not only an influential scientist, but also a great advocate for our rivers. I had the pleasure of working with him over the last several years as he served as an adviser to American Rivers. I greatly appreciated his thoughtful and supportive nature. He will be missed.

My heartfelt sympathy to Will's family at his passing. We served together on two national committees, and his example enabled me to follow his leadership style. We enjoyed some great field trips together and even after his committee service was completed. A true gentleman, unselfish and forward thinking. I'll miss him.

My deepest condolences to your family. I knew Will when he was a professor at Arizona State University.

Dear Pat,
My condolences for your loss. Will was a special friend for those of us lucky enough to know him. I hope that you are doing well through this trying time.
Allan

To Pat and Will's daughters. Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. I had the rare privilege of being in one of Will's first class of students at ASU in 1979. Will had just joined the faculty and taught Aerial Photo Interpretation. His lectures and exercises were magical and we knew immediately that he would be a major contributor to the department and the field of Geography. At the time I was unaware of his military background, but it makes sense today. Will was also on my...