Hugh R. Graham

Hugh Graham was born in 1926, in Longmont, Colorado, son of Raymond and Nellie Graham. Immediately, after high school graduation in 1941, he enlisted in the US Navy Amphibian Corps and was commissioned to USS Rockbridge. He fought bravely in the WWII Pacific Theater, specifically the invasion of Iwo Jima.

After his enlistment, Hugh attended the University of Colorado and played baseball for the Buffalos. An accomplished athlete, he lettered three consecutive years in 1948, 1949 and 1950. During this period, he acquired the nickname “Big Stick” and led the Big Seven Conference in hitting in 1948. Following graduation, he played semiprofessional baseball in Wyoming. It was at this time, he met and married the love of his life, Emma Marie Rea of Hyattville and they made their home in Thermopolis, Wyoming.

A prolific entrepreneur and self-made man, Hugh successfully owned and operated many thriving businesses in the community of Thermopolis. These included real estate brokerage, development and construction of homes, apartments and commercial properties. He also owned a 1,000-watt regional radio station and eighty bed skilled nursing facility.

Giving back to his community and the industries in which he worked was important to him and therefore he served on many boards in the real estate, broadcasting and healthcare industries. He was appointed by Governor Stan Hathaway of Wyoming to the Department of Economic Planning and Development (3 yrs) and to the State Licensure Board for Nursing Home Administrators. Hugh was a Shriner and a Master of the Masonic Lodge.

In 1982, the Thermopolis Chamber of Commerce named him “Man of the Year” for his civic and business contributions to the community. On September 17, 1999, he was inducted into the University of Colorado “Living Legends” for outstanding achievement.

Hugh and Emma retired to Sun Lakes, Arizona in 1985. In retirement Hugh enjoyed an active life, playing golf and tennis and spending time with friends and family. He was a member of the Sun Lakes Rotary Club and was a devout Christian attending the Sun Lakes United Methodist Church

Always considerate and kind, Hugh is remembered for his generous and warm personality, selfless nature and most importantly his thoughtful stewardship and love of his family.

Hugh is preceded by his sister, Jean Morgan, and survived by his loving wife, Emma, two sons; Raymond “Skip” and wife Brett Graham of Scottsdale, Arizona and Bradley and wife Marcia Graham of Cheyenne, Wyoming, and grandchildren Nicole Bollinger of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Krissy Barragan of Denver, Colorado, Tamaran Conover of Denver, Colorado, Megan Brown of Buckeye, Arizona, Hugh Robert Graham of Cheyenne, Wyoming and Jodie Graham of Scottsdale, Arizona and eight great grandchildren.

Arrangements under the direction of Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery, Chandler, AZ.