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Marvin Graves Obituary
Longtime Boulder resident Marvin "Henchi" Graves, 64, died Monday June 8, 2009 at HospiceCare of Boulder and Broomfield Counties. Henchi was born in Phoenix, Arizona to Marvin and Henrietta Graves on September 18, 1944. Henchi was an accomplished high school athlete, lettering in baseball, track and earning state wrestling championship honors as a member of the South Mountain High class of 1962. He continued his education, attending Phoenix College, where he earned National Junior College championship honors in wrestling. Henchi completed his college wrestling career at Arizona State University where he earned the privilege of competing in the 1964 Olympic Trials. Henchi was best known as one of the lead singers in the popular R&B group, the Freddi-Henchi Band. Henchi and his friend Fred Gowdy started in the band "The Soulsetters", a multi-cultural R&B group, in Phoenix in 1966. After touring across the country they settled in Colorado, became The Freddi-Henchi Band and proceeded to take the Front Range by storm, recording numerous cd's. One thing Henchi taught Freddy and The Band was to always be professional on and off the stage. Freddy and Henchi were one when it came to performing. Henchi would always say "have fun, keep it funky, and let's kick butt". Henchi was one of the first entertainers in Colorado to own a nightclub, the Good Earth in Boulder. He devoted his life to an entertainment career which spanned an incredible forty years. Survivors include his mother Henrietta Graves of Phoenix, Arizona, longtime companion Cheryl Cruickshank of Boulder Colorado, two brothers Michael Graves, Richard Graves and his wife Lou of Phoenix, Arizona. Marvin was preceded in death by his father Marvin Graves, sister Beverly Graves, grandparents Earl and Mille Watson, Sally Chenault and Mike Graves. He also leaves to cherish his memory three nieces Traci Payne, Deloris Tapia and Tiffany Earby, two nephews Fred Graves and Richard Graves Jr., and a host of close family and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, June 15, 3 p.m. at Nissi's, 2675 North Park Drive, Lafayette, Colorado. The family would like to extend a special thanks to HospiceCare of Boulder and Broomfield Counties, and request that donations be made to them in Henchi's memory. Donations may be mailed to 2594 Trailridge Drive East, Lafayette, CO 80026.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Marvin Graves
Sponsored by Cliff Johnson.
Mitzi
May 10, 2023
Mitzi
May 10, 2023
Mitzi
May 10, 2023
I have been thinking about you so much today and remembering so many fun times we had together. Some of the fondest memories and best times of my life in Aspen and at the Good Earth, the Red Lion, and so many other places. I have a photo of you and Julie and JC together, and I can´t help but think you are all together somewhere ...All of you taken much too soon. You will live on in my heart forever sweet Henchi~
Clifford Johnson
June 6, 2022
You will never understand how much you are missed as a friend.
Cliff Johnson
June 6, 2020
Hench, it is the 11th year after you left us. I miss you as a friend and an entertainer still.
Freddy Gowdy
June 7, 2019
My dear friend and fellow Funketeer! You earned ur wings
God took you home.. 10 years? Seems like yesterday we were Funkin at the Blue Note,Harvest House,Boulder Theater , Little Bear and Basin Up! RIP my soul brother..yes people still think Freddy- Henchi is one guy!
Floyd Neal
June 6, 2019
Marvin and I were friends in grade school through our twenties, I went to San Francisco and he was on the rode doing his music, always a smile and willing to kick it, A great Child Hood Buddy!
Clifford Johnson
June 6, 2019
Another year has passed and I still remember going to your Celebration of Life tribute on June 15, 2009. No one really realized what a true friend you were if one of your friends hit a bump in the road. I will miss you forever.
Janett Cooper-Sidman
November 7, 2018
I didn't know for many years you had left us Henchie ,Last time I saw you you were singing and hanging with the boys in the band and had a huge smile on your face as usual .you are very missed around this town ,you brought much happiness with your music that was full of good energy and fun .:).rest in peace my dear old friend Janett Cooper-Sidman You left us the same year I lost my son Jonathan
DEBOO
February 22, 2018
I LOVE AND MISS YOU HENCHI, R.I.P.
Cliff Johnson
December 17, 2017
Here it is over 8 years later and I still think of you fondly. Henchi, we all love and miss you very much!
Terrie (Carson) Boisseau
August 14, 2015
Henchi you were a good friend to JC and myself. Some how you always knew when dinner was ready knock on the door at just the right time... You called me Wezzie and I called you George. Love you my friend and miss you and JC. Hope you are together again
Terrie (Carson) Boisseu
August 14, 2015
Henchi was a good friend of mine and JC's.. He called me Wezzie nd I called him George he always seemed to know when dinner was ready.. He was a great person..RIP Henchi you and JC are together again....
Mary D.
August 4, 2014
I've been living out of Colorado for 16 years and am just now learning of his passing. Finding out that Henchi has passed makes me very sad. I have such fond memories of him. My nights dancing to the band from start to finish are some of my absolute best memories. Henchi was a sweet guy. So many great stories and memories of times spent with him. He was the consummate entertainer!!
K
December 16, 2013
Many, many years ago in 1969, a small group of University of Colorado kids used to hang out at the Skunk Creek Inn just to hear and watch this talented musician along with Freddi and the rest of the gang. The years went so fast and we all went our separate ways. But those great memories and funky music will always be a part of our history! Thank you Henchi and God Bless you.
Barb Johnson
April 22, 2011
Time has past and it is a new year. I will never forget Henchi and Patty my best friends. God bless. Henchi always said the water that Patty and I drank was different, but it is the water of life of love. Time spent, memories of yesteryears, and happiness. Amen
July 21, 2009
Marvin, was my best friend when we were 9 years old, always had a friendly smile and was a great athlete, I only saw him perform once, after high school I joined the air force and our paths crossed only once, a club in phoenix, he dedicated a song to me, that was Marvin, he always gave me first class treatment, I'm saddened to find out he is no longer with us.
Floyd Neal (rags)
Paula & Rick Medina
June 14, 2009
When I thnk of Henchi, I think of all the great times we had dancing to, listening to, and watching the Freddi-Henchi band perform in the early to mid-70's. It was always such a great time and such a positive experience. Henchi was always smiling and friendly as ever. He will definitely be missed but will definitely live on in my memories because it was a great time in life. He touched a lot of people in such a positive way.
Blessings,
Paula & Rick Medina
Al Sampson
June 13, 2009
Our deepest condolences are with the family and friends of Marvin Henchi Graves. Rest in Peace.
June 13, 2009
I did not know Henchi personally, but, my husband knew him very well. We are very sorry to hear of his passing but, we know he is up there in Heaven playing with the biggest band ever! What beautiful music he will be playing for our king! Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and know that he is safely home and will be there to greet you when you are ready to go. God bless you and keep you and make his face shine upon you
RIP HENCHI
Jeannie and Tracy Pidek
June 13, 2009
Henchi, and Freddie made life in Boulder Heaven by way of music, love and all races danced and loved there music. You will always live in our hearts. Much love to all of your family.
Renard D. Euell & Euell Family
Linda Lopez
June 12, 2009
My deepest condolences to the family. My prayers are with Henchi and his family.
Cliff Johnson
June 12, 2009
Henchi,you were like my brother and I will always love you and miss you. Friends forever,Cliff Johnson
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