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BORN
1948
DIED
2015
DAVID GRAEBENER Obituary
He passed away in Reno, Nevada, in the loving arms of his wife on January 3rd, 2015 surrounded by family and friends, after fighting a two-year battle with Metastatic Melanoma.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Catherine Jo Kline in 2010.
He is survived by his parents Virginia and Roy Graebener of Mount Vernon, WA, his loving wife of 37 years Carolyn Graebener, his children; Steven Hutchings and Jamee Nunnelee; sister Karla and husband Steve Hopkins, their children Meghan Mataya and Alicia Hopkins; Half brother, John Lees and half sister Toni Phillips and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
David served time in the Navy where he learned about electronics while working on submarines. From there, he returned to the Pacific Northwest where he met Paul and Jim Kline along with Pat Snyder. The four of them formed Speakerlab; one of the first employee owned, mail order speaker kit companies. Famous for its Speakerlab 7's and outrages ads. Recently, as EVP of Wisdom Audio, he perfected the Planar Magnetic Speaker that he had been working on since the 1980's. David was considered to have been a genius in the audio industry. Superstars, famous musicians, Hollywood Producers and hi-tech moguls around the world have at least one pair of his creations. David holds many patents and a wall of awards from CEDIA and CES from throughout the years. Reviewers have said over again "there is no better home theatre speaker on the planet".
All the while, he kept his modest demeanor and eccentric personality. He was humble to a fault. Everyone that met David fell in love with him. He was a man of few words that meant so much, to so many. If you knew David, and you spent time in any of his cars, or media rooms listening to Miles Davis or Eva Cassidy really loud and really clear; David's eyes would close, and he'd lay his head back and absorb every note, every string, every drum, and every sound. Sometimes you'd see tears while he listened. His speakers touched him that much. Heaven should be rocking out by now...
Services will be held in Reno and Seattle. Dates and times TBD see www.facebook.com/carolyn.graebener
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for DAVID GRAEBENER
Js
January 7, 2023
Miss you buddy.
Alison Reardon
January 7, 2020
David was a dear man. He and Carolyn were my best friends while I lived in Northern Nevada, we enjoyed meals, music and movies together. I think of David often, especially when listening to music.
Karla Hopkins
December 26, 2017
I guess this will be my final entry to your legacy book. However, I will never stop talking to you. Things have changed since you and Cathy passed away. I know you welcomed mom into your arms when she left too. Loving all of you today and always.
January 2, 2017
On the eve of your departure, I have been posting pictures, memories, of you and our life together. I am going to put this up one more time. I want you to know that I treasure every moment we spent together. Even the so called bad ones...for we learned so much. You were always way wiser than me and you made me laugh! I love you with all my heart and want you to know that I am doing well and happy. I know you would want that. So long pal...as you would say! I remember when we visited Sherre's resting place and you wrote on that stick "hurry up and clean this place up; we'll be here soon". I don't expect you to clean anything up; I'd just like you to wait for me and be oh so happy to see me! Til then,c
Patty Matteo
January 2, 2017
Lately I've been looking up people I used to know, and I decided to look up David, and found this obituary. I knew him back in 1973, when I shared an apartment with a friend upstairs from Speakerlab. David gave me a job (part-time) and we became friends. He was wonderful company - fun, kind, and of course, music was always at the center of things. I had dinner with him late in 1975, and saw him once after that, briefly, in the late 80s, when my husband and I had just moved back to Seattle.
It looks like he had a really good life, and was well loved by many. My heart goes out to Carolyn and Karla.
Friday Harbor
Karla Hopkins
December 28, 2016
Nearly two years have gone by and still the mention of your name, or when I gaze upon your beautiful face, I cry. I pray you are happy and at peace. Missing you everyday. karla
carolyn graebener
December 28, 2016
Golly, it's been nearly 2 years...just a few more days. So much has changed. I still have the house, thanx to Airbnb and a lot of help from my friends, especially Jack.
He and I keep hoping that you and Susan and Eva have met up on the other side and are having some great times.
I love you still, always will.
There will never be another you! c
February 26, 2016
Golly, it's been almost 14 months since you left. I think about you daily and miss you with every bone and nerve in my body. It's still difficult to believe that you won't be walking in the door, coming home from a long trip overseas...
I am doing pretty well; last years was such a challenge. I'm hoping that Eva and Bomber found you in heaven and that you are all running free!
