Ervin Herman Graber

The incomparable and omnipotent Ervin Herman Graber, CMSgt., USAF (Ret.) left us on March 2, 2017, for whatever comes next. Always our loving father, grandpa, neighbor and friend, the Chief and his brave spirit, curmudgeonly nature, and "marginally acceptable" wit will inspire our hearts and memories forever.

Erv entered this world on a sunny day in July 1929, the first son of Herman and Elisabeth (Vetsch) Graber. He thrived with his younger brother Glen in the Swiss farming communities of the Great Pacifi Northwest, playing along the Columbia River and catching the biggest salmon you've ever seen - with his bare hands and in the dark. He graduated from Union high School (1947) in Vancouver, WA, where he lettered all four years. He attended and, by his own words, barely graduated from Washington State University (1951 physical therapy), where he also actively participated in the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. He later added two Master's Degrees to his academic credentials (personnel management from the University of Southern California, and industrial arts at Abilene Christian University).

Erv launched his 26-year Air Force career in 1951, where he served in Japan during the Korean Conflict, worked "in electronics", designed fighter plane simulators, and quickly rose to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant before retiring in 1977. He met his life-long love and companion, Dorothy Ann Harris, while stationed in Topeka, KS, and they were married in October of 1954. Over the next six years, Erv and Dorothy welcomed their three children, Kim, Kevin and Kip, who were privileged to share his military life and travels throughout the world, including Bitburg, Germany; Columbus, Ohio; Phoenix, Arizona; Okinawa Japan; and Abilene, TX. Some of Erv's most enjoyable and memorable times occurred while serving as the pit crew chief for his sons Kevin and Kip - and many of their young friends - racing motocross on the mud tracks of Kadena Air Base and Naha, Okinawa.

Erv and Dorothy were fortunate to live their retirement years fully after settling in Phoenix. Erv enjoyed life and golfed to his heart's content, used his woodworking and carpentry skills to improve almost all the garages in the area, and entertained his family and Ahwatukee neighbors with caustic humor, Friday night get-togethers, and perfectly grilled steaks and prime ribs. Erv "paid it forward" by sharing his knowledge and skills with his children and grandchildren. He truly believed everyone was entitled to his opinion.

During these times, Erv also watched his and Dorothy's legacy grow with the addition of five amazing grandchildren: Kendra, Allison and Alex (Kevin) and Addison and Taylor (Kip). Especialy during his later years, friends and family could often catch him sitting at the kitchen bar, red pen in hand, energetically "editing" articles in the Arizona Republic and adding his critical commentary to lengthy obituaries like this one.

Erv was tragically preceded in death by his youngest son Kip, and, just three years ago, by Dorothy, his wife of almost 60 years. He is proudly remembered and survived, however, by his daughter Kimberly Graber and her potcakes (Boulder, CO); son Kevin Graber and his wife Heather (Menomonee Falls, WI); daughter-in-law Cynthia Graber and her husband Tom Howard (Phoenix, Arizona); and grandchildren Kendra Perry (Forrest); Allison Chouinard (Nicolas); Alex Graber (fiancée Kym Hansen); Addison Graber; and Taylor Graber.

Erv's exceptionally "adequate" life will be celebrated at the Graber homestead in Ahwatukee on Saturday, March 25, beginning (as he might say) "sometime around" 2 p.m. Doc Krukenbergs may even be served. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, a special nature preserve where Erv, Dorothy, Kim, and their out-of-town friends spent many hours birding, walking, and picnicking. Donations should include an indication they are "in memory of Ervin Graber" and may be mailed to Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 37615 East US Highway 60, Superior, AZ 85173-5100; made by phone by calling (520) 689-2723; or submitted online at www.arboretum.ag.arizona.edu.

Arrangements under the direction of Advantage Funeral and Cremation Services Maryvale Chapel, Phoenix, AZ.