The passing of Tom Graf absolutely means that the good truly do die too young.  Not one day in the nearly 19 years that I worked for the DEQ (and all it's other incarnations) did I see Tom in a bad mood or without a smile on his face.  My deepest condolences to his family (and the very large group of his friends, of which I consider myself).  I will miss him forever!

While in Florida doing some fishing,  I heard of Tom's passing.  I was shocked and very sad.  I had not talked to Tom since I retired in 2019, and didn't know he was ill.  My deepest condolences to his family.  Tom and I were hired into the DNR, Land Resources Program, either the same, or within a few days in 1986.  He took a position in Lansing and I went to the Plainwell District in Southwest Michigan.  Tom became a Great Lakes expert, and I a field guy and later a District Supervisor.  Tom was our," go to guy" when we had Lake Michigan questions.  He was very knowledgeable, helpful and accessible.  He usually had a smile on his face.  Great coworker and human being.   Rest in peace my friend.    

He always laughed a my jokes no matter how bad.

The 3 Graf boys on a fly fishing trip.

So shocked and saddened to learn of Tom's passing.  I first met Tom back in the old Land and Water Management days with the DNR in the mid-1990s.  Always such a positive guy willing to share his immense knowledge of Great Lakes history, rules and regulations.  A pleasure to work with over the years.  And that smile!

My heart goes out to his family, friends and all who knew him.  He was one genuinely great guy.  We've been robbed of his presence but I will always remember him fondly.  You will be missed ...

If there's a Horrocks in the afterlife Tom, I will sneak up on you there.  Can I get a "Hey Lady!" ?



I have been so saddened by Tom’s death.  As I read all these wonderful memories, I realize that Tom touched so many people over his well lived life. I first met Tom in Lansing during an annual coordination meeting between the Corps of Engineers and MDEQ, and I immediately took a liking to his warmth, sincerity, great knowledge of Great Lakes issues, and almost spontaneously felt like we were long time friends.  During our visits to the MDEQ, Wally Gauthier and I would always seek out Tom to say hello and get an update on what was really going in the Department.  I’m so grateful that during the 2019 spring walleye run I had the pleasure of spending a cold but great day fishing the Detroit River with Tom and Andy Hartz.  It was wonderful to spend some time with Tom out of the office.  More recently, during the winter of 2020 I was sitting at my kitchen table recovering from a significant surgery, when there was a nock on my door.  Wondering who might be visiting, I looked and there was Tom.  He had never been to my house before, but he was in Ann Arbor visiting his brother Matt, who lives down the street from me.  Tom had heard through work and I had injured myself and he stopped by to wish me well.  I was very moved by his kind gesture.  

My heartfelt condolences go out to all of Tom’s family and friends, particularly my neighbors Matt and Lori.  The world lost a great man, the Great Lakes lost a wonderful steward, and I have lost a good friend.

I’m so sorry to learn of Tom’s passing.  As a senior ecologist with the Corps of Engineers, I worked often with Tom to share information on high-profile permit applications and later, as supervisors and program managers, to develop ways to streamline processes while ensuring resource protection.  He actually made that stuff fun.  I remember meeting him at Cross Village and asking him to confirm with me that what we were looking at was indeed something like the 5th breeding pair of piping plovers to be found on the Great Lakes.  I’ll always remember that smile. My sympathy to his family. His grandsons should know that he really helped to protect the lakes and wetlands they will enjoy.

Such disappointing news... 
I saw Tom annually, for a couple of decades, at the Corps-MDNR/MDEQ/MDNRE/MDEQ/EGLE meetings and he was always delightful. He always greeted me as we were long-lost childhood friends and I always felt welcomed in his presence.    I'm grateful to have known him and saddened that I won't get to experience that welcoming presence again.  My best wishes and heartfelt condolences to everyone in his many circles of friendship.

