Richard McGraw

Richard McGraw October 3, 1933-January 12, 2016 The Honorable Richard McGraw, past "Mayor" of East Wenatchee, WA and past "President" of Eagles Aerie #3708 in Bridgeport, WA, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, with the age 82. He was being cared for at the home of Barbara Watts in Wenatchee, WA. We have a great appreciation of the attentive care she gave him. Richard McGraw was born in Bayard, NE on October 3, 1933 to Irish/Scotch Photographers. His boyhood memories recalled traveling with his parents through the Dairy County of Puget Sound, WA. His father photographed literally hundreds if personal families and dairy herds with his mother artistically using oil colors on the black and white photos. (Pre-color photography days.) He enjoyed his friends, while living on the Tulalip Indian Reservation by Priest Point, where they loved to explore the docks and the beaches. His dad helped him get into the Army at the age of 14 and he was able to go to Sapporo, Japan. this is where he studied the psychology and physical discipline required in the Oriental Art of "Line Illusion," and then it was back to the Northwest. He had a commercial art studio on the east side of Portland, OR. Then, he opened a printing firm followed by an advertising and trade show business, while specializing in the visual arts of Commercial Graphics. After 17 years of being an Advertising Artist/Cartoonist and doing some sole searching, he came back to the Cascade Mountains. The first place he lived was in Leavenworth, WA; then he moved to East Wenatchee, where he ran his Art and Rhyme business and then he tackled the prestigious job of being the Mayor of East Wenatchee, WA. It was very interesting and challenging, but it gave him such a feeling of accomplishment. He really trusted and appreciated his two bankers friendship through thick and thin. Time went on with more things changing, so he moved to Bridgeport, WA, where he got a house. He found a wonderful little church right by his house and made friends with the businesses, especially with Atadea's Grocery and the gas station/market by his house. Also, the Eagles Aerie #3708, where he became the President. He was also on the city council. All of the people were so friendly and helpful to a wayward artist/poet far from his family and friends. He tried to keep up his "Poetry",commisioned paintings, and his "Iris Dragon" painting collection, along with his photography, stories, signs, and his boat that he named the "Sea Squirrel." He was a dreamer and loved the Puget Sound, Priest Point Docks, and the Cascade Mountains in Washington State. The Art and Rhyme that he created was simply offered for everyone's pleasure. He is survived by his daughter, Karen Simpson (Debbie); son, Kirk McGraw; his beloved sister, Jocoline (Joy) Smith; Quinnelline McGraw; and two grandsons. Richard will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but thankfully his fabulous works of Art and Rhyme, especially his "Whimsical Irish Dragons" will live on forever. Services will be held on Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at Telford's Chapel of the Valley.

Richard McGraw

October 3, 1933 - January 12, 2016