Richard “Rick” Chat Graves, age 55, a four-year resident of the Colville area, passed away on January 7, 2006 at his Colville home. Rick was born on January 25, 1950 in Pocatello, ID the son of Richard Martin and Ella Margaret (Crotts) Graves.
He attended grade school in Weiser, ID and later attended high school at the Gym State Academy in Caldwell, ID. At the age of 16, Rick moved to Smithers, BC where he did land surveying for B.C. Hydro. In 1979 Rick lived in Powell River, B.C. briefly and then moved to Anchorage, AK where he operated and co-owned the Graves Trucking Company with his parents. He married Christine C. Lepiné on January 9, 1981. They later extended the Graves Trucking services to Cordova, AK and Rick moved to Cordova to manage the branch office. The business sold following the death of his father, and Rick went to work for Sampson Tug & Barge. After transferring to Kodiak, AK, Rick was forced to retire early due to his health. He and Christine then traveled for several months before settling in the Colville area in 2002.Â
Rick was a hard worker and driven to always help others no matter when or where he was. He enjoyed guns, ivory, art and coins but was most pleased when in the company of his children and grandchildren.
Rick is survived by his:
Wife: Christine Graves – at the home
Daughter: Renee Utz and her husband, Bill – Smithers, B.C.
Sons: Robert Graves – Smithers, B.C.
Richard Graves and his wife, Lucy – Kodiak, AK
Daniel Graves and his wife, Mandy – Smithers, B.C.
Sisters: Jamie Mullins and her husband, Don – Terrace, B.C.
Margaret Kohlhaas and her husband, Robert – Kettle Falls, WA
Candy Graves – Walla Walla, WA
Brother: William Cauthron and his wife, Audrey – Whitehorse, Yukon Territories
Grandchildren: Kevin, Kari, Joseph, Jessica and Richard
Numerous nieces and nephews.
There will be no services for Mr. Richard C. Graves. Memorial contributions can be given to the Salvation Army. Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 155 W. First Ave., Colville, WA 99114 is in charge of the arrangements.