You and I were quite a team for over half our lives! I love you still, always will. Luv yer gutz, c
LOL
Karla Hopkins
February 23, 2016
To the sweetest brother, teacher and friend a girl could ever ask for. I still lay awake at night and think of you. Missing you....
February 16, 2016
David..
You were pure gem with a million dollar smile and a heart of gold.
I miss you...miss you so much but glad you
do not have to suffer anymore.
XOXX
Jude
William Turner
February 16, 2016
Looking up at the photo of you I see you the way I always think of you. That wonderful smile looking back at me, the smile that reveals so much about your beautiful spirit. The playfulness, the love, the curiosity, the creativity- it's all there. The coolest guy I have known? Yes. I have missed you ever since you and Carolyn left Seattle and Long Beach for Nevada. But I still have those treasured memories. Happy Trails my Brother. Our paths will meet again and we will celebrate and tell stories over a nice Tequila.
Karla Hopkins
February 12, 2016
Dear David, You would find humor in this because you and I shared the same weirdness with our noses. The smell of gas, freshly mowed lawn and minty things....all of these smells would stick in our noses until just one day you'd wake up and they would be gone. I've been driving the your old Audi to work, and as you know, spearmint oil placed in every inch of vents, or trunks will keep field mice away. It's been cold here and turning on the heaters, I have this overwhelming fragrance of spearmint stuck in my nose. My food smells like Spearmint. My perfume smells like Spearmint. I feel like I smell like Spearmint, although my co-workers say I do not. The Audi has become a mintmobile! Looking forward to summer and driving with the windows down. Love you!
Lorinda Von Strellnauer
February 11, 2016
Daid you are and will always be one of the most lovely people I've ever been blessed to have known. It was so wonderful watching you love your family and friends. I have to thank you for remembering that I wanted your volvo p1800 and calling me up with first refusal when you decided to sell her. She's been the love of my life and I tell every one about you Jamee and Carolyn when I share her story. I truly hope to see you again some day. Love you buddy miss you lovely lovely man
Julie Bopp
January 30, 2016
Every time I try to write something, I just start crying. You were such a special friend to our family, and we all miss you terribly. Thank you for bringing such a fun, kind and musical dimension to our lives.
January 30, 2016
Where you are, do they know if it's edible? Love you pal. :)
Bruce Stanley
January 30, 2016
You were always a mentor / idol to me. Coolest guy I ever got the chance to know. Miss you, but everytime I turn on my TV i hear and enjoy the amazing ribbon speakers you custom made for me. We'll meet agin.
Karla Hopkins
January 29, 2016
Hi sweet brother. Sitting here wearing your shirt! I pray you are happy. We are all trying our best to move forward without you. God, I miss you, and I will always love you! I never thought saying goodbye to you would be so hard. Until we meet again; until I can hold your face in my hands..... God, keep him safe. Hugs and kisses my sweet brother!!!
Doug Hays
January 29, 2016
I KNOW you ascended in this life and I hope to see you soon my friend.
Karla Hopkins
January 4, 2016
Hi sweet. It's been one year; one day. Time has softened the sadness, but time has not changed the effect. I pray you are happy where ever you are. I pray you are laughing, and hanging out with members of our family that passed before. There's no question about me still loving you. I am still adjusting to the loss of you, but I am moving forward. Hugs to you and Cathy. Love you........ your sis. Karla
David & Cathy......."what a world".....
Karla Hopkins
September 3, 2015
Sweet, sweet brother. I hope you're having fun doing exactly what you want to do. I promise I'm still trying to let you go, but it's difficult. Today marks the seventh month of your passing. I think I'll start celebrating the day of your birth. Love you always.....miss you more than you'll ever know. Please give my sister a bear hug from me. xoxo
Karla Hopkins
June 3, 2015
Five months have passed and I still cannot believe it. I had friends over for Memorial Weekend, and as I was taking the Tequila from the cupboard; (the same Tequila placed on the table at your memorial service), I caught a flash out of the corner of my eye. I was startled and body slammed myself into the fridge. I called out your name. I asked if it was you. I smiled. Thank you for stopping by. Love and miss you. xoxo
Karla
April 27, 2015
Time has flown by, yet it has not taken away the emptiness, or tears. I love you and miss you every day. xoxo
carolyn
April 25, 2015
Coming up on 4 months...hardly seems possible. I still keep thinking you are just away on a business trip. Love you still; always will.
