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Alan Graf Obituary
A funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Sarasota. Toale Brothers Funeral Home, Colonial Chapel, is handling the arrangements.
Alan Bernard Graf Sr., of Sarasota, went to heaven Easter Sunday, April 4, 2010.
He was born May 22, 1929, to Irma and Louis Graf in Evansville, Ind. He lived a long and prosperous life, enjoying two long and wonderful marriages, first to Harriet Neil Huncilman and later to Patti Pope, both of whom preceded him in death.
He received two degrees from Indiana University (B.S. 1951, M.B.A. 1954) and was a first lieutenant with the U.S. Air Force.
He started his career with Keller-Crescent Co. and later became group president of American Standard, directing the advertising agencies and commercial printing companies. He later joined Diamond Crystal Salt and retired as president/CEO of AKZO Nobel Salt in 1994. He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church.
He is survived by his brother, Robert Louis Graf of Overland Park, Kan.; his three children, Alan Bernard Graf Jr. (Susan) of Memphis, Tenn., Gail Graf Nangle (Dave) of Loveland, Ohio, and Carolyn Graf Burson (Mike) of Hong Kong; his stepson, Gordon Todd Brinker of Petersburg, Mich.; grandchildren Jennifer Perry, Bridget Graf, Carrie Garcia, Adam Powers, Meredith Brazell, Sean Burson and Jonathon Brinker; and step-grandchildren Kelly and Kyle Burson, Katie and Heather Nangle and Jackie Tran.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the M.S. Society of America or a charity of your choice.
A great husband, father and friend, we know he is in Heaven, and we will see him again, but not yet, not yet!
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Alan Graf
April 13, 2010
We are very sad at the loss of our friend, Alan. There was always a laugh when he came by our office. We will certainly miss him!! Linda & Dwight Dooley (Sarasota Fl)
Maria & Mike Ross
April 9, 2010
To the Graf Family,
Our deepest sympathies on the loss of your beloved father. I only met him a couple of times, once in Florida and a couple of times at baseball games in CT, but have enjoyed the stories shared by Carolyn through the years.
Carolyn, Mike & Sean, You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Maria, Mike & Sean Ross
Molly Mangan
April 9, 2010
To the Graf Family, My thoughts and prayers go out to you. Your father was a wonderful man. He gave me an opportunity to be part of the Akzo family and my career grew from there. I always had great respect for Alan Graf. He was a man with great presence and an awesome heart.
Shelly Vinciguerra Daley
April 8, 2010
I will never forget the leadership/communication skills that Alan portrayed to his company at Akzo Nobel Salt, my first real job out of College and he helped to shape my work ethic in a very positive manner which allowed me to have many succeses after Akzo Nobel Salt. Deepest Sympathy to Gordon Brinker and family, Shelly Vinciguerra Daley, Customer Service at Akzo Nobel Salt
Michael Wittgen
April 7, 2010
Dear Alan,Jr., Gail, and Carolyn:
Mother informed me this evening of your father's death. Dad worked for Alan at Keller Crescent. I have fond memories of times with the Graf Family. You always felt welcome in the Graf home. I'll never forget his booming laugh and voice. You always knew when Alan was in the room. I also remember good times in Sarasota when your father took us to dinner at the Buccaneer and always insisted on picking up the tab. Dad did learn one lasting thing from your father-"Beefeater's martini on the rocks, extra dry!
You are in my prayers.
Michael Wittgen
Mary Zurstadt
April 7, 2010
To the family of Alan B. Graf...you have my deepest sympathy on the loss of a wonderful family member. My husband, Bill (deceased),& Alan were "pals" for many, many years & worked together at Keller-Crescent. I feel very fortunate to have met Alan - he was an inspiration as well as a good friend.
Mary Zurstadt
April 7, 2010
April 7,
"larger than life" Alan Graf exuded leadership and it was my pleasure to know him and take his guidance through my early years at Marywood University. To his family, I send my deepest condolences.
Sincerely, Dr. Clayton N. Pheasant
Tony Hester
April 7, 2010
It was a pure pleasure and a life changing experience to work for a company run by Alan Graf. Alan was relentless in his determination to make the workplace a joyful environment. The skill and commitment required for Alan's level of success are rare, but far rarer and more honorable traits are the care and consideration he dispensed so consistently; a man who cherished life...and the lives of those around him. This gentleman made so many lives so much better.
A memory worthy of top shelf status.
