Robert James Graham

Robert James Graham (Bob) of Rocklin, California born September 10 1944 passed away August 27, 2015, surrounded by his family, after a courageous four year battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Carol, four children Bob, Jeff, Karrie and Joe and eight loving grandchildren. Bob was born into a large Irish Catholic Family from Tacoma Washington who, before he began high school in 1958, settled in San Jose, Ca. He was the fifth of the eight children born to Fred and Margaret Graham; Mick, Patricia, Marge, Tom, Bob, Jim, Dave and Joey.

A Political Science major from Sacramento State, much of his adult life he spent working in the field of Government at both the state and federal level. He traveled extensively early in his career and had the honor to work with George H. Bush and Ronald Reagan. He established himself at the State Capitol and retired from the California State Senate in December of 2012.

His love for the game of baseball stretched far beyond the successes of high school when he signed a letter of intent from the then, California Angels. It continued as a coach for Tri City Little League from 1970-1994. There, he passed on his love for the game to his children and to the community becoming a positive influence to countless youth in his community along the way. He had many successes throughout those years, but the moment he cherished the most was not a Little League Post Season or an All-Star run. It was on a warm summer night on June 18, 1976 when he met the love of his life Carol at a Tri City Little League dance. That night, the two of them sat on the steps outside Finn Hall in Rocklin, listening to music and they both knew they had met the one. They were married a year to the day later, and for 38 years they have been an icon of love to all that had the opportunity to see them together.

Bob will be forever known by friends and family as a caring and loving family man that always knew how to have fun. He could find humor in any situation and had the ability to make everyone around him feel comfortable and loved. He had compassion towards those in need and gave the best advice a father and friend could give. He had a deep rooted love for his family and from long talks he would often say “as son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and uncle, I couldn't be prouder.”

There are no words to explain the impact you have had on all of our lives. You were the son that made your parents proud, the husband that loved unconditionally, the father that sacrificed everything to be there for his children, and baseball coach that everyone wanted to play for. We are proud of who you are and what you stood for. You will be forever in our hearts and prayers. We love you and await the day you are there to greet us at the gates of Heaven. Until we see you again Papa, may you rest in peace.

Rosary to be held Sept. 2, from 5 - 7 PM, Lamberts Funeral Home, 400 Douglas Blvd, Roseville. Funeral Mass September 3 at 11:00 AM, SS. Peter and Paul Church, 4450 Granite Drive, Rocklin.