John Leroy Graham

John L. Graham, 68, of Corvallis passed away Sunday, September 16, 2007 at home with his family after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born February 24, 1939 in Astoria, Oregon to Howard and Doris Graham. His family lived in Idaho and Oregon throughout his childhood where he developed a love of outdoor adventures including camping, fishing, hiking, mountain climbing, skiing and golfing. He attended elementary schools in the Portland and Clackamas areas. Later he attended and graduated from Milwaukee High School Class of 1957. He then went to work for the Oregon State Highway Department as a surveyor. He attended Portland State University, later transferring to Oregon State University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 1968 and was employed by CH2M Hill in Corvallis the same year. He went on to earn a Masters degree in Sanitary Engineering with a Minor in Bio Chemistry. Later in his career, he was a Registered Engineer in numerous states around the country. Other memberships included the Pi Beta Kappa fraternity, the Corvallis Kiwanis and numerous engineering organizations. He was also a member of Grace Lutheran Church where he recently served on the Church Council. John retired from CH2M Hill in 2000 as a Senior Process Enginer after a 31 year career. During his tenure, his work took him all over the country as well as many countries abroad. This helped to develop his passion for travel, and fueled his insatiable curiosity for learning. He was recognized as an authority on processing and treatment of chemical waste world-wide. Anyone who knew John was often the recipient of his frequent jokes and puns. Friends and colleagues refer to him as "an engineer's engineer". He is survived by his wife, Tricia of Corvallis; a daughter, Kari Christiansen son-in-law Bruce of Eagle, Idaho; a son, Kipp Unrein daughter-in-law Rorie of Bend, Oregon; a daughter June Graham of Hermiston, Oregon; seven grandchildren he adored: granddaughters - Lauren Christiansen, Abbey Christiansen, Elizabeth McClurg, Mary Ellen Wright, Carmen Rose Unrein, grandsons - Justin Graham and John Taylor Wright; brothers Richard Graham wife Linda of Denver, Colorado; David Graham wife Carolyn of Oregon City; sister Sharon Cook husband John of Pendleton and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Joseph Graham. A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held Sunday, September 23, 2007, 1:30 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 435 NW 21st Street corner of Kings Blvd. and Harrison Blvd.. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in John's memory to Santiam Christian Schools, Attention Renata Walker, 7220 NE Arnold Avenue, Corvallis, 97330-9443. www.santiamchristian.org