Lloyd Lee Graff

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Lloyd Lee Graff of Watsonville, California.  Lloyd died on March 7th at the age 91.

Lloyd was survived briefly by his wife, Elizabeth Effie Graff nee Wray, who passed away shortly after her husband of 70 years on March 26th.  He is also survived by his son Steven and his wife Lea of Aptos; son Martin and his wife Jill of Santa Rosa; son Michael and his wife Traci of Sunnyvale; 10 cherished grandchildren; and four beloved great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Lyle, daughter Sharon, and granddaughter Lucy. 

Lloyd was born in Dalton Nebraska on June 2, 1933 to Raymond August Graff and Clara Alice Graff nee Martin.  As a youth he was active in his community, committing himself to his studies, athletics, and scouting.  He was the valedictorian of his high school class, played varsity sports and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America.  He