Karla
March 13, 2015
From David:
"Hey Kid,
The heart book is such a treat...you and your love mean everything to me.
Your Bro...."
How I miss you still. You are such a special soul.
"The Kid"
Adrien Haage
February 27, 2015
When I think about David, I think about all the love he would spread around him. He was such a positive guy, always a nice word in his mouth, a "sweetie", a "kiddo", a "hey, stranger" and his charming smile... I am going to miss these.
David, I am very glad I had the chance to know you, it wasn't much time compared to your life but I will cherish and remember all the moments we spent together. You were truly inspinring, and I will do my best to keep this creative fire burning.
If there is music in Heaven, I hope you are enjoying it. And if there isn't, they now have the perfect guy to make it happen.
I miss you.
Joan Wright
February 27, 2015
I will always remember him for his humility, but mostly for that certain twinkle for life and the next adventure.
Karla Hopkins
February 27, 2015
Dear David and Cathy: Cathy, you were always so brave, and calm in the midst of any situation, maybe that came from EMT training, but I always felt safe with you. David, you were sweet, sensitive, adventurous and spending time with you was such a treasure. As the youngest sibling, I can only hope that I have learned some of what you showed me through your love and nurturing. Missing you both. Loving you always! P.S David, I wore your coat to work....it kept me very warm. xoxo
Pat Roland
February 27, 2015
A good and kind man, David you will be missed by many. May the candle of your life burn for all eternity.
Ginger Pollock
February 27, 2015
I have a fun memory to share...years ago when you lived in North Seattle & planning to sell your house, we were sitting in the TV room, referred to as the "Cathode Raymission". A potential buyer came thru & it was the Farside cartoonist, Gary Larson.
I was sitting next to David & he was so excited as he was a big fan of Gary's work & sense of humor. I think I remember David saying after Gary left, "I wanna have your baby"...
This was one of many wonderful moments I spent in the presence of this great man, my friend David Graebener. I love you & I miss you "pal".
Michele Morphy
February 27, 2015
You, Carolyn and David added so much to my life in Reno. I'll remember you both forever. Michele Morphy
Cindy
February 26, 2015
Such a true soul....I miss you my friend
Denny Redman
February 26, 2015
David I think I can best commemorate your too short life by showing the wisdom and kindness that you shared with everyone. I always felt welcomed and more comfortable in your presence. It was an honor to be your friend.
Nine years ago I met with David, a new client, with whom I had only had a phone call introduction. He wore a white shirt (surprise?) and a black ves
Jack Sala
February 26, 2015
denny rrdman
February 26, 2015
Dear Carolyn, You more than anybody know what a wonderful soul David was and I don't know what I could add except to say that I always felt more comfortable in his presence and thought the world of him. I can only honor his memory by remembering to be as kind as he was.
Katie Bopp
February 26, 2015
Love you big David! I'll see you on the dark side of the moon xxxx
Alison Reardon
February 26, 2015
You and David made my life in Northern Nevada special. I will always love you both.
His spirit, smile and wit was so very, very special.
At home.
February 25, 2015
Cousin Ron and Gail.
February 25, 2015
Meghan at David's memorial.
February 25, 2015
Mom and Dad.......such love they have.
February 25, 2015
David and Cathy reunited in heaven.
February 25, 2015
Sleep well sweet brother.
February 25, 2015
Dad, taking David to his resting place.
February 25, 2015
February 24, 2015
home alone...missing you
Jan and Michael gilbert
February 21, 2015
David will always be in our heart.
Alex Camara
February 20, 2015
Simply an inspiration to so many around him from family to friends to one of the greats in the whole world of audio..... Greatly loved and sorely missed..... We all hope to leave behind a legacy.... David did in so many ways.... Toasting you always...
Karla
February 20, 2015
I found a message from you in my email. A message I received after I sent you the "Heart Book". It said:
"Hey Kid, The heart book is such a treat....you and your love mean everything to me. Your Bro...."
I love how you could say so much, with so few words.
February 12, 2015
Dearest Carolyn: Our deepest condolences for your huge loss.
It's easy to tell how much David meant to you, your family, and your many friends. -Lou and Mary Anne Christensen
carolyn graebener
February 12, 2015
I wrote this, sort of poem, when David and I were first dating.
David, Shadow Lover
before you...
there was no word Alone.
Carolyn Graebener
February 12, 2015
and something David wrote, also a long time ago...
Sometimes, not unlike the feeling of de ja vu, we sense the beginning/ending point on the circumference of a circle or wheel of experience.
