Richard Allen Graham

Richard Allen Graham, 41, returned to his Heavenly Father on Jan. 13, 2003, after a long battle with cancer. Rich was born March 2, 1961 to James Richard and Beverly (Winn) Graham in El Dorado Springs. He was a graduate of El Dorado Springs High School in 1979.

He was a hard working man who got his start in construction at age 19. He worked for The Industrial Company for 16 years working in Industrial and Mining construction in many states throughout the West. He started as a painter and worked his way up to Superintendent in a short time. He supervised on projects with contract values up to $100 million.

Rick gave up the traveling life in 1993 to settle in Salt Lake City. He co-founded Absolute Constructors with his two dear friends in 1998. For a fledgling construction company, Absolute is well respected in its industry for its integrity, quality and productivity, three characteristics that best describe Rick himself. Throughout his career he received many awards and accolades, none of which he was more proud of than receiving the Intermountain Contractors Award for Best Projects of 2001.

Rick met his sweetheart, Beth Keck, in 1990 and married her on March 14, 1993. Their marriage was solemnized in the Jordan River Temple on Oct. 13, 1994. Rick was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and dedicated his life to the Church. He was awarded "Best Party Giver" by his friends of the Midvale 2nd Ward. He was truly loved and adored by many.

Rick is survived by his wife, Beth, the sons he adored, Nick Allen Graham and Jake Calvin Ray Graham - Salt Lake City, UT; mother, Beverly Travitz; sister, Debra Hamilton; step-brothers - David, Greg and Kurt Morlan. He was preceded in death by his father and many other precious family members. Rick will be greatly missed by those lives he touched.

The family wishes to acknowledge their gratitude to the doctors, nurses, loving neighbors and friends who cared for him during his courageous battle with cancer.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Huntsman Cancer Institute at 2000 Circle of Hope, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, in the El Dorado Springs City Cemetery under the direction of the Sheldon Furneral Home.