Donald Graham Obituary

Donald Graham

March 25, 1945 - November 18, 2024

SANTA ROSA - Donald Graham slipped away peacefully at his Santa Rosa home on the morning of November 18, 2024 with family and friends at his side. His final weeks were spent bidding farewell to his immediate family, close relatives and friends, and his band of old Napa pals. Don had lived for several years with Parkinson's Disease and recently received a sudden colon cancer diagnosis.

He was predeceased by his parents, Leona Ruth Hein and Edward R. Graham, and brothers Paul and Mark Hein, of Napa.He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary Anne (nee Pramuk), his children and their families, all of Santa Rosa; Matthew (Suzanne Karp), Tim (Trina Corson), grandchildren Zeke, Gwen, and Lindsey Graham; and sister Mary Hein of Sacramento. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

Don was born in Temple, Texas on March 25, 1945. He graduated from Napa High School in 1963. He reveled in telling the tales of his youth, his many friends, many cars, and meeting Mary Anne. He married Mary Anne (nee Pramuk) in August of 1967, and in 1969 was drafted into the U.S. Army. He wrote a book "Coming Home Whole," which told the remarkable story of being drafted into the Army, his service in Vietnam and at the Tripler Army Hospital in Honolulu, where he worked in the Psychological Services Department. Their first son, Matthew, was born while Don was stationed in Hawaii, and their second son Tim, was born two years later in San Francisco.

He held a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology from CSU, Chico and a Doctoral Degree in Education from Brigham Young University. Don was the Director of Counseling at California State University, Chico and later the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs. Don and his family lived in Chico for 37 years.

Don and Mary Anne enjoyed traveling. They ventured to Europe, New Zealand and took road trips in the U.S. and Canada with dear friends. The entire Graham family joined their friends, the McClains, at Trinity Alps Resort for 27 years. They experienced the trip of a lifetime in Tahiti, when they stayed with their dear friends, the McClains, on their sail boat.

Don loved his family dearly and was a devoted father and grandfather. He went to his grandchildren's sports games and performances including baseball, soccer, badminton, and chorus performances. He wrote poetry for Mary Anne for every holiday, birthday, and anniversary. He got a kick out of slipping his grandchildren an extra monetary gift at Christmas, sometimes big jars full of coins.

Don took pleasure in reading science fiction books. He liked to listen to the music from the 1950's, 60's, and 70's. He was an ardent fan of the San Francisco 49ers and the Golden State Warriors.

His lifetime passion for cars was passed along to his sons, who fondly recall a long string of interesting automobiles, that included the '67 Chevelle Malibu, '67 Pontiac GTO and '79 BMW 528i as some of the memorable cars of their youth. The Graham men and their cars - reaching back to Don's teen years - is a prolific and nostalgic oral history that connects generations.

Don Graham, aka Papa Don, will be remembered as a role model for many. He was kind, compassionate, and generous and had a deep love of his family and friends. That love was reciprocated and he will always be cherished by those who knew him.

There will be a private Celebration of Lif.