John E. Graham

John Edward Graham, 50, died Feb. 9, 2010, at his home in Phoenix, Ariz.

He was born on June 22, 1959 in Libby and graduated in 1977. He worked briefly at the plywood plant after graduation and then for many years in the oil field industry in Montana, North Dakota and Wyoming.

During those years, he developed a passion for drilling. He worked for several companies dealing with environmental drilling which spawned him to create his own drilling company in California. Later, he moved with his family back to Libby and continued for a number of years in the same field. He then moved to Phoenix where his brother, Jack, lives and worked in construction.

Mr. Graham’s earlier years were spent with family and friends at Middle Thompson Lake and the area where he enjoyed fishing, hunting, water skiing and snowmobiling. He especially loved yearly hunting trips to Malta that he always shared with family and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, I.V. Graham, and his stepfather, Carl Lundstrom.

He is survived by his two daughters, Morgan Graham of Havre; and Mary Graham of Minot, N.D.; mother, Judy Lundstrom, and stepmother, Ada Graham, of Libby; three brothers, Jay Graham and wife Judy; and Jeff Graham and wife Sue – all of Libby; and Jack Graham of Phoenix; a sister, Lori Brossman and husband Brian of Renton, Wash.; a favorite aunt, Kim Davidson of Westminster, Calif.; stepbrothers, Art Lundstrom and wife Mary; and Dan Lundstrom and wife Lori of Malta; Jimmy Polette and wife Terri of Vancouver, Wash.; stepsisters, Linda Lundstrom of Anchorage, Alaska; and Jeanne Morse of Billings; and numerous other aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Feb. 27 at the horse ranch where he worked and lived in Phoenix. A memorial service in his hometown of Libby is planned for this summer.