To Tom’s family and friends; 
It is with great sadness that I learned of Tom’s passing.  Please accept my heartfelt condolences.   As a coworker with Tom for more than 30 years we often attended trainings and meetings together and frequently worked together.   I considered Tom more than a coworker but a close friend and someone I truly missed following my retirement prior to Tom’s.  As coworkers we frequently discussed difficult resource issues and Tom was always willing to provide his advice and assistance.   Beyond being a coworker Tom was a wonderful and special person who was a pleasure to work with.  I will always remember his kindness whenever I think about him.  Tom will be greatly missed by all.  My sincere condolences to his family and friends 


I have never known a day at DNR/DEQ/DNRE/DEQ/EGLE without Tom Graf a  part of it.  As a young staff person in Southeast Michigan I quickly figured out Tom was a guy to know and listen to.  After 10 years as staff I became the manager of SEMI Land and Water permit programs.  He could ALWAYS be counited on to help me and later my staff through tough decision making.  Acknowledging his expertise I early on often called about issues for which he really had no oversight, 301 waters vs 325 waters, but he listened., offered advice and would end with.....you know I am the 325 guy not the 301 person. HA....His quiet mentorship over 26 years will never be forgotten.  We fished together in 2019 down on my waters of the Detroit river.  I am grateful for having known Tom.   My sincerest condolences to all that loved Tom.      

Tom was a great colleague to work with in evaluating projects in the Great Lakes. He was an effective and efficient partner in this work and knew the values of our natural resources well. He will be greatly missed.
Tom Allenson , US Army Corps of Engineers, Regulatory Office, retired

Dear Graf family, I was a co-worker with Tom at EGLE. Our paths crossed frequently as we both worked on Public Trust issues. I always enjoyed my conversations with him, he was so kind and gracious, and I learned a lot from him over the years. He was always willing to help me out and patiently answer my questions. He was deeply missed when he retired last year, and I was saddened to hear of his passing. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to you and all those that loved him. 

Dear Graf family, I had the honor of meeting and getting to know Tom at work.  I don't believe I've ever met a more genuine person, or a more likeable person.  I always enjoyed talking with Tom, quite literally without ever a single momentary exception he was a delightful and wonderful gentleman.  Whether we talked about about fishing, the Red Wings- I really wish I'd known him back when they were good!, the Tigers, the Spartans, work, or life, I always came away feeling better and uplifted just for having spent a few minutes of time with Tom.  I'm deeply saddened for your loss

I am still saddened and in shock writing this. “Tom” will always be Tommy to me. Though we were cousins, he was like another brother to me. My older brother and I would go to many of Tommy’s hockey games on Friday and Saturday nights. I also went on a couple of vacations with him, Aunt Jackie, & Tom. On those vacations we would hit all the horror and wax museums. We would tell people that we were from Alaska....lol....boys. I am so sorry and my condolences to Debbie and family.

Tom has a smile
that lit up the room❣️He was a kind, gentle giant whose presence was known and felt. He was our Rose that God planted in our Garden of Life.  All those that knew Tom were truly blessed to have the honor and privilege of having him be a Rose in their life! Love you Tommy❣️ Now you can dance with our Lord!

Tom's life has ended way too early.  With so much to look forward to.  I had the privilege of working with Tom when he started with the DNR Great Lakes Protection programs in the 80's and throughout his career.  While he had some huge shoes to fill from his predecessors in the Department that started that epic program, he did them all proud and carried on the tradition like no one else could ever have.  There has never been a more friendly, caring, dedicated and intelligent true gentlemen in carrying out his job than Tom.   So many times when I would come to the State offices, I would see Tom on his walks with Debbie around either the atrium of Constitution Hall or in the outside courtyard, always going out of his way to  put a smile on my face.  And it always worked.  Even now, amidst the shock and sadness of his passing, I can't help but smile just little as I remember him.  My sincere condolences to his family.  
Rest easy "young fellow" - you were one of a kind.       

Tom had the heart of a servant to all - whether he knew them personally or not. He brought joy to our shared mission, to protect the environment and public health, and he did it with a smile. You could tell Tom approached his life and his work in service of more - his kids, his grandkids and his grandkids grandkids. We were already feeling his retirement, but now our sorrow deepens with his sudden loss. 

We are emotionally connected as we all remember Tom now, even when we can't do it together physically. But thoughts of Tom give all of us hope and leave all of us with smiles.  He truly brought us light and his memory will continue. 