Jerry Baker
April 7, 2010
I was saddened when I received the news that a dear friend, Alan Graf, had passed away. I have known him for approximately 8 years as a gate guard at Laurel Oak where he lived. Alan was the kind of person whom you met the first time and felt like you knew him all your life. I was expecially impressed with his display of kindness to Patti's Mother, as every morning he would take her to breakfast and would return and stop at my gate to visit. His words were always kind and commendary. I will miss seeing him each day. My prayers are with his family for divine strength during this time of sorrow.
April 7, 2010
Alan Graf came into our lives in the salt business when we were looking for leadership.The marriage of Diamond Crystal and International formed AKZO and the rest is history. Alan took our newly formed company to new heights in sales and profits. Most importantly, he made every person feel a part of the process. Alan's style of manangement only comes once in a persons career. I'm lucky to be one of those that got a chance to share in a part of his accomplishments. Alan's good deeds on earth will surely be rewarded in heaven. Everyone who knew Alan remembers;
"I'll HAVE AN EXTRA DRY BEEFEATERS MARTINI, ON THE ROCKS, EXTRA DRY!
All our love to the Graf family.
Lynne and Art Armstrong
Carl "C.Otto" Holtman
April 7, 2010
In the class ahead of me at Redeemer Lutheran School, and always a good friend and playmate. Alan was always a clean kid and fun and fair as a welcome neighborhood pal. We lost track after graduation, but always in my memory of the "good old days"!
Carl "C.Otto" Holtman
April 7, 2010
Carolyn, Alan and Gail, my condolences on the loss of your dad...I know he will be greatly missed. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers and still kept close to my heart. Cherish your memories. Carolyn, my fondest memory of Alan, the Saturday morning bike rides we took with him down the streets of Evansville, barely being able to keep up! and never forgetting to stop at Momo and Bobo's on the way home!
With love, Lisa Libs Kormelink
April 7, 2010
Dear Graf Family, We are so sorry for your loss, but it was indeed a great day for Mr Graf to go to Heaven. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Donna & Mike Glenn
Sheryl Daniel
April 7, 2010
I was deeply saddened to hear of Mr.Graf's passing. He made all of us feel special. I never saw him without a smile on his face. We will all miss seeing him every month. His happy, smiling face will forever hold a place in my heart. My thought and prayers will be with all of you as you are mourning the loss of a father, grandfather, son-in-law and friend.
Robert Vanness
April 7, 2010
Alan Graf was the best President and mentor of Akzo Nobel Salt Company! He had vision and knew and rewarded the people who worked hard. He will always be remembered as a great family man,and a great leader with a heart of gold! My prayers go out to his family.
Bob Vanness
April 6, 2010
Julie and I first met Alan while walking his dog, Pepper. From that first meeting you could tell he was a special person. Alan had the ability to make every person he met feel like they were special too. I believe he treated everyone the same, be it the CEO of a large cooperation or a house painter like me. We loved him dearly and treasured his friendship and fellowship. Anytime I saw Alan and Julie was not with me he would always say. "Give Julie a big hug for me now, you hear." So I say to you old friend...Give Patty a big hug for me...you hear. Our sincere condolences to the Graf family. Mike and Julie Atkinson, sarasota fl
Ron Harrell
April 6, 2010
Alan was a great leader and a wonderful person. He did so much for us Akzo Salt and we thank him very much.
Ron Harrell
Sean Scanlon
April 6, 2010
To all the Graf family,We are so saddened to hear of your loss.His loyalty,respect,and friendship will be sorely missed.Please know you are all in our hearts and in our prayers during this time of loss.All of our love and sympathy,The Staff at Amici Restaurant Clarks Summit Pa
Elaine Pohorence
April 6, 2010
Alan, you will be missed by all whose lives you have touched. Although my time in knowing you was short, it was an honor to see you each week. and you always made those around you smile. You will be greatly missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Elaine (Sam Sneads)
The Powers Family
April 6, 2010
Dear Carolyn, Mike, Sean and Graf Family - Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We have wonderful memories of your Dad at Sean's Little League Tournaments and World Series games and visits to New England. God Bless You. Love, Pamela, Wayne, Josh and Oliver
Richard Pollock
April 6, 2010
I will always remember Alan warmly. He was such an encouragement, and will be sadly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Krista Andacht
April 6, 2010
Alan you were such a bright light I have looked forward to seeing you every week for the past 15 years. You Patty and Arlene and the many friends and family you have brought to visit me over the years made my job a blessing. You gave me so much advice over the years and I will truly miss you!
Much Love,
Krista
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