The only truth or significance to this, if there is any, is that all we can do is begin the circle again, around and again, around.
Carolyn Graebener
February 12, 2015
a sort of poem I wrote long ago after David and I started dating...
David, Shadow Lover
Before you...
there was no word a
Alone.
Kathleen Steoger
February 12, 2015
Thank you for posting all the pictures!!! Seeing him laugh and surrounded by those he loved fills my heart with joy.
David Graebener circa 1975?
Laurie Mortinson
February 11, 2015
what a long memory love has, I learned so much from you, quietly deep, and an ability to make people feel so special, especially when they made you laugh, talented, cool, and a great joy to your family, you did well my friend.
Karla Hopkins
February 11, 2015
Thank you for the road trips whether in your Audi, or the motorcycle. Thank you for the genuine hugs, the amazing morning cups of coffee that never tasted quite the same when I could make them myself. I will always cherish the visits on your deck. Hours of watching "Lillyhammer", what a hoot! All my childhood memories: for teaching me how to ride a motorcycle up a tree trunk; for being patient teaching me how to shift, clutch, brake, all the while knowing I am left handed and things are always backwards. It was always an adventure! Thank you for trying to teach me how to dive when I was six, and for rescuing me when I got stuck under the dock. I had a wonderful childhood because you were in it, watching over me, and teaching me. I know in my heart, when I see you again you will have all sorts of shenanigans planned. I will let you borrow that piece of heart you took when you left. In time, I will learn how to get along without it. When I see you on the flip side I'll get it back. I know you are watching over us, just as we are praying for your new journey. I'm glad I never missed an opportunity to say "I love you".
Hugs and kisses.
David Graebener
February 11, 2015
February 11, 2015
David and your Love of your life Carolyn, I wish I would have enjoyed an opportunity to meet you. I love your Carolyn, a dear "forever friend". Your SPIRIT lives on, I'm sure. Friend, Marianne L. Wood.
michelle coss
February 10, 2015
hi David,
I wish I could have spent more time in your company - but the time spent was full of smiles and laughter. You are a person whom once met, you'll never forget. xoxoxo
February 10, 2015
Hi David,
I wish I could Have spent more time in your company but the times I did were always full of smiles and laughter. You're a person even once met, that one never forgets.
xoxoxo
Garret Fritts
February 10, 2015
Such a great man, we instantly got along and I had the feeling I bet that happens for him a lot. He was just like hey, lets hang and talk about all these great passionate wonderful things that I notice in the world and oh yeah lets try to listen to the most beautiful things we each know of on these speakers so we can get goose bumps all over our bodies. A night I'll never forget was the first with David.
February 10, 2015
Thanks for the memories David! You will not be forgotten and will be forever in my heart. I'm glad I had the opportunity to meet you while you were here on the Long Beach Peninsula. Your kind and gentle nature left a great impact on so many of us. xoxo
Steven Kanikkeberg
February 10, 2015
I could never put into words the immense love & respect I have for David. My primary focus was to visit Reno to teach riding (horses) and I was hosted by Carolyn & David. I started looking more forward to the visiting part than the actual work. David always took time to take road trips & entertain me in ways like no other. He will always be with me in part through Carolyn and through the great musicians we all appreciated. Love always??
Last Road Trip with Jack Sala
Karla Hopkins
February 10, 2015
A love like none other
Karla Hopkins
February 10, 2015
Still flying after all those years
Karla Hopkins
February 10, 2015
Last Christmas 2014 - He loved those lights.
Karla Hopkins
February 10, 2015
Long Beach; Flying Kites
Karla Hopkins
February 10, 2015
February 10, 2015
I think David's inherent instinct in life was to embrace the spirits of those who are open to laughter, kindness and generosity. Peggy and I are so glad we got to know him and to spend some time with him... An unforgettable man.
Mike Holcomb, Tucson, Arizona
February 10, 2015
Dear friend; I'm thinking of you, I can see you, and most of all, I can hear you. Thanks for it all
David and Carolyn
February 9, 2015
David, Roy & Gee Gee at the beach cabin.
February 9, 2015
David & Barry
February 9, 2015
David's Urn
February 9, 2015
David's dad, Roy & Karla's hand built box for the urn.
