Kurt F. Graff

1950 - 2025

Kurt F. Graff

August 1, 1950 - July 7, 2025

Tacoma, Washington - It's with deep sadness that we announce the death of Kurt Graff, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, who passed away on July 7th, 2025.

Kurt was born August 1, 1950 in Munich, Germany, to Maria Barnes(Volk). Kurt's father, Earl Barnes, came into their lives when Kurt was 4 years old, while stationed in Munich. As an Airforce family, they were fortunate to be stationed in both the United States and Europe over the next several years.

While living in Chateauroux, France at the age of 15, Kurt met the love of his life, Linda Graff (Hammon), whose family was also stationed at Chateauroux-Delos Air Base. Kurt and Linda's romantic courtship, getting to know each other while eating crepes in Chateauroux and dancing together at base sponsored dances to the Beatles and their favorite song, "Unchained Melody", was just the beginning of their love story. Though separated for a short time when Linda's family returned to the states, they were reunited when Kurt's father was stationed at McCord Air Force Base, and his family moved to Parkland, WA.

After locating Linda and showing up unannounced on her doorstep, Kurt and Linda were soon after engaged and married, not willing to spend any more time apart. Together they created a life centered around their unwavering love for each other, family and travel! One of Kurt's greatest joys in life was being a "Poppy" to his adored granddaughters, Ava and Myra, who he insisted to all that would listen, were the most wonderful grandchildren in the world.

Kurt spent over 30 years serving the Lakewood/Tacoma community as a banker for Puget Sound National (Key) Bank and Columbia Bank. He ended his long and successful career as the President/CEO for Northwest Commercial Bank (now Heritage Bank). Kurt's dynamic personality, sense of humor and genuine care for those that he served and worked with, brought him great happiness and pride.

Kurt will be remembered for his deep love, generosity and commitment to his family and the community that he served. He is survived by his daughter, Yvette Butler, son-in-law, Jason Butler, granddaughters Ava and Myra Butler, sisters Ednorah Arvelo and Lori Murray, sister and brother-in-laws Dana Barnes and Carlos Arvelo, and several nieces and nephews. Kurt was preceded in death by his wife, Linda Graff, parents Maria and Earl Barnes, and brother Earl Barnes. He forever held a deep pride and love for his Bavarian birthplace and family in Germany.

At Kurt's request, a private family gathering was held to celebrate his life, filled with love and laughter. The family would like to express our deep gratitude to his oncologist, Dr. Frank Senecal, and cardiologist, Dr. David Zhang, for their compassionate care of Kurt over the last 11 years as he lived courageously with Multiple Myeloma cancer.