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Randee McGraw Obituary

PEKIN - Randee T. McGraw, 61, of Pekin, Ill., passed away at 7:55 p.m. Thursday, May 23, 2013, at Valley Hospital in Las Vegas, Nev.

Randee was born on Jan. 6, 1952, in Pekin, Ill. His parents were Walter and Mabel McGraw. He married Sharon Conklin on July 21, 2011, in Reno, Nev.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Surviving are his wife, Sharon of Pekin; one brother, Mike (Debbie) Simpkins of Pekin; one sister, Sue (Tracy Davis) York of Green Valley, Ill.; service dog, Kenu; loving pets, extended family and friends.

Randee was a veteran of the United States Marines, serving during the Vietnam War.

He loved riding his motorcycle in the desert with his service dog, Kenu, in the side car.

He had a strong love of music, preferably loud.

He was a lifetime member of the Agent Orange Health Club. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion and the Dinosaurs Group. He was a retired chaplain of the Warrior of Brotherhood Veterans Motorcycle Club.

Randee was more interested in living wide than living long.

Randee retired as the administrative director of the Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery in 2009, where he had been employed since Nov. 15, 1979. He was a pioneer in the treatment of clients diagnosed with substance dependence, mental illness and process addictions since 1978. He facilitated family interventions since 1978 and was a certified ARISE Interventionist, trainer and supervisor for the ARISE model of intervention.

Randee was instrumental in the development and implementation of many innovative programs, including the first comprehensive adult and adolescent pathological gambling treatment programs in Illinois; a consultation service to develop and implement treatment for pathological gambling in other agencies and hospitals; a treatment program for family members or concerned persons of people diagnosed with addiction; a treatment program for adult children of addicts and survivors of childhood trauma; a comprehensive treatment program for all process addictions; a gambling counselor training program and the Family Meeting Approach to Interventions training program.

Randee provided national and international leadership as the president of the American Compulsive Gambling Counselor Certification Board, president of the Association of Intervention Specialists and president of the Association of Intervention Specialist Credentialing Board.

Funeral services will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 11, 2013, at Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory, 2131 Velde Drive, Pekin. The Rev. Judy Doyle will be officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Interment will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 12, at Rock Island National Cemetery, with military honors provided by the United States Marines.

Memorial contributions may be made to Soldier's Best Friend (service dogs for vets).

Randee's memorial tribute may be viewed and condolences made at www.hendersonfuneralcare.com.


To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Peoria Journal Star on Jun. 7, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Randee McGraw

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Doc Suess

June 10, 2013

Your light shines Randee. God Bless America. Thank you for giving your all for our freedom. RIP brother.

Susie O.

June 10, 2013

Thank you Randee for your patience and time in teaching me when I asked you questions. I remember helping dog-sit for your fur babies. You worked hard here, ride free with your HP there.
Hugs~Susie O.

James LeFante

June 8, 2013

Randee's strength and perserverance throughout the many adversities he faced through his life is truly an inspiration. He loved life and lived it to the fullest while trying to help many people along the way. I will always remember and miss my friend Randee.

Larry C

June 7, 2013

Eternal rest grant unto Randee, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Kirk & Carolyn Hatcher

June 7, 2013

Deepest sympathy goes out to all who are grieving. He didn't look well last time he was at Two Springs. In a better place.

Randee's child-like spirit (circa 2004, Florida)

Linda Cooke

June 7, 2013

God Bless Randee's loving and generous spirit. He is remembered by many for his genuine concern, helpfulness, & generosity to others. God has given Randee his serenity and now his spirit is free. He is now with Mabel & Walter & Uncle Ken. He's joking with friend Harold McAvoy and petting his two former service dogs--Bushman & Emilee. My condolences to sister Sue, brother Mike, and wife Sharon. Linda Cooke, Palm Springs, California

Ronald Feagin

June 7, 2013

RIP old friend. Knew Randy from mid 70's and enjoyed many times sitting around tables.

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