Edward Harry Grazier

Lieutenant Colonel (ret.) Edward H. Grazier, of Mesa, AZ, passed away March 6th, 2021 surrounded by so many who loved him. The world has lost an amazing man. He dedicated many years of his life to serving the country he loved, but to us he was always a loving husband, father, grandfather or friend.

Edward was born in 1945 to Mary Frances and Raymond Grazier in Hagerstown, Maryland and was a proud citizen of the Cherokee Nation. His family moved to Colorado when he was a boy. He graduated from Colorado State University and Babson College.

He spent 27 years in the United States Army as a helicopter pilot, serving honorably in Vietnam. After retiring from the US Army he continued his love for helicopters by working at McDonnell-Douglas/ Boeing in Mesa. He taught graduate classes at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. His love for service extended to his volunteer work with the Native American community and as foster parent to over 63 children.

Ed was always proud to be from Colorado and would stop to talk to anyone wearing a CSU or a Broncos shirt. We always marveled that no matter where we went there would always be someone who knew him. He loved nothing more than spending time with his family and adored any time he had his house, car or motor home filled to the brim with his beloved grandchildren. He absolutely doted on them and was unabashedly smitten with each and every one. They all took a turn as babies, perched on the arm of his recliner watching football or “This Old House.” He attended school events, parades, games, competitions, and concerts of theirs proudly. They remember that he was always willing to treat them to some McDonald's. He lived for the sound of their laughter and they all laughed at his corny one-liners. Our hearts were so filled as they said their goodbyes and assured him he was the best grandfather they could have ever had.

He leaves behind the love of his life, soulmate, and best friend Barbara, son David (Kathy), son Jason (Julia), daughter Amanda (Conrad), daughter Johanna (David), and grandchildren, Stephen, Austin, Jake, Russell, Max, Zachary, Sam, Natalie, Tatianna, Alex, Natalii and Benjamin. His daughter Katherine passed in 2016 and we are comforted in knowing he is with her now in heaven.

He loved good food, good wine and a beautiful Arizona sunset. He also loved an exciting Bronco's game and a cold beer (always Coors). He was always tinkering in the garage. Ed had a passion for wood working and our homes are filled with beautiful, custom pieces of furniture. Our children's children will sleep in the cradles he crafted. He was that person to call if you had a crisis at 3 in the morning. He would show up without question whenever he was needed: with advice or a toolbox. He would always find a way to fix it. In the last few years of his life he suffered from Alzheimer’s and it's effects were profound. He may have forgotten details about the past but he never forgot his love for his family. His eyes lit up with love at the sight of his family until his last day.

We will be celebrating his life and service at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Banner Alzheimer’s Foundation in his honor.