Memories of Denis John Graham

In memory of

Denis John Graham

Galveston, TX, USA

December 31, 1949 - May 2, 2021

Dec 31, 1949 - May 2, 2021

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Kathy Olafson-Smith

Denis was my first love, I am so sorry to learn of his passing. I knew him in New York when he was 19 and I was 17. He was my everything.

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Comments:

Carey Graham

Thanks so much for sharing. I remember him talking about you. We were fortunate to share 47 years before... Read more Thanks so much for sharing. I remember him talking about you. We were fortunate to share 47 years before the Big C took him.... Read more Thanks so much for sharing. I remember him talking... Read more

Kathy Olafson-Smith

Thank you. He never liked New York. Broke my heart when he moved away. Can you tell me what he said? ... Read more Thank you. He never liked New York. Broke my heart when he moved away. Can you tell me what he said? Not long after he moved... Read more Thank you. He never liked New York. Broke my heart... Read more

Susan King

Hi Kathy. This is Susan, his sister. I was your last name Novotny? Hi Kathy. This is Susan, his sister. I was your last name Novotny? Hi Kathy. This is Susan, his sister. I was your last... Read more

Kathy Olafson-Smith

yes yes yes

Kathy Olafson-Smith

I just saw this now sorry for the delay I just saw this now sorry for the delay I just saw this now sorry for the delay

Karen Cunningham

Still miss you, Baby Brother, but smile more when I think about you. Glad you were able to make use of my red, '68 Camaro probably more than I did.

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Tommy Fox

Well, my time with Denis was pretty short considering the many long-term friendships he fostered that I have been reading about. Denis gave me a short-term contract job when he knew I was unemployed and looking. He couldn't offer me a job in my field, but he did need some new software at Diamond M Offshore when he was not an officer of the company. That short-term job kept my family fed for about 3 months and gave me the time required to find my next full-time job.

His vision of what could be done allowed offshore rigs to do some weight/balance calculations within mere seconds instead of using ship-to-shore phone calls to call in dozens of numbers and readings, wait about 10-15 hours, and then receive their needed answers via another ship-to-shore call. He thought it could be done onboard with a personal computer and he was right.

I sincerely regret that our lives did not intersect as long as I had planned or hoped for. We were neighbors the in 80s in Sugar Land.

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Beki Ferguson

It's a well kept secret, I am sure, that it is not always easy being married to a Ferguson. Denis made it look pretty easy though and we always knew we were welcome. I loved his enthusiasm for life and for fishing. I remember boat rides into the sunset. Our hearts weep with you.

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Gary & Carol Crouse

We have millions of memories-Green Belt - Mustang Island - Camping - and Galveston. In each memory there is the "Denis Graham smile."
Will forever be missed.

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Carey Graham

Paula Agers

Shared a heart

Carey Graham

Bill and Vikki Berenz

Pecos Dr.

We met Denis and Carey in Glaveston when we rented their beautiful Pecos Dr. home for three months during the winter of last year and this year. Denis and Carey were so attentive and helpful and nothing went unattended. Denis could fix anything and it was taken care of immediately. They are both such friendly, caring people. They treated us like family and always checked in to see if we needed anything. Although we knew Denis was not doing well at the end of March, he insisted on taking us out to lunch. Denis was one of a kind and we will miss him dearly. Carey, we will continue to pray for strength, peace, and healing.

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Carey Graham

Ezequiel and Brenda Garcia

Shared a heart

Linda Stapp

Carey Graham

Comments:

Linda Stapp

One of our great patio gatherings with Denis and Carey last year. Denis took us out for a beautiful boat ... Read more One of our great patio gatherings with Denis and Carey last year. Denis took us out for a beautiful boat ride and Carey prepared... Read more One of our great patio gatherings with Denis and Carey... Read more

Linda Stapp

One of our great patio gatherings with Denis and Carey last year. Denis took us out for a beautiful boat ride and Carey prepared a wonderful happy hour and dinner. Gonna miss you Denis
Love Linda & Andy Stapp

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Carey Graham

Pat Wallace

Carey,

The Wallace family shared some great times,across the canal, with Denis. We watched him holding 3 month old Charlie and introducing him to his first fish. I loved his sense of humor and the UT/AM rivalry...flags flying. Thinking of you and all of yours. Cheers to our friend, Denis.

