Graham Kenneth White

Graham valued the relationships that he formed in all aspects of his life. Graham’s greatest joy was being a father to his daughter Madelyn. He shared her many interests in art, the outdoors, and spending time on adventures with friends and family. He was an outstanding husband to his wife, Debbie. Graham loved spending time with his family and friends, kayaking, swimming, hiking, horseback riding, and camping. He enjoyed Thursday night poker with friends, and cherished time on the water at the family home in Jamestown, Rhode Island. Graham was known for his warm smile, his booming voice, his laugh, his kindness, and his interest in a good conversation.

Graham was a graduate of Wilson High School and Wesleyan University. He worked as a contractor in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area for many years. His projects reflect his exceptional ability and expertise, but he found the relationships formed with his many co-workers and clients to be the most rewarding aspect of his work.

An avid kayaker, Graham was a well-liked and enthusiastic member of the kayaking community. He was known for his adventurous spirit, off-the-river celebrations, and sharing his love of the sport with friends and family. His ventures included the Upper and Lower Yough, the Cheat, and surfing ODeck.

Graham is survived by his wife, Deborah Jeanne Whalen, his daughter with Deb White, Madelyn Jane White, his siblings, Mary Francis Giffin (Rob) and their children Andrew, Sam (Genna), and Sarah (Sean); Tina White (Mary), and children Evelyne (Marcos), Haley (Ajit), and Cameron; Anne Louise White (Bill Cooksy) and their children Emily and Molly; and David White (Pattie) and their children Lillian, Louise, and Sonora. Graham was Great Uncle to Eleanor Cooksy, and Alida and Edith Giffin. Graham is the son-in-law of Marcella Whalen and the late Jerome Whalen. He is survived by his brother-in-law Michael Whalen (Karen Dull) and their children Nicholas, Jordyn, Adam and Grey; and his brother-in-law Kevin Whalen (Kathy Brown) and their children Alexander and Carolina. He is survived by in-laws John and Karen Rosen, with their children Mitch and Jordan. Graham is survived by numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends. He was an exceptional uncle.

Family and friends are invited to an outdoor celebration of life service for Graham at the Carderock Picnic Pavilion in Carderock Recreation Area, Bethesda, Maryland, on Monday, October 27th, 2025, from 11:00 am - 12:30 pm. Please dress for unpredictable Fall weather and grassy terrain. Graham’s family is grateful for the outpouring of support and care from our community. In lieu of flowers, those interested in making a donation in Graham’s name may direct contributions to American Whitewater.