George Graham; architect, family man of few words

George A. Graham was not a man of many words. Family and friends say he was reserved, gentle and quiet in the best kind of way, but that his influence will live long after him.

As an award-winning architect, he helped design buildings that have graced Seattle for decades. As a family man and friend of many, his kindness and quiet concern for others are remembered with great fondness. And with his deliberate reticence, he helped foster understanding.

"He was not given to glib pronouncements," said his daughter Dianne Graham of Seattle. "He left so much unsaid. He left us to be more observant."

Mr. Graham, a lifelong resident of Seattle, died Sunday (Oct. 21) of complications of heart disease. He was 82.

In 1959, Mr. Graham was the lead interior-design architect for the University of Washington Hospital. He accepted a national award for design of the hospital's waiting room areas on behalf of his firm, NBBJ Architects. He also planned much of the interior of Virginia Mason Medical Center. And he designed the brick chapel and garden of Seattle's University Christian Church, where he was a member.

The son of a University District furniture dealer, Mr. Graham grew up in the neighborhood, exploring Cowan and Ravenna parks, fishing and swimming with his brother. He graduated from the University of Washington, then served as an officer on the USS Stanly, DD-478, a destroyer that saw heavy action during World War II, including a kamikaze attack in the South Pacific.

Many years later on a family car trip to California, Mr. Graham saw the mothballed ship by chance in Vallejo and let out a whoop. "I don't think I ever saw him more demonstrative," said his son Steve Graham of Seattle.

Mr. Graham's wife of 57 years, Marjorie, and his children fondly remember family camping trips he instigated. Kalaloch, on the Washington coast, was a favorite destination, and Mr. Graham was teased for years about the time he forgot the tent poles during a trip there. Trees provided makeshift support.

Family members also joked about his thriftiness. He was known to keep T-shirts for many years and continued to wear his old Navy pith helmet for decades when involved in outdoor activities. But his children also noted his unfailing generosity: volunteering at his church; joyfully giving time to his kids, playing catch, skiing, helping with homework; his financial help to those in need; and "countless blood donations."

Mr. Graham was a lifelong Washington Husky fan, attending games as a boy when the football team played on a dirt field. He didn't miss a home game for about 50 years, his children believe. But even as a devoted fan, he was quiet at the games, especially about the opponent: "He never demonized the other team. If ever there was a gentleman fan, he was the one," Steve Graham said.

With his love for drawing, space and color, Mr. Graham also enjoyed many hours with his hobby of watercolor painting. At the family's Whidbey Island beach house, he painted dozens of seascapes and other scenes, many of which now hang in the homes of family and friends.

Additional survivors include Mr. Graham's brother, Walter of Seattle; another son, Phil Graham of Lime Village, Alaska; another daughter, Carolyn Graham of Redmond; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. today at University Christian Church, 4731 15th Ave. N.E., Seattle. Memorials may be made to Group Health Cooperative Hospice or University Christian Church.