It is with deep sadness to realize such a wonderful person as Tom has died.  He was a great mentor to me while I worked at the DNR.  His patience in trying to help me figure out the problems we found was so appreciated by me.  No matter how many times I bothered him with another problem, he took the time to explain with that great smile on his face.  I will always remember him with that smile.
Take care.
Debbie

I first met Tom when the LWMD merged with the WRD.  He ALWAYS had a smile on his face.  Tom was responsible for the Great Lakes bottomland conveyances that the division director had to sign and as the division director's management assistant, I had to notarize.  Sometimes he would bring me 1 and sometimes he would bring me 20 and he always laugh and say he didn't want me to be bored.  We are a division of 350 employees so I was never bored so we would just laugh and he would walk away.  I'm also the WRD's Personnel Contact so I helped Tom answer retirement questions even after he retired.  I made a joke that since I liked him so much that he had 1 year to use my services after his retirement date.  During one of the e-mails, I asked him how retirement was going and he sent me a picture of his wife holding his new twin grandbabies.  Tom was not in the picture but I could tell by the tone of his e-mail that he was very happy and proud.  It is sad that his grandbabies are not going to know the joy of having such a great grandfather in their life!  My condolences to his family; he is definitely going to be missed by everyone who knew him.

I'm saddened to hear about Tom's sudden passing. I worked with Tom many years ago in the Land and Water Management Division. I remember him always with a smile on his face. He had a great sense of humor and we shared many laughs together. My favorite memories are fishing the Rogue River in the Grand Rapids area on Veterans Day. We usually had the river to ourselves. My sincere condolences to Debbie and family. Rest in peace my friend. 

We were deeply saddened to learn of Tom's passing.  He was a wonderful colleague, neighbor and friend.  Our heartfelt condolences to Debbie, Molly and Tommy and the entire Graf family.  Tom will be missed by everyone who knew him.

 I met  Tom in 2005 when we were Land and Water Management Division, he was such a positive person, it was always a pleasure to work with him.  He made me laugh every day.  He was so cheerful, kind and funny.  If you knew him for very long you understood that he loved his family,  he was passionate about the Great Lakes, and he was one of those rare people that brought out the best in everyone.   


Here is a photo to accompany my earlier message.

Such a fun guy.

Dear Graf Family:  I worked with Tom my entire career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Detroit District.  Tom was a wealth of knowledge.  He was the “go to guy” at the State for any topics related to the Great Lakes, especially bottomland issues.  He was always the utmost professional, always friendly, was a great teacher, and he knew how to get things done.  He will be sorely missed.  I am saddened by his passing.  The Great Lakes were fortunate to have such a great caretaker and watch dog during Tom’s career. 

 I send my thoughts and prayers to the Graf Family during this time of loss.    

Sincerely,
Shawn Sanchez

I had the great pleasure of knowing and working with Tom. I find myself at a loss of words to express the profound sadness carried with the news of his passing. Tom was simply the best. 

I have so many wonderful memories of spending time with Tom... walking the shoreline of Mackinac Island, identifying trout midges and warblers before lunch at the Pink Pony. Planning driving routes that conveniently went through Brevort so a quick stop could be made at Gustafson's to pick up smoked fish for the drive home. Planning field work to include a meal at the Cut River Inn, which made one of Tom's favorite Whitefish Sandwiches. There was always a theme of traveling with Tom... have your next meal planned.  

We loved to speculate about the Poverty Island Gold and the reemergence of the Griffin while discussing the joys of Great Lakes salmon fishing and quiet locations in the UP to get lost while finding brook trout. Tom knew someone everywhere we went and he was always welcome.  

As much pride as Tom had in his work and the relationships that he cultivated throughout the state, his biggest joy and pride was his family- which grew to epic proportions with his grandsons. I cannot imagine the void that his passing leaves. I send my most sincere and deepest condolences to you.  

I was deeply saddened to learn of Tom's passing.  I had the privilege of meeting Tom as we worked off and on concerning Great Lakes issues.  I can remember Tom's measured guidance when dealing with a contentious bottomlands issue in Grand Traverse Bay.  Tom had a way of making a point without burning bridges.  I was always left with the impression that Tom was such a decent human being.  Tom also held such a depth of knowledge and was always willing to give you his time and attention to whatever issue you brought to him.  I am so sorry for your loss, such a fine person in the workplace had to be such a treasure to his family.  I respected Tom for his knowledge but remember him mostly as such a decent person.  I wish you peace and comfort.

I am deeply saddened by the news of Tom’s passing. He was a friend and highly respected colleague that I worked with, trusted and admired like few others for many years. To his family and close friends, I know what a treasure you have lost. May his example guide you through life with his same passion, kindness and humor.

Debby and entire Graf family - Keeping you in our prayers and hearts and sharing in the tremendous loss you have with Tom's passing.
Although we haven't seen each other often as adults, I  often remember fondly our years growing up together and feeling I had three brothers with Tom and his brothers.
Truly a remarkable person who was always lots of fun and enjoyable to spend and hour or a day with!
Remember always the BEST times, his unforgetable laughter and good life.  He enjoyed his family so much.  I am certain he had an easy path to Heaven's gates and was greeted with open arms from family that went before him.  

I was fortunate to sit next to Tom at work. He was generous in sharing his knowledge of Great Lakes shorelines and their stories. He loved his family and was so excited when he and Debby found out they were going to be grandparents. It has been a gift to know Tom.  We are all better for knowing his caring, thoughtful, and humorous self.  I will miss him. 

I am deeply saddened to hear of Tom's passing.  It was a privilege to know and work with him.  I admired his sincerity, composure, penchant for listening, and straightforward advice.  My heartfelt condolences to Tom's family.  I know he will be sorely missed.  

I am deeply saddened by the news of Tom's passing.  I worked with Tom through our entire 30+ year careers.  He was a wonderful person, extremely knowledgeable and always willing to share his knowledge, experience, ideas and sense of humor.  Hearing his booming voice over the cubicle walls always brightened my day. The world, and especially the Great Lakes, are better today because of Tom. I will miss him.   

I  am so sorry and at a loss for words.  Reading all these memories reminds me what a great person Tom was. My first memory of Tom was freshmen year at Divine Child and I was at the talent show and the guy sitting behind me was cracking so many jokes and of course it was Tom.  Funny, respectful and so so nice.  

Tom and I were in the same program at MSU and I had the privilege  of working with him over his entire 30 year career.  He was the go to guy for all things Great Lakes, including his involvement with underwater preserves and ship wrecks. I have fond memories of field trips to the St. Clair flats. We enjoyed comparing stories of raising children. He was always approachable, willing to help, and just an all around great guy. 
My sincerest condolences to Debby, Molly, Tommy and the rest of his family. 

Our hearts go out to Debby, Molly, Nick, and Tommy for the sudden loss of a wonderful man.   Tom was always fun to see and talk to when we would get together at the Nobles. Tom had a great sense of humor and always had that twinkle in his eye when you saw him. Tom made a point of taking the time to catch up with what was going on with you and the family every time we saw each other. Always loved hearing his stories and vacation adventures. 
We just can’t believe we won’t be able to sit down together  and share a cold craft beer with him this summer. He will be greatly missed.

I am so shocked and saddened to hear about the loss of Tom. I was born -2 weeks after Tom in the same year....so we shared birthday greetings for over 25 years. I remember walking over to his office with a Great Lake question and he always had the answer and the history...plus, something witty over the cubicle wall to make Kate, Chris and I laugh.  He was always so positive, enthusiastic,  and helpful with a great laugh and merry eyes. My memories of Tom are many, but I know he was happiest strolling with his wife on lunch walks. Tom was the greatest advocate for the Great Lakes. He will be greatly missed! 

My deepest condolences go out to Tom's family and friends.  I didn't have the opportunity to work with him everyday but whenever I had a question for him or a tricky site to discuss he was always available to talk and was so incredibly knowledgeable.  He was a great teacher and supported so many of us in Department.  He will be greatly missed. 

Tom had such a joyous personality and uplifting sense of humor.  I always looked forward to his UP visits and the opportunity to learn firsthand from his Great Lakes expertise.   Even with his vast knowledge, Tom was always approachable and humble.  One time a contractor referred to me as "young man" and Tom immediately corrected him, which I just really appreciated.  I am deeply grateful to have worked with him.  My sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.  

I first met Tom when he came to SE Michigan District Office to go to Harsen's Island.  He was the type of guy that once you knew him he never forgot you.  When we both worked in Con Hall the last few years, we would often leave the building at the same time.  We would say hi and sometimes comment on the weather or how we were doing.  He was taken much to soon and will be sorely missed. 
Condolences to his family on the passing of great guy.

I’m one who worked only occasionally with Tom and I always wished I’d known him better.  No matter how contentious a meeting was going to be, he’d greet you with a broad smile, a hearty hello, and a hilarious aside, and you knew you had a formidable ally.  He was completely unflappable.

He also had a sense of humor that could make you snort pop through your nose.  His upbeat energy could be felt throughout a packed meeting room.  His spirit was so positive, and he shared it generously.  Saying that he’ll be missed is an understatement.  


Tom was a mentor to me. His knowledge, integrity  and kindness made him one of the most influential people to work with.  I enjoyed our Stamp Sands,  fly fishing, and angry Lake Superior stories we shared.  My deepest condolences and prayers to his wife Debby and family. 

I am so sad to hear of Tom's passing.   He will be sorely missed.  Tom was a great person to work with.  Always kind to everyone and always had a smile on his face.  Being a secretary, I haven't left the office many times, but one of those times was to tag along on some site visits in the St. Clair Flats area with Tom and Amy Peterson.  I'll always remember what a fun day that was.  My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Tom and I met on his first day with the DNR in the mid-80s, and remained friends as our work lives took us in different directions.  He spoke at my retirement party in 2018, where he shared his favorite story about his job interview.  He was a family man through and through, talking about Debby, Molly, and Tommy with great pride.  As soon as I heard, "Hey, Patrick!" over my bookcase, I knew that the next few minutes would be pure enjoyment from Tom's legendary sense of humor.  No matter what else was going on, Tom made me laugh, often eliciting an embarrassing snort.  Thank you, Tom, for all the memories.  I will miss you forever, my friend.



Dear Debby, Our deepest sympathies and condolences to you and your family. We are so sad now but so blessed to have known Tom. I still remember the first day I met him at MSU. We sat in his room listening to Springsteen and talked about what we wanted to do, where we had been and where we were going. Tom was one of the best guys I’ve known and we always had good laughs. I was one of the lucky Hole members because I was able to have lunches with him and catch up on life and follow our families. So many good memories. Tom will always remain in my thoughts and in my heart. Love always, Bryan and Jo Ann.

I went to college with Tom and will always cherish the (sometimes) wild and crazy times we had.  
Tom was always happy and ready to tell a joke or laugh at someone else’s.  I have always tried to behave the same way.  
I am so glad that I had kept in touch with him and Debby over the past 40+ years, even if it was sometimes only through Facebook or Christmas cards. 
The old gang got together this time last year and he was so excited for the next chapter in life; retirement and grandchildren.  It was wonderful to see him.  
I will always remember the fun times.  I will always remember Tom.  

I am so deeply saddened by the loss of Tom. He was one of the kindest, smartest, and most helpful people I've ever known...always bringing a smile to everyone even in tough situations. Humanity needs more people like him! We knew we'd miss him at work when he recently got his well-deserved retirement, but we knew he was ecstatic to spend time with his family and especially the grandbabies. Praying for his family for strength and peace through their grieving. He will be dearly missed by so many. 

He was my mentor, and he was my friend.
  
He dedicated his professional life to protecting the Great Lakes, for those yet to come he'd never meet.  
He dedicated his personal life to his family and friends, caring for their needs above his own.   

A better man I have never known.   
Thanks for showing us the way, Tom.  


I enjoyed Tom's friendship at work.  We often talked about our enjoyment of fly fishing.   It was sad that he retired at a time we couldn't get together due to covid to celebrate his career.  But even more so now with his passing.   My condolences to Tom's family.  He was a great person.

My deepest condolences to Tom's family, friends, and former co-workers.  He was so friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful, and I was privileged to spend time learning from him.  We shared a love for craft beer and I will be raising a toast to honor his life and legacy.

One of the most influential people I have had the pleasure to work with, and an even better person.  My thoughts are with his family and friends

One of the most helpful, friendly, respectful and respect-worthy people I have known.  A coworker and I had joked about being in the "Tom Graf Fan Club," because we appreciated working with him so much. 

Truly a wonderful man.  Always lifting us up by just being in our days.   -Carol 

OBITUARY

Thomas Paul Graf

March 5, 1959 – February 24, 2021

Gorsline Runciman Tiffany Chapel

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