Russell Eugene GRAHAM

Russell Eugene Graham peacefully passed away on September 15th in Spokane, Washington. He was the only son of five siblings born to Phyllis Jean Gambol Graham and Don Elwood Graham on October 7th, 1952, in Akron, Ohio. As a young man, Russ enlisted in the United States Navy and worked on a refueling ship as a wartime postman for the soldiers. Known affectionately as Smoky from his shipmates due to his thick black curly hair, Russ found joy in the quiet of the ocean and the clarity of the stars over the water that helped him find peace in a time of war.

After returning home from Vietnam, he began his career as a tile setter and excelled at creating beautiful kitchen floors and bathroom mosaics that were meticulously crafted by hand. He would also raise four children with their mother, Terry. Aside from his work, Russ enjoyed playing guitar and listening to all of the classics. He often would be found singing old Jim Croce or Cat Stevens songs, something that he would hold onto even after he struggled through the effects of Dementia. Russ was also a talented writer. Writing his own poems and song lyrics on the back of envelopes and old scraps of paper. An artist at heart, he would pass down his talent and passions in one form or another to each of his kids.

Aside from Russ's physical talents, he was a warm and gentle person. Russ was the calm in the chaos of life and a dad who loved his kids more than anything. He was a man who exuded empathy and kindness to whoever he met. The type to give you the flannel off his back and the last dollar in his pocket, his absence is immeasurable.

Russ is survived by his four children, Taryn, Jme, Katy, and Zack; their mother, Terry; his sister, Patsy Stowe; his daughter-in-law, Kayla; and his soon-to-be-born granddaughter, Wren. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and various other family members that will all miss him dearly.

Russell's celebration of life will happen on his birthday, October 7th, in Manito Park, at 5pm. Please come celebrate and share memories of Russell with his loving family.