Marben Graham

Marben Robert Graham, 87, of Traverse City, died Friday, Oct. 3, 2014. He was born on Nov. 4, 1926, in Detroit, the son of Robert Marben and Mary Isabel (Miller) Graham.

Bob was proud to be an educator and worked as a high school teacher, university professor and mentor to many.

He achieved a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Michigan State University then continued his education at the University of Michigan in ESL (English as a Second Language). He later traveled to China with his wife and youngest son to teach at the Beijing Institute of Foreign Trade and was part of the first group to see Hainan Island.

He was a dedicated member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, worked as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, Thrivent and M.A.R.S.P. (Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel).

He was a lover of sports, camping, outdoors, music and travel and has inspired his family to do the same.

Bob and June fulfilled most of the adventures on their bucket list during the 62 years of their marriage.

Bob is survived by his wife, June (Masuch) Graham; they were married on April 12, 1952; four children, Cristin Graham (Bill Schenk), of Ferndale, Laura Sutherin (Derek), of Traverse City, Robert Graham (Polly Picard), of Berkley, and Paul Graham (Marcy McGurgan), of Longmont, Colorado; seven grandchildren, Travis Glenn (Andrea), Anna Arbetter (Andrew), Ross Sutherin, Natalie Sutherin, Finnian, Shealan and Liadan Graham; and four great-grandchildren, Veronica, Nora and Celeste Glenn and Asa Arbetter; and his brother, Larry Graham, of Muncie, Indiana.

He was an optimist, a lover of the written word, a problem solver for many and an advisor.

Some people don’t just live life ... They illuminate it. Released from these earthly bonds his soul is free to sail off further.

His final resting place will be at Glen Eden Memorial Park, 35667 W. Eight Mile Road, Livonia, MI.

Please visit Bob’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com to sign the guestbook and share a message with his family.

The family chose Life Story Funeral Home, Traverse City.