Dave was born in Salt Lake City on May 22, 1941 to Grant and Mamie (Aamodt) Graff. Passed away at home in Taylorsville, Utah December 16, 2020 at the age of 79. The youngest of four children, he along with brothers Norman, Spencer and sister Cherie grew up in South Salt Lake. Where he attended South High School with life-long friends Ray Hoffine, Mace Holland and many others graduating in 1959.
He married his childhood sweetheart Judith (Sharp) Graff settling into the new Taylorsville community and raising three sons: Douglas, Brian and Jeffrey. (divorced)
Dave later married Marsha (Murphy) Graff where together they had two children Allison and Jonathan. They along with Marsha’s two young daughters from a previous marriage Kauline, and Heather increased Dads posterity to 7 children. (divorced.)
In 1990 Dave met and married Carole (Hinkle) Graff, Dad became stepfather to her six children: Valarie, John, Bonnie Vera, Laura, Brenda, and Grandchildren growing the family once again to 13 children.
Together he and Carole have spent the last 28 years in their beloved Taylorsville community spending time together enjoying photography, gardening, old movies, senior activities and all Utah Sports, particularly the Utah Jazz and University of Utah (Go UTES!!).
Dave had a successful life-long career in the Automotive Industry spending his last 30+ years with Wasatch Transmissions in Provo, Utah before retiring in 2017. Adding another long-time friend in Lowell Yates along with many customers over this extended period.
Thank you, Lowell you’re dear to us all.
Dave was an amazing Father to his children, passing them his passion for boating and love for Lake Powell and all things associated that go fast! …. Hammer Down!!
With a sharp dry sense of humor, quick wit, signature smile and snicker nobody can replicate dad was a very funny man. He had a way of making everyone feel loved, welcomed and accepted. He knew when to listen, when to teach or just be there to enjoy a bowl of his famous chili and talk with you about life’s magic…. Dad was a great cook!
He was one of a kind, we are glad he was ours and appreciate the many years we enjoyed together as one large family, he will be dearly missed by all who were lucky enough to know and love him.
He is survived by loving wife Carole Sylvia Graff. Children: Doug Graff (Becky), Brian Graff (Cami), Jeffrey Graff (Jodie), Allison Graff, Jonathan Graff (April) Step Children: Kauline Hay (Jason), Heather Garlick, Valarie Parks, John Burkert (Hoa), Bonnie Ainsworth (John), Vera Burkert, Laura Dyson (Andrew), and many precious Grandchildren and great Grandchildren.
Preceded in Death by his Parents, Brothers Spencer, Norman and Sister Cherie Wathen. Grandchildren: Giovani Graff, Jonathan Graff Jr.
A viewing will be held for family and friends on Monday December 21, 2020 at Larkin Mortuary 3688 W. 12600 So. Riverton, UT 84065 from 6pm-8pm.
An online obituary will be available at https://www.larkinmortuary.com/obituaries/
Due to Covid-19 concerns we ask that facial coverings be worn at all times and observation of social distancing - No exceptions.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date as Covid-19 restrictions allow where we can gather safely a pay tribute to this great man.
Brian, I am so so sorry for your loss! Dad's are the best and he must have been something special to raise a son as neat as you! Wish I could give you a squeeze. All our love the Word Family
So sorry to hear of your dads passing. We had lots of great memories over the years and boating was always a blast. We want you all to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
I was so saddened to hear of the loss of your father. I will always remember the great times we had boating and just hanging out at the house. He will always live on in our hearts. May your family find peace and comfort during this difficult time.