Elmer E. Graff

Elmer Emanuel Graff passed away at his cottage on April 24, 2024. Elmer was born on his grandparent's farm on August 5, 1931 in Saskatchewan, Canada.  Starting off as an Irish redhead who only spoke German and developed a severe stammer, he rose to accomplishments few ever reach. He had a true love for hockey and played for a Catholic church hockey team, although he was raised Lutheran. He went on to play for a city team and then on to a junior team. Elmer graduated high school in 1948 and was working part-time at the Leader Post Newspaper in Regina. He was then given a full-time position in the plate department at the Leader Post, and was later promoted to foreman. Elmer married Hermine Schmidt in 1952. Elmer's daughter Daphne was born in June 1953. Elmer moved to Flint, Michigan, in 1957 after being offered a job at the Flint Journal. Elmer's son Greg was born in 1957. In Flint, Elmer started a curling club that went on to compete with teams all over the U.S. Elmer and his friend, Sam Goodhue, got involved in local men's hockey and started a team called the Raincheck Hawks. Elmer golfed often in Flint and met his best friend, Warren Brinker, at a local golf course. They remained best friends for over forty years. Elmer was an avid golfer and lover of golf until he was no longer able to play. Elmer made a big career move to Atlanta after being offered a sales position with Hercules. Elmer married Judy in 1979 and they remained married for over forty years. Through Judy, Elmer gained his third child, a daughter named Jan. Elmer had a long and very successful career. After being asked to retire with MacDermid at age 70, he went on to start his own consulting company and did contract work for the next twenty-one years. He officially retired at age 91, but still continued to work in any way he could. Elmer loved working and traveling more than anything in the world. He traveled to every state in the U.S. with the exception of Alaska. He cultivated many life-long friendships that he cherished with all of his heart. Elmer adored his family and assisted in raising three separate family units. He was the greatest father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great grandfather to ever exist. After selling his home of twenty-five years, Elmer and Judy moved to Sterling Estates which he loved dearly and cultivated many new friendships there. To know him was to love him, and he was loved and adored by everyone who crossed his path. He touched many people along his path and was always willing to help and mentor any way he could. Elmer was, above all, a lover of life and he truly lived every moment to the fullest.  He often said that we should not mourn him when he is gone, but rather be happy for the wonderful life he had.  He leaves behind a legacy unrivaled by most, with his 3 children and the families they produced. He was very proud of each and every one of them. 

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents, George Graff and Ann Weimer Graff, and a granddaughter, Jennifer Graff.

Elmer is survived by his loving wife, Judy Graff; his three children Daphne Pattee, Greg Graff, and Jan Borghini; grandchildren: Eric, Jessica, Dylan, and Grayson; great-grandchildren: Drake, Julia, Ethan, and Kade; and a great-great grandson, Benicio.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks a donation be to the made to the Wounded Warriors Foundation.