Thomas Graham

Tom was born on October 7, 1948, to the late William (Bill) and Marie (Sweeney) Graham in New York City. He was raised in Southgate, Michigan, and graduated from Southgate High School in 1967. While at Southgate High School, he excelled at wrestling. He resided in East Lansing, MI., and Marquette, MI, before relocating to Alaska in 1978, where he spent his career in heavy construction.

Tom is survived by his daughter, Jennifer (Phil) Schroeder, and their three children, Quinn, Isla, and James of Oak Park, Illinois. His two brothers, Bill Graham of Roanoke, Virginia, Jim (Claudia) Graham of Suttons Bay, Michigan, and Christine Patterson (Jennifer’s mother) of Negaunee, Michigan. Among his many friends, Mike Smith and Jeff Sharnbroich were with him until the end.

Tom was many things. He was a great conversationalist. Being a good Irishman, Tom loved to spin stories. Many nights, he could be found at the local watering hole with his friends, enjoying a beer or two, discussing politics and sports.

Besides Fairbanks, Tom worked at several places in Alaska, including Kodiak Island, Homer, and Seward. In 1988, Tom moved to Fairbanks. He worked there until his retirement in 2012.

Tom had many interests. He was active in sports. Tom was a skilled long-distance runner. He often outright won races in Alaska. He was a great basketball player who used his strength as part of his game. Tom also loved softball, playing on several teams in Fairbanks. He played sports well into his 60s. He also organized an under-six-foot player basketball tournament in Marquette in the 1970s. He loved snowshoeing.

Tom enjoyed spectator sports. He was a fan of the Detroit Tigers, Pistons, and Lions. He also supported Michigan State University sports. Tom was also an avid reader. He particularly enjoyed historical fiction.

Tom will be buried at Birch Hill Cemetery on Tuesday, June 17 at 10:00 a.m.. A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held on June 27 at the Midnite Mine Brewing Company, 308 Wendell Ave, Fairbanks, AK, beginning at 4:00 p.m.

Tom loved animals. In lieu of flowers, please donate to any local animal shelter.