George Thomas "Tom" Graham left this life peacefully on October 6, 2018 at home with his family, and with Frank Sinatra playing in the background.  Tom had a 30+ year struggle with Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1, and always fought the good fight with an amazing sense of determination and an optimistic outlook.

Born on September 22, 1938, Tom was the son of George and Gladys Graham.  He was a life-long Sioux City, Iowa resident until he and his wife Diane moved to Bowling Green, KY in 2015 to be near family.  He attended First Christian Church in Bowling Green when he was able, and especially loved listening to the choir.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 61 years, Diane, and children Dan (Jean), Mary (David Young), and Chris (Gina); 9 grandchildren; Fletcher, Delaney, John, Meredith (Mitch), Bobby, Michael, David, Evan, and Abby; and also by his newest little love and four-legged protector, Bella.

Tom was a former member of the Abu Bekr White House Mounted Patrol.  He looked forward to Saturday morning coffee in Sioux City with old friends, and enjoyed watching the Colorado Rockies play. Two of his favorite places to be were his kitchen and on the golf course.  He was an excellent cook for many years while he was able and was an accomplished golfer.  He loved to travel, taking advantage of any opportunity to visit family and friends.  Any time spent with a grandchild was treasured, and he took great pride in each of them.  His unique sense of humor had us laughing to the end, and will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Sioux City, Iowa on December 27, 2018.

A special thanks goes to Hosparus Health of Barren River for their unfailing kindness and skill in caring for Tom.

A memorial fund has been established in Tom's name to aid in the research for a treatment and cure of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1.  Donations may be made online at www.giving.umn.edu/giveto/cureataxia (please note in Memory of Tom Graham), or via check with "Cure Ataxia SCA1/Tom Graham" in the memo line, mailed to:

University of Minnesota Foundation

200 Oak Street SE, Suite 500

Minneapolis, MN 55455