Berverly Graham

Gentle and loving husband, father of eight, educator, musician, and punster Beverly Keith Graham died on December 19, 2007, after a long battle with congestive heart failure. He was 84. The nationally-recognized New Mexico educator was born on July 24, 1923, in Lamy, NM. He was the son of the late Clinton Merrick Graham and Rubye Lee Gandy Graham, of Sandia Knolls, NM. His brother Roswell Graham and sister Geneva Patton also preceded him in death. His surviving sister, Rubye Lee Gibson, lives in Albuquerque. Bev grew up in Las Vegas, NM. He attended kindergarten through his Masters at New Mexico Normal College, now New Mexico Highlands University. He graduated from high school at age 15. In January 1942, after 2 years of college and a few weeks after the U.S. entered World War II, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. While in the Naval Air Division, he served as an instructor for aircraft machine gun assembly and disassembly. When the war ended, Bev was honorably discharged with his cribbage board and harmonica … After the war, Bev returned to Highlands, where he earned both a B. A. and M.A. in Chemistry, and played on the Highlands basketball team. While at Highlands, he met the love of his life and his lifelong partner in parenthood and public education, the talented Betty Blue. They married in Artesia, NM, on July 2, 1950. Together, they raised eight children. As a dedicated educator, he taught math, chemistry, and physics in New Mexico and Oregon. In 1955, Bev was named NMHU Teacher of the Year, and received an honorary M.A. For 26 years Bev was the State Science and Conservation Specialist for the New Mexico Department of Education. He was active in national and regional professional organizations and their conferences and twice served as President of the NM Academy of Science. As an athlete and sports enthusiast Bev encouraged the athletic accomplishments of his own children. He supported other athletes and sports programs by refereeing high school basketball and football games. Whether through science fair projects, referring sports, or Christian Education activities, or through his interest and conversation, Bev touched a special place in the hearts and minds of children and adults alike. Many flourished under his quiet encouragement and quick wit. Bev was a devoted family man. He encouraged his wife in her career and interests. He was very proud of his children for their character, academic achievements, and accomplishments in their respective careers and lives. He offered his children the breadth of his knowledge and experience, and guidance in their endeavors. Bev's grandchildren, ranging in age from 2 to 30, have all been touched by the same love, teaching, caring, and playing that he showed his own children, and they have all developed a deep love for Grandpa, and strong bond with him. Bev was a skilled wood craftsman, and he liked teaching his kids and grandkids how to work with wood. Bev provided untold comfort and good humor, music, art, education, food – always with a cup of coffee – to the many whose lives he touched. His love of children extended far beyond his own family As a deeply spiritual man Bev delighted in shepherding children and youth in their faith. He was active in church throughout his life, and at the First Presbyterian Church in Santa Fe for the last 43 years, where he served as Deacon and Ruling Elder, and in many aspects of Christian Education. During the 1980s, he and other Santa Fe volunteers worked with Cornerstones to renovate the Presbyterian church building in Chacon, NM. One of Bev's great joys was to play his harmonica for family and friends. At the First Presbyterian Church's Contemporary Worship Service, which he helped found in 1970, he often played with the musical ensemble, "The Inferiors." Through simple acts – in music, sports, wood working, puns, or serious conversation – Bev demonstrated his love and delight in his family, his faith in humankind, and his dedicated belief that by contributing his gifts and accomplishments, he could help build a better world. Survivors include his wife Betty of Santa Fe; his sister Rubye Lee of Albuquerque; three daughters: Mary of Magdalena; Elizabeth of Peñasco; Martha of Albuquerque; and five sons and their spouses and families: David and Lea of San Jose, CA with Rich and Jen; Tim and Audrey of Moab, UT, with Hannah and Tess; Paul and Linda of Bellevue, WA with Mac and Beth; Peter and Vicki of Santa Fe with Kristin and Marisa; and Jamey and Sharon of San Jose, CA, with Isabeaux and Jacobi. Other survivors include his nieces and nephews, scattered throughout the U.S. Memorial services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church on December 29 at 5:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Heifer Project (http://www.heifer.org), Friends of Cumbers and Toltec Railroad (http://www.cumbrestoltec.org/), or the Street Outreach Program with the Youth Shelters and Family Services (P.O. Box 28729, Santa Fe, NM, 87592)...