On August 2, 2024, our beloved Dad, Thomas “Tom” Reid Graham passed away at home just shy of his 93 birthday. Tom was born in Portland, Oregon on September 14, 1931. The Grahams moved to Empire, Oregon when Tom was young.
Tom told many stories about his days as a “dirty little Empire boy.” He and his pals would swim at Chickses Creek Falls, or float the bay to the North Spit to play in the dunes. Tom attended Empire Grade School and enjoyed many reunions with classmates.
Also, as a young boy, Tom built a shed (club house) from discarded materials. He later continued building several homes and many woodworking projects. Tom’s building interests were shared with his son and grandsons who all became professional contractors.
Tom briefly left Empire to live in Portland with his grandmother and graduated Woodstock Elementary School. Returning to North Bend, Tom met his forever love, (TGWB) Wanda “Kotch” Boynton, at the Liberty Theater. She caught his eye while selling popcorn at the concession stand.
They were inseparable and graduated North Bend High School, class of 1949. As a Bulldog, Tom participated in sports and held the bamboo pole vault record for many years. Tom and Kotch married November 25, 1949 and celebrated 73 years together before Kotch’s passing January 18, 2023.
As newlyweds, the Grahams lived in Alleghany, Oregon where Tom worked for Weyerhaeuser Corporation. Helping to construct Kelly Lookout was one of his proudest accomplishments. His son Scott.