William W. Graham

From my experience, Bill may best be described as a family man and consummate professional with a vast corporate knowledge of the VA and the VA environment. I had the distinct honor of getting to know and work closely with Bill post 9-11 and especially since 2004 collaborating and leading the construction of one of the VA's operations centers. During the time on this roughly 6 year construction project Bill willing shared his expertise to facilitate the project and mentor team members enabling the project to complete on time and within budget and providing the VA with a much needed resource for business continuity. This speaks to Bill's dedication to the mission of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the veterans that the VA serves. I am proud to have had the time to have Bill as a friend and co-worker. The prayers of the Emery Family go with Bill and his Family. Rodney Emery

Diana and Stepanie, my heart goes out to you. I am so sorry for your loss. I have many wonderful memories of your family and our visits over many years. I am hear if you need to talk and know that God is there to comfort and watch over you. God bless you, Kim Stewart (Hoy)

I was Stephanie's first babysitter as Bill and Diana were hesitant to leave you with a stranger. As I had 7 - later 10 grandchildren - I was concerded "expert' - much love and fond memories from Anne and Neal and McBride. Stephanie - Do you still have the Raggedy Anne doll I made for you?

Bill was the Assistant Chief Engineer under the Chief, Dallas Johnson, at the White River Junction, Vermont VAM&ROC just before I got there in 1979. I married the budget clerk in Engineering there who knew Bill very well. She has stories about Bill that will remain with me. Every time I saw Bill at an Engineering conference, he would ask me "How is Debbie?". Bill preceded me to Fort Lyon, Colorado as the Chief Engineer. I also remember the night in East Saint Louis that Glenn referrs to, but if I remember correctly, Mr. Wexler was the focal point of the night. I will leave it at that for now. All I can say is that things were a lot different then than they are now. Bill was a natural leader. He had the gift of gab and the knowledge and experience to successfully lead the Engineering Program. He always had that wonderful smile on his face. I cried when I heard about his passing and I miss him. May God bless his wife and his family.

Bill will always be remembered as the one Engineer in VACO that was willing to be the voice, heart and soul of all of the Chief Engineers in the field. His honesty and integrity often propelled the Chief Engineers to the highest level of support for their respective Medical Centers. Salt Lake City Medical Center Engineering Department

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

In honor of William W. Graham, Ellen Mangino lit a candle.

I remember Bill at one of those Chief Engineering Training conferences. He had the knack of gathering a room full of enigneers just rattling off joke after joke. If I could remmeber 10 of them I'd be lucky. He had the jokes that would make a drunken sailor blush. Ah Bill, you were one original person. Will miss ya...Just keep em laughing up there.

I came into the VA system as a recent graduate from what I thought was a great engineering school (Virginia Tech), that was until Bill clued me in that if you didn't graduate from a Texas university you were just wasting your time. Bill was always a mentor and coach for me growing up in the system. As a TCF intern, staff engineer, section chief and later chief engineer, Bill was always there to makie sure I was on the right path. It was fun watching him navaigate the polictical world of VACO and I was glad when he found a way to escape VACO and build his little bit of heaven before we went there….I remember him telling me about the observatory he was building in an old grain silo at his house in West… by God….Virginia….so it looks like he was true to his physics roots……. The days of camaraderie that existed in the national engineering program no matter who was in charge was always built on the foundation of Bill’s presence. Whether he was acting in the role or supporting other leaders like Neil McBride, he always made sure that the other programs did not forget about us……. I also have a memory of a lip stick covered undershirt from a "field trip" to East St Louis that was presented to him at a national conference. That would never pass muster in today’s PC world but it is always a great memory I have of the good ol’ days……

Diana, Please accept the sympathy of Le Moyne College on the occasion of the death of your Husband. Be assured of our prayers for him, for you and for your family. ~Le Moyne College Office of Alumni & Parent Programs

Bill had the greatest sense of humor. Very Texan - slow and deliberate delivery. We loved his singing voice and were touched by his humility. He will be greatly missed. Larry and Shirley Slebodnick

I loved working with Bill for many years, starting in the Office of Construction, on Minor projects. He knew everything you needed to know and I always thought he was one of the sharpest dressers around. He served as an inspiration throughout my career - we worked together on projects, CARES, and just about every construction related event in VA. A great friend and co-worker. Dan Hollyfield

We are so saddened to hear of Bill's death. He was a true Southern Gentleman. We are praying for God's comfort for Diana and Stephanie. The Spangler Family

.......what a WONDERFUL man!!!!!!! Kate Sullivan

WHAT can one say about this wonderful and gentle man! Our fondest memories come from the visits to our home when Bill would spend the night "because I have to be in the office early" and the long chats would begin. He would hand Gayle a newly purchased shirt "I need this to wear tomorrow" as he arrived and then head right to the screened porch where he and Larry would go late into the night with the back and forth ribbing and catching up on things. There would be reference to how Larry and Neil always made fun of the crazy way Bill carried his coffee cup "can't have any spills when it's so full" when the three of them had coffee breaks at Central Office. The topic of Kermit would also bring peals of laughter as they reminisced about crazy antics, jokes shared, and wishing they all could spend more time together. Serious conversations of family, the raising of children, how he loved Stephanie so very much, and the closeness he and Larry always felt "Larry, I feel very much like your brother" would always be topics of discussion. Since retirement for Larry, he and Bill met often for lunch and emailed almost daily.....with the brotherhood continuing. We were so very fortunate to have seen him "Hey Bud, we needed some catch up time" just a week or so ago. It was like God giving Larry a bit more time with brother Bill before He took him. Yes, there will ALWAYS be smiles and good times rememered when Bill comes to mind. SUCH an incredible loss for all those who loved him. Larry and Gayle Palmer

Bill will be missed by all in our VA extended family who had the privilege to know and work with him. He was a joy to be around, always a smile and a kind word, and not above an occasional prank. I not only enjoyed working with Bill during the day but also enjoyed his company after work hours when I could revel in our camaraderie and freely share thoughts about friends and family. And let’s not forget those construction projects including house building where I learned so much about skill and patience each Saturday over the course of one year. This has come as a shock to me. Nevertheless I will always remember the good times we shared together and smile when I think of Bill Graham. Steven Wexler

Oh Bill.....how you will be missed! I won't forget your last visit and your hug goodbye. Gary will long remember the football game and the great times at Thanksgiving! We love you and will miss you eternally. Love, Annette & Gary Moskop