February 9, 2015
Karla Hopkins
February 2, 2015
David used to have a little sports car, I think it was an MG. He picked me up one day and we drove out to Deception Pass and ended up on top of Mount Erie. We were sitting on a cliff looking at the incredible view, and just talked. When it was time to go I stood up but I felt as if the cliff was pulling me over the side. He grabbed the back of my shirt and kept me from tumbling over. We looked at each other and started to laugh. Later that day as we were driving in the countryside around La Conner, he had his stereo on full blast and all of a sudden, we heard a train screaming down the tracks. David slammed on the brakes and we both looked to the right, then slowly to the center and finally to the left following the sound of the train. It was so loud, then we started laughing because we realized there was no train, no tracks, just us sitting in the middle of the road, listening to the sound of a train on his stereo. That's a good stereo! I loved his laugh. You were on this planet for 24,274 days and it was still not enough. You'll always be in my heart!
The "kid"
Cutest little boy too!
Karla Hopkins
February 2, 2015
His incredible speakers!
Karla Hopkins
February 2, 2015
So sweet, so kind, so gentle.
Karla Hopkins
February 2, 2015
That's David.....being silly....
Karla Hopkins
February 2, 2015
Jamees wedding day.
Karla Hopkins
February 2, 2015
David and Karla just hanging out.
Karla Hopkins
February 2, 2015
Just the greatest smile...
Karla Hopkins
February 2, 2015
Goofing off.
Karla Hopkins
February 2, 2015
David and Karla 4th of July!
Karla Hopkins
February 2, 2015
Working away!
Karla Hopkins
February 2, 2015
John and Ilona Barlow
February 1, 2015
David, you fought the good battle and for a while there I actually thought you had bested the beast. So glad I was able to see you in Reno those several times. You were my "bro" in spirit, if not in fact. Ilona and I think of you all the time, and will miss you always.
Mark Janney
February 1, 2015
'Coolest guy around' is how I would describe David. Lucky enough to date Jamee during high school, I had the fortune to know David and Carolyn who were the nicest and most fun parents one could have. I have great memories of wonderfully cooked meals, lots of laughs and a drink or six while jamming to Talking Heads through a set of his speakers. After a long night of fun, David would don a black leather jacket and was kind enough to drive me home countless times in his Volvo. Always gentle and smiling- he had a way of drawing a person in and making everyone feel welcome. I'll always cherish those memories.
Ed Scherer
January 30, 2015
David, you are missed. The world has lost some of its light.
Carolyn Graebener
January 30, 2015
All of these remembrances are so wonderful; keep me crying and smiling at the same time...love him still, always will
The youngster
Karla Hopkins
January 29, 2015
This was part of a post from a friend. It sounds so true about David. I think in these times we need to remember the funny things too. Not just the sad. Here's a story Kathleen shared with me. "I remember so many good times with David back in those days. After I married Don (Nancy's cousin) we lived in Montesano and David used to come down and spend the weekend. We had a cool house on 3 acres it was a great get away. One weekend we had a Halloween party and he dressed as Jesus OMG it was so funny and you know he made a perfect Jesus the long white robe, long hair, dreamy eyes, sweetest smile with that air of wisdom. I loved him from the moment I met him I loved him…. everyone did. We had so many parties in that apt. above Speakerlab one time I remember we actually blew the speakers while playing…… The Doors, Riders on the Storm at full blast. It was such a shock the sudden silence I remember looking over at David as he threw his head back and laughed so hard." Thanks Kathleen, I can vision this. The laugh!!!
Rhonda Berry
January 28, 2015
David touched the hearts, ears and souls of everyone who knew him. His sense of humor was contagious beyond imagination. I feel privileged to have known him and be his sisters best friend. David will never be forgotten his memories will live forever within all of us. I send strength and love to the family. He will be missed.
Bruce Stanley
January 28, 2015
Like a brother. I always looked up to you. My working experiences with David were the best of times ever. Hes not gone, just away. We'll meet again, I hope.
Darren
January 28, 2015
Enjoy your new purple bunker. We'll see you soon.
We as one always!
Kathleen Steoger
January 28, 2015
Good bye great one until we meet again I will always hold you in my heart. Say hello to the other side as loving arms greet you!! Live on sweet one live on.
David and pops.
January 27, 2015
David & Karla at Jamees wedding.
January 27, 2015
David and Carolyn - Halloween (I hope)
January 27, 2015
Mom, David and sister Karla. Just like yesterday.
January 27, 2015
David, loving wife Carolyn and Cosmo.
January 27, 2015
The best smile ever!
January 27, 2015
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