October 03, 1956 - February 13, 2015
GRAHAM, Ian Edward (age 58) - Ian Edward Graham, died Feb. 13, 2015, at Deaconess Hospital in Spokane after a valiant battle with pneumonia and complications of an underlying infection. Ian was born in Cambridge, MA on Oct. 3, 1956, to the late Edward D. Graham and Marion (Ives) (Graham) Willis. He moved to Derry, NH, in 1965, attended Derry schools and graduated from Pinkerton Academy in 1974. During high school, he especially enjoyed the theatre group run by his Aunt Elizabeth Ives. Following this interest at Syracuse University's Newhouse School, he majored in Communications (video/media writing, production and post-production). In 1981 Ian married Rebecca (Becky) Knox of Syracuse, NY. They lived in Brooklyn and Florida, NY; then in 1989, moved west to Spokane, WA.Ian was widely read in many subjects. His broad knowledge and huge heart allowed him to relate effortlessly to people of all ages and backgrounds. Ian enjoyed NYC and all it had to offer. Commuting to Manhattan to work as Studio Manager for a then “state of the art” video production studio, he and a wonderfully creative team did everything from :10 second psa's to multi-season network series. Ian thrived and and added gourmet cooking to his talents, working on a wide variety of shows like Redbook Family Chef, Cooking w/ Madeleine Kamman, Commander USA's Groovy Movies, Sports Probe, Virginia Graham (no relation), Upstairs at Zenon, music video's (in “Sun City” - Ian was the “hand”), specials, documentaries, corporate image pieces and advertising. He worked with everyone from the Muppets and Gregory Peck to Julia Child and Bob Kostas. - As the industry changed, Ian felt the need to get out of the “cement canyons.” Working as camera/editor for "Woods and Water" a hunting and fishing show, his love of nature and yearning for open skies intensified. Trips around the country included run-ins with bears and fly fishing in the Great Bob Marshall Wilderness and Alaska. Family trips to Montana and Glacier National Park, and Yellowstone drew him west.Moving to Spokane, Ian joined Image Productions. The development of the Internet and computers added to his knowledge and abilities. His beautiful long hair was the creative flag for a wide range of projects – all proudly produced on time and on budget. Ian used all his talents including his Voice– from concepts, research, writing, production, editing and marketing – a virtual video wizard. Projects included fundraising pieces for Catholic Charities, CancerPatientCare, SNAP, and many others. He was justifiably proud that their fundraising projects always reached and usually exceeded goals, and usually were returned in services to the community. Other pieces include productions for Avista, QuadraFire Stoves, Spokane Diocese, Mining Safety, Warren Durham, School District 81, various dance troupes, several different educational series aimed at improving learning skills and broadening young minds. The addition of on-line courses for all grade levels gave Ian a new direction for his skills where he could have a true impact on next generations. Most recently, he helped research and edited an eye witness's account of a lurid 1937 murder in Montana. The book, "Death Ride (Murder in Montana)", was published in November 2014. Ian loved the Northwest. He and Becky explored the Pacific Northwest with gusto – hiking, camping, canoeing, fishing, skiing and generally exploring with friends and extended family. Reading was a lifelong passion – especially sci-fi. He loved the multifaceted opportunities the internet provided – with special interest in Second Life and Fan Fiction. He also loved animals, as a series of faithful dogs knew. ("He spoke dog well.") Active in state and county politics, Ian was a passionate Democrat and believed strongly in participatory government. His NH upbringing and Town Hall experience served him well as PCO, State Committeeman, Platform & Resolutions Chair, County Vice-Chair, and general Scribe for the Spokane County Democrats. Ian was brilliant, mercurial, funny, creative and artistic, with an incisive imagination, a real individualist. Irreverent, yet elegant, quick wit, with a constant thirst for knowledge. A truly endearing man, this gentle giant died too soon and will be sorely missed. Survivors include his wife, Rebecca (Knox) Graham, of Newman Lake; mother Marion (Ives) Willis, of Derry, N.H.; brother Gordon Graham, of Derry, N.H.; stepbrother Peter Graham, and stepsister Ann (Graham) Nichols, of Lansing, Mich.; stepsister Janet (Willis) Jones, of Winchester, Mass.; stepbrother Richard Willis, of Willow Grove, Pa.; dearly beloved aunts, Margaret Ives and Elizabeth Ives, of Derry, N.H.; uncle, Robert T. Ives, of Valparaiso, Ind.; and adored nieces, nephews and cousins and in-laws. There will be a gathering to celebrate Ian's life in Spokane on March 22 at 3:00 p.m. at Hamilton Studio, and in Derry, N.H., on April 25th. Community Cremation & Funeral Spokane Valley
