George Gordon Graham

George Gordon Graham was born in Phoenix, Arizona, on December 17, 1937, to George and Betty Graham. A sister, Karen, was later born in 1938. In 1940, the family moved to Kalama, Washington, where George attended Kalama Grade School. He graduated from Kalama High School in 1952. A special time in his senior year, was the football team winning the the Kalama State Championship. His basketball team also placed 3rd in the state-wide Basketball Championship.

After George attended L.C.C. for a short time, in 1955, he went on to the University of Seattle, where he took up pre-law. In 1957, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He became a special agent for the Counter Intelligent Corps, where he conducted security clearance in investigations.

George met and married Yvonne Bell in 1961, who had three daughters through an earlier marriage: Theresa, Laurel, and Denise. They adopted and raised a son, Nick. After 31 years together, Yvonne passed away in 1992. 

In his 52 years in real estate, George purchased Ed Dixon Realty in Kelso. He made and worked with many life-long friends in this dedicated profession. He was true, honest, and respected by all who knew him. He had a great sense of humor, and was never without a quick, joking response. He always had a positive attitude in life. He retired in 2012.

In 2009, George began dating widow June Pierce, who became his longtime companion and best friend for life. They made many dancing trips to Dixieland festivals in the area, and took cruises to the Bahamas and other vacation spots. They had wonderful times going to dances and dinners at the Kelso Elks, where George was a member for 37 years.

George was also a faithful Kiwanis member, one year receiving the prestigious George E. Hixon Fellowship Award.

George was a gambling man. His game was craps; he loved rolling the dice! He made many trips to Las Vegas, Reno, and other casinos in the area. He aslo enjoyed his weekly card games for many years, with his good friend Al Smith, and his other buddies.

Every gambler knows the secret to surviving: knowing what to throw away and knowing what to keep. Every hand is a winner and every hand is a loser. In viewing the gamble of life, George has always said that the best you can hope for is to die in your sleep.

Survivors include son Nick Graham, and step-daughter, Theresa Faling, both of Longview. George also had one niece and two nephews in his family, Lisa Stephenson and Rick Weiler, Longview; and Rob Weiler, Kalama. Other survivors include one great-niece, five great-nephews, and one great-great nephew named Ryven. 

Preceding George in death was his sister Karen Weiler, Longview. But no family member or friend was closer to him than his companion, June Pierce. She survives to honor his memory. 

In lieu in flowers, please consider donating to the Cowlitz County Humane Society.