Neil Graham

Click on this link to join us at Neil's memorial service  https://my.gather.app/remember/neil-graham

Neil R. Graham, sixth and final son born to Byron and Anna Graham in Kalispell passed away at home on a warm summer evening in Billings surrounded by his wife and daughter.

Neil grew up in the LaSalle area of the Flathead Valley, graduating from Flathead High School—Class of 1958. It was in a high school FFA class Neil would meet a group of rough around the edges farm boys that would go on to become the best of lifelong friends. They know who they are.

A soft spot for Neil would enter his life during his senior year in the form of a cute little freshman named Lorraine Bauska. At first, she thought he was nothing but a brat because he stole her books and teased her continuously. But his teasing and good-hearted fun grew on her and they were married in January of 1960. Neil and Lorraine were a true product of the 1950s and a stellar example of what a committed relationship and marriage should look like. This year they were married 65 years.

In October of 1960 a son, Shane would join their family, followed by a daughter, Whitney in 1965. Neil, Lorraine and the kids began their life together on the family farm near the banks of the Flathead River. It was there you could find Neil in his "office" as he often called it. Knee deep in the river with a fly rod in his hand.

Neil farmed alongside his brother, Frank where together they successfully operated an award-winning dairy for many years before moving on to shepherd a band of sheep. An amber wave of grain or a freshly swathed field of alfalfa were Neil’s church and his family’s wellbeing his only concern.

Ever the jokester and perpetual tease, Neil often became the favorite uncle, was an outstanding husband and father, the bestest grandpa ever, and a rock-solid friend. Neil’s broad shoulders that were always available to lean on, his arms that were always reaching for the babies and his hand that somehow always found its way gently on your shoulder for a reassuring squeeze when you need it most, will be so very missed.

Neil was preceded in death by his parents, Bryon and Anna, his brothers, Byron, James, Robert, Frances and Lawrence and a precious grandson, Conor.  

He is survived by his loving wife, Lorraine, son, Shane and grandson, Quinten, daughter, Whitney and granddaughters, Tiana (Anthony) and great-grandchildren, Liliana and Daxon and Tara (Cody) and great-grandchildren, Athena, Zendaya, Timothy and Elizabeth.

Neil’s unwavering guidance, honesty, kindness and unconditional love can never be replaced. To say he was one-of-a-kind would be woefully inadequate. He was one in a million, and we loved him so.

Dad, you sure showed me some wonderous things. ~Shane

Daddy, I love you more than junk. ~Whitney

Memorials may be given in Neil’s name to the Juvenile Diabetes Association, The Chase Hawks Memorial Association or a charity of your choice.

A memorial service for Neil will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16 at Darlington Cremation and Burial Service in Kalispell.

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