Alvin William "Bill" Grahn

Alvin (Bill) William Grahn was born in San Diego, California on April 19, 1945, to Alvin Waldemar Grahn and Norma Jean Grahn. He was the second born of four children.
Bill's father was in the Navy and the family had moved to many Navy bases during his father's 20 years of service. Bill's most memorable move was to the Philippines, when his Mom traveled across the ocean with four young children. At this time, Bill was six, his brother was seven, his sister was one and a half and his youngest sister was only 9 months old. They were on a ship for 30 days. He called his Mom a "Super Mom'' for making this voyage alone. The two years Bill spent in the Philippines were some of his fondest childhood memories with his brother Vic.
Upon their return to the States, he lived in Hayward, California, until his father retired. Then his family moved to Clackamas, Oregon, where his father's family had relocated from Minnesota. Bill played for the Clackamas High School football team as an offensive and defensive tackle. He was known for being lean and mean on the field.
After working a year, following high school, Bill decided to join the Navy where he served as an aircraft mechanic. After 4 years in the Navy, he went to school at Portland Community College studying Engineering and Drafting. He used his degree working in the PGE Engineering Department before eventually taking a position in his father-in-laws company, Korber Company, as a manufacturer's rep in the plastics industry. After 20 years in the industry he opened his own company. He ran a successful business, but when times got hard he took a job with the TSA to keep things going. He enjoyed this job but was able to go back to the business full time after two years. He continuously built the company and was able to sell it and head towards retirement.
Bill was a family man. He was a big tease with an even bigger heart. He enjoyed taking his family on many outings; hiking, camping, swimming, skiing, and anything his kids or grandkids wanted to do. He always loved sports. He spent endless hours coaching his daughters in their youth, on the sidelines during their games as they grew, and in the bleachers watching his grandchildren participate in their various sports and activities.
Bill and Kathy enjoyed going to their cabin on the Salmon River. They enjoyed it even more when their family would join them. From playing games to watching the river, it was always a wonderful time spent together.
Devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he is survived by his wife Kathy of 52 years. Anyone who spent any time with them could see the deep love and friendship they shared. He is also survived by his two daughters, Tracy Bariao-Arce and Julie Hicks; his son in laws, Gaya Bariao-Arce and Butch Hicks; his grandchildren, Kyle, Katie, Olivia, and Bo. Bill is also survived by his brother Vic, Sister Robyn and Sister Rosanna. Family was everything to him, as were his life long friends.
Please remember him with love.
A service and reception will be held in his honor at Mt. Scott Funeral Home (4205 SE 59th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97202) Friday, December 15th, at 1:00 PM.