Thomas Atkinson Graham

Thomas Atkinson Graham died on April 4, 2024 in Arvada, Colorado. He was born in Brooklyn ninety-something years ago (he doesn't like to give the exact date) to Spanish-American War vet Clifford Graham and Canadian nurse Gwen Graham (who treated many during the 1918 flu epidemic). Note that Tom's grandfather served in the Civil War with the NY State Militia.

Tom saw some sea duty and time at Philadelphia Naval Ship Yard late in WW II, then joined the Army Air Corps civilian training program and received a pilot license. He had a plane while living in New Jersey.

He was in the Class of 1950, Virginia Tech, then served in the U.S. Army Engineers in the Korean War. He was in the Alaska Army National Guard for 9 years, reaching the rank of First Sergeant.

Tom was a construction manager for the Project Mercury first man in space test facilities at Hampton, VA (where he also owned the Dude Ranch Bar), for Beaver Creek ski resort design and construction in Colorado, for Pinawa new town project in Manitoba, Iran National Transportation Study, and several other major projects. He was a planning director for several communities before returning to construction. One was MatSu Borough, Alaska, largest area town in the US at 25,000 sq.mi.

Tom received the master of architecture degree from U. of Manitoba in 1964, and Post-grad Economics Diploma, U. of Oklahoma Industrial Development Institute, 1973. His other education credentials include associate degrees from Rider U. and Front Range Community College, and diplomas from Ottawa Capital Plan Program and Jones Real Estate College.

Tom was active in conservative politics and enjoyed many friendships in the Jeffco Republican Men’s Club for more than 20 years.

He and Betty were married in Toronto in 1971, remained happily together, and had sons while in Alaska: Cameron (married to Jessica) in Denver, and Andy (married to Jennifer) in Trinidad, CO.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude and love to the Lutheran Hospice team, especially TT and MM.

In accordance with Tom’s wishes there will be no funeral service, but his ashes will be scattered in a family gathering at a favorite mountain location. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Tom’s memory to the Denver Dumb Friends League, 2080 S Quebec St, Denver, CO 80231.