John Graves, 92, a longtime resident of Longbranch, WA, and previously a 43 year resident of Mercer Island, died February 16, 2020.

John was born in Seattle, WA., attended Franklin High School, and joined the Merchant Marines when he was only 17 years old. He served all over Southeast Asia, and enjoyed traveling through and exploring Bali, Java, Japan, Korea. After returning to Seattle, he finished his B.A. at the University of Washington. He was passionate about the Huskies, attending football games as a season ticket holder for over 40 years! He and Marise attended many Rose Bowl games in California.

After receiving his education, he was stationed in Longbranch, N.J., where he met Marise Whidden on a blind date on the Jersey Shore. Six months later they were married and traveled across the country to start their new life in Seattle, and then Mercer Island, WA.

John LOVED sailing, camping, traveling on road trips, as well as attending to his yard and garden. Marise and John shared these passions with their kids. The family traveled across country many times, visiting National Parks,and family. And later, traveling without children, in their motor home, enjoying all of life’s blessings with friends and family. John also spent many hours sailing with his kids on Puget Sound and Lake Washington.

John is survived by daughter Gayle (Tex), son John (Joni), daughter Nancy (Blake). Grandchildren Memoree, Jackson, Sean, Riley, and Natasha. Great Grandchildren Preston, Malia, Priscila, and Marie.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in John’s name to The Humane Society, Mercer Island Kiwanis Club, Key Peninsula Community Services, or Northwest Harvest.