Pat Wallace and family

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Carey Graham

Debbie Bird

Galveston, TX, USA

Denis taking us 'On the Town'! Great night!

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Carey Graham

Debbie Bird

Galveston, TX, USA

Denis was the BEST....best fisherman, bartender, grill master, host, engineer, husband and father...no other like him...he will be missed!

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Carey Graham

Jim and Karen Carey

So very sorry for your loss. May your wonderful memories of Denis bring you comfort and peace. Love and prayers to you and your family.

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Carey Graham

Jeremy Whitehead

Shared a heart

Carey Graham

Dennis Johnson

2009, Galveston Island, Texas, USA

My First Wade Fishing Trip with Denis Graham!

I was introduced to Denis by my wife Pam Junker Johnson who had been friends with Denis and Carey for years before we married. Both Denis and Carey were friendly and outgoing on that first introduction and did everything they could to make me feel as though I had been a friend of theirs for a lifetime. Denis and I hit it off pretty quickly, so much so that he invited me to go wade fishing with him the next morning to which I happily agreed. I arrived the next morning exactly where he told me just at sunup and Denis helped me get into my waders and rigged my pole for the trip into the surf and even helped me gear up with the "Quick Release Belt". He told me we would venture out about 50 yards or so to a sand bar and then a short swim of perhaps 15 feet to the next sand bar where we would spend our morning fishing. All the while I was thinking 15 feet swimming with all this stuff to carry? Well, it wasn't all that bad and before I knew it, we were on the last sand bar. Denis helped me bait my first cast and the next thing I knew, we were fishing. All of a sudden it occurred to me that I hadn't asked him to explain the 'Quick Release Belt", so I asked! He told me it was there to help prevent shark bites or being pulled into the deep and drowning by shark only interested in my catch. All I had to do if I felt a hard pull on that belt was to yank that strap and let it go and the shark would likely take the fish and leave me alone. Now, I could have panicked (I felt like I would) but instead, I looked back over my shoulder toward the beach which now looked at least 3 football fields away and only felt a little sick at my stomach. I turned back toward Denis to asked if he had ever had a close call with a shark attack just in time to see a dorsal fin topping the water just a few yards to our right and I just about had a heart attack. Denis, being who Denis was, just grinned real big (just like the picture featured on this site) and he said...Dolfin. Ya'll know that grin I'm talking about... all full of life but just a little bit mischievous. Well, we had fun that day and I made a new and really good friend in Denis Graham on that ONE AND ONLY wade fishing trip with him:). I'll miss that grin of his, but I know I'll see it again. I'll close by saying that Denis and I shared a common faith which teaches that all who "Fall Asleep In Christ" are carried off on the Angels Wings of God to that Place Christ described to the forgiven at the Cross as Paradise. Try to imagine, if you can, the journey he took, the adventure and beauty of it all. I'm betting that Denis Graham had that grin on his face the whole way. I'll miss you my friend but I will see you again.

Dennis Johnson

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Jim McCulloch

JACEY FERGUSON

Bryan GRAHAM

Carey Graham

Comments:

Carey Graham

Loved reading this story, Dennis. Yes, I know that "smirk" very well. You guys definitely hit it hard... Read more Loved reading this story, Dennis. Yes, I know that "smirk" very well. You guys definitely hit it hard early on. Loved reading this story, Dennis. Yes, I know that... Read more

Teresa Troy

We met Denis last year when we visited Galveston for 3 months. He and Carey were warm, hospitable, and full of info about the area. We had so many laughs together! We enjoyed wonderful dinners ... one even with the whole Stapp clan, a boat ride, and a memorable Mardi Gras evening at the Bryan Museum and Fish Tales. We even realized that Denis's Dad and my mom had worked together oh-so-many-years ago. Denis's love of family, work, and the ocean came through loud and clear. We know that Denis is reunited in heaven with family and friends who have passed before him. Hopefully that brings you some comfort. We're thinking of you all... With love, Teresa & Gary

