Bill Graves
Bill Graves
I'm not sure the exact time I met you - but I have so many great memories - each one bringing a smile to my face.
My family always loved staying at your place in Mexico, and we always felt so blessed that you would share it with us.
Fast forward a few years, and I started hanging out with a little punk named Cole Erickson. You and Sue ran into Cole and his mom in the cities and decided to go for lunch. You immediately called my dad and told him you were having lunch with his future son in law. I think Cole and I had maybe hung out once or twice...not even dating yet. Here we are - 6 years later and married. You called that one!! Best part of that story?? You had gotten dressed in the dark that morning and were wearing SUE'S DRESS PANTS! Did you care? Of course not, you just laughed it off. Your sense of humor will never be forgotten.
I will always remember you and Sue dancing at my wedding. They way you two look at each other, respect each other, love each other, and danced the night away taught me more about love and marriage than a lot of people have. And you did it all without even saying a word.
Last summer Cole and I had the opportunity to spend an evening at your condo in the cities. We still think it was one of our best weekends we've ever had. Your kindness and hospitality will never be forgotten.
About a month or so ago - you called me to give me some business advice. I'm sure you probably had a million other things going on at the time - but you made me feel important. You made everyone in your life feel important. I have experienced it myself - and now reading it all on Facebook just proves how much of an impact you had on everyone you came into contact with.
Last summer I had the opportunity to teach your boys, Dalton, Carter, and Noah how to swim.....or....I attempted anyways. :). What sweet, sweet boys. Even at their young age - I could see you in them. In the way Noah always wanted to try his hardest and do his best. In Carter's sense of humor. In Dalton's.....well...Dalton was always trying to get away with things so - I will just leave it at that :).
Every time I taught them swim lessons on green lake - you invited me to stay after, have some tea, and chat about life.
I always looked up to you and Sue and your entire family at church. Your family basically took up an entire row at church. From teenagers, to pre-teen, to squiggly babies, it seemed you and Sue always had the biggest smiles on your faces and never let the little things of life get in the way of the big picture.
You taught me that I can do whatever I want in life (with God's help, of course).
You taught me that Costco really does make the best pair of jeans (for only $15).
You taught me that life isn't about money or possessions - its about God, Family, and caring about others.
You taught me that life happens. The more you try and plan it - the more you will realize that you are not in control, and God is.
Thank you for all the wonderful things you have taught me - I will remember them forever.
Thank you for the life that you lived, the husband that you were to Sue, the father that you were to your kids, and the friend that you were to everyone you came into contact with.
You will be missed. Keep dancing (and running) in heaven, my friend.
I'm not sure the exact time I met you - but I have so many great memories - each one bringing a smile to my face.
My family always loved staying at your place in Mexico, and we always felt so blessed that you would share it with us.
Fast forward a few years, and I started hanging out with a little punk named Cole Erickson. You and Sue ran into Cole and his mom in the cities and decided to go for lunch. You immediately called my dad and told him you were having lunch with his future son in law. I think Cole and I had maybe hung out once or twice...not even dating yet. Here we are - 6 years later and married. You called that one!! Best part of that story?? You had gotten dressed in the dark that morning and were wearing SUE'S DRESS PANTS! Did you care? Of course not, you just laughed it off. Your sense of humor will never be forgotten.
I will always remember you and Sue dancing at my wedding. They way you two look at each other, respect each other, love each other, and danced the night away taught me more about love and marriage than a lot of people have. And you did it all without even saying a word.
Last summer Cole and I had the opportunity to spend an evening at your condo in the cities. We still think it was one of our best weekends we've ever had. Your kindness and hospitality will never be forgotten.
About a month or so ago - you called me to give me some business advice. I'm sure you probably had a million other things going on at the time - but you made me feel important. You made everyone in your life feel important. I have experienced it myself - and now reading it all on Facebook just proves how much of an impact you had on everyone you came into contact with.
Last summer I had the opportunity to teach your boys, Dalton, Carter, and Noah how to swim.....or....I attempted anyways. :). What sweet, sweet boys. Even at their young age - I could see you in them. In the way Noah always wanted to try his hardest and do his best. In Carter's sense of humor. In Dalton's.....well...Dalton was always trying to get away with things so - I will just leave it at that :).
Every time I taught them swim lessons on green lake - you invited me to stay after, have some tea, and chat about life.
I always looked up to you and Sue and your entire family at church. Your family basically took up an entire row at church. From teenagers, to pre-teen, to squiggly babies, it seemed you and Sue always had the biggest smiles on your faces and never let the little things of life get in the way of the big picture.
You taught me that I can do whatever I want in life (with God's help, of course).
You taught me that Costco really does make the best pair of jeans (for only $15).
You taught me that life isn't about money or possessions - its about God, Family, and caring about others.
You taught me that life happens. The more you try and plan it - the more you will realize that you are not in control, and God is.
Thank you for all the wonderful things you have taught me - I will remember them forever.
Thank you for the life that you lived, the husband that you were to Sue, the father that you were to your kids, and the friend that you were to everyone you came into contact with.
You will be missed. Keep dancing (and running) in heaven, my friend.
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