Richard Graham Obituary

I was saddened to learn of Dick's passing. I only spent a little time with him. I had knowledge of most of the Peregrine Falcons nesting in Baja California, Mexico. Dick with John Swift and Dr. Greg Hayes wanted some falcons for captive breeding when they started the United Peregrine Society, and they asked me to take them to the nest sites so they could gather some falcons to breed. They had planned to release the falcons' progeny back into the wild and restore the endangered peregrine populations. They had permits from Mexico and the U.S. to do that for that purpose. We spent about a week and came back with some birds to breed. I got to know Dick during that week, but we lived in different places (me in Lakewood, CO and Dick in Colorado Springs, CO) and lost touch. My condolences to his family and friends for their loss.

I met Dick while he was driving through Oregon in 1968. He shared his ideas of breeding peregrine falcons for release in the US and set out to find a location for a breeding project. International Paper offered him land in Southern Oregon near the Klamath River contingent upon his raising monies to support such a project. At the time Dick was in preparation to go to Air Force trainings and then off to Viet Nam. The falcon breeding project in Oregon did not happen but Dick built breeding facilities on his property in Colorado Springs, Colorado and he produced his first peregrines in 1975. He continued to work hard in that project and some of the young he produced were released in Oregon. One historical nest site was reoccupied near that release point and I suspect it was from the birds he produced. We lost touch over the years but I have some good memories of the things he accomplished during his lifetime. Our Condolances to Dicks family.
Dan and Bev Fenske
Harrisburg, Oregon

This is such sad news to hear! I have so many fond memories of times spent with Richard. I am sure that Richard and Nancy will be reminiscing together about the good times at First Colony

My deepest sympathy to Richard's family. He was a remarkable gentleman and will be missed by all who knew him. I knew Richard socially for a number of years and visited with him frequently when he lived at MP in COS. God Bless.

It was my honor to be Mr. Graham's nurse. He was a great man. My condolences to the family

The Buckley SFB military Retiree Activities Office (RAO) would like to offer our sincere condolences and our gratitude for Lt Col Graham's service to our country in the Air Force. If you would like help with any matters related to casualty assistance, Defense Finance & Accounting Service, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Veterans Affairs (VA), etc. you can contact our office on Buckley SFB at 720-847-6693. The RAO is staffed by volunteers, all military retirees themselves, and our sole purpose is to provide assistance to any military retirees and surviving spouses/family members with anything related to their military service and/or benefits, in particular during difficult times such as this. We are deeply sorry for your loss.

Steve Young
Lt Col, USAF, Ret
Director, Buckley SFB RAO

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

I remember the first time I met Senior, he was such a friendly, humble and kind man that would invite anyone including a complete stranger into his home with warmth. He will be forever remembered and missed.