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Carey Graham

Comments:

Carey Graham

So thankful we were able to get together - lots of conincidences, for sure! So thankful we were able to get together - lots of conincidences, for sure! So thankful we were able to get together - lots of ... Read more

Teresa Troy

2020, Willie G's Seafood & Steaks, Harborside Drive, Galveston, TX, USA

Carey & Denis and the Stapp Family

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Carey Graham

Comments:

Teresa Troy

A fun dinner January 2020 with the Stapp family. We laughed and laughed! You will be missed Denis.... A fun dinner January 2020 with the Stapp family. We laughed and laughed! You will be missed Denis.... A fun dinner January 2020 with the Stapp family. We... Read more

Bill and Lydia Yarborough/Turner

Although we did not often see Denis and Carey, we did visit their home on special fun parties. Denis was always making sure everyone felt very welcome. I remember his encouraging me to learn how to Texas Hold Em.!! He was a great and interesting guy. Carey: our deepest condolences. ❤️

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Susan King

Carey Graham

Tom Chromcak

Going to miss my co-graduate of the 1976 Centennial Class of Texas A & M University...whoop! 👍
What a great guy and great family. He Never let my beer go empty. Thanks D.

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Susan King

Carey Graham

Comments:

Carey Graham

One of the photos from a A&M reunion is in the video :) One of the photos from a A&M reunion is in the video :) One of the photos from a A&M reunion is in the video... Read more

Jim McCulloch

Galveston Bay, Texas, USA

In his happy place in the boat on the bay

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Susan King

Comments:

Carey Graham

Salt water guy from wayyyyy back! Thanks for sharing pic, Jim. Salt water guy from wayyyyy back! Thanks for sharing pic, Jim. Salt water guy from wayyyyy back! Thanks for sharing... Read more

Angie McClanahan

Denis always made us feel so welcome when we had the Ferguson family reunions. I know it was so much work for him (and Carey), but he never made you feel like you were being a lot of trouble. He was infinitely patient with the teens riding the jet skis, and always made time to help them with their fishing. Westin is so grateful for time spent with Denis fishing on our last trip. We will miss his humor, stories, and time spent playing 42 - (although we won’t miss losing). I think he probably won more of our tournaments than anyone.

Love to all the Grahams and Fergusons. Wish we could be there to give you all hugs from Tennessee.

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Todd Agers

Carey Graham

JACEY FERGUSON

Comments:

Carey Graham

Westin still has the trophy from the last Ferguson reunion. Will need to have another few to get it back!!!... Read more Westin still has the trophy from the last Ferguson reunion. Will need to have another few to get it back!!! Westin still has the trophy from the last Ferguson ... Read more

Carey Graham

And by the way, I pulled out a few of the 42 trophies and I stopped counting at 6! I, on the other hand,... Read more And by the way, I pulled out a few of the 42 trophies and I stopped counting at 6! I, on the other hand, only have 2. And by the way, I pulled out a few of the 42 trophies... Read more

Lou Ann Kelly

Carey and the Graham family,

Your beloved Denis is cancer free! He fought a difficult battle. I will always remember how welcoming Denis was as 5 or 6 women invaded his peaceful home. He fished and cooked for us and always had a welcoming smile.
He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather and friend to all!
Many blessings Graham family.❤️

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Todd Agers

Carey Graham

Comments:

Carey Graham

Thank you, Lou Ann. So glad he isn't in pain anymore but certainly do miss him. Life won't be the same!... Read more Thank you, Lou Ann. So glad he isn't in pain anymore but certainly do miss him. Life won't be the same! Thank you, Lou Ann. So glad he isn't in pain anymore... Read more

Jim McCulloch

Galveston, TX, USA

With Denis and Dan out in the boat.

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Todd Agers

Carey Graham

Comments:

Carey Graham

Good one, Jim! Good one, Jim! Good one, Jim!

Jim McCulloch

Galveston, TX, USA

There are so many good times to remember with Denis. We shared a lot of fishing trips, weddings, family events, concerts, and good time like here in the photo, just hanging out. I am incredibly saddened with the loss of a good friend.

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