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University of South Carolina University of Wisconsin

William Graf Obituary

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 Wisconsin in 1974, after serving as Imaging Intelligence Officer in Viet Nam for the U.S.Air Force. He taught in geography departments at the University of Iowa, Arizona State University, and the University of South Carolina. In his long career in university teaching he supervised 39 MS, MA, and PHD students and taught classes to more than 5,000 undergraduates.
Dr. Graf was University Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of South Carolina. His research addressed two broad topics: geomorphology and hydrology of rivers, and the intersection of science and policy for public land and water. He conducted research and served in science review and oversight positions for water quality and quantity, aquatic and riparian habitats and endangered species in a variety of ecosystems. He was a National Associate of the National Academy of Sciences and chaired or been a member of more than 20 National Research Council committees. He was Past President of the Association of American Geographers. His several books and more than 140 papers and book chapters resulted from funding by many national, state, and local agencies and tribes. He was awarded Guggenheim and Fulbright fellowships and served on a five-member team of ecosystem restoration scientists to brief the staffs of President Barack Obama's Executive Office and the Office of Management and Budget.
Will loved movies, books, hiking, kayaking, bicycling, travel, and the simple things of life. His insatiable curiosity led him into many fields outside his own, and he could hold his own in a discussion of almost any topic. Will is having a green burial at Greenhaven Preserve in a small grove of young pine trees. These trees will thrive off of him as have so many of his family members, friends, and students.

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Published by The State on Dec. 31, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for William Graf

16 Entries

Charles Driscoll

June 15, 2020

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.

Jacob Bendix

January 29, 2020

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.

Ron Dorn

January 12, 2020

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 secured by all of us who feel the same connection with Will on a regular basis. I just hope that you all pass on these moments and this connection to Will to your students as I try to accomplish every semester I'm lucky enough to touch the lives of students.

Mike Pasqualetti

January 12, 2020

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.

Laura Craig

January 6, 2020

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.

Rollin Hotchkiss

January 6, 2020

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.

Cindy Zisner

January 6, 2020

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

Allan James

January 3, 2020

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

Charles Jeffery

January 2, 2020

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 doctoral Field Exam committee in 1997 and his paper on the development of arroyos in the American West was a master template for researching and writing the literature review chapter of a dissertation. One of Geography's shining stars. He will be missed.

Tim Beach

January 2, 2020

Will was a giant in Geography and beyond. He was endlessly helpful and critical in the most important ways. It was an honor to know him and a pleasure to read his work. I always looked forward to the next time I would see him. Condolences to all of his family and friends.

Maria Smoak

January 2, 2020

Pat,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Will's passing is also a loss to our neighborhood. Sending my sincere condolences.

Shirley Kuiper

January 1, 2020

Pat, so sorry to learn of your loss. Thinking of you with compassion.

Mary Ann Byrnes

January 1, 2020

It was with great sadness that I learned of Will's passing. I worked closely with Will when he was chair of the Department of Geography and then associate dean in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of South Carolina. I will remember Will as a generous and supportive colleague, a talented scholar, and a kind, compassionate man. My deepest condolences to Pat, his daughters, and his many colleagues and friends.

Sheila David

December 31, 2019

Dear Pat: I am so sorry to learn that Will has passed away. He was a very kind person and when we worked together on projects always excellent. He was very instrumental in helping me to appoint more women to our committees both at the NAS and Heinz Center. He was truly loved by all who knew him.

Richard Marston

December 31, 2019

To Pat and Will's daughters: Please accept my deep heartfelt condolences. Will Graf provided more sage advice and support than anyone else in my career. I had the honor of working with him as an AAG officer and in consulting. He was certainly the most outstanding geomorphologist and water policy scholar I have encountered and a true friend.

Brenda Oliver

December 31, 2019

Pat, Thinking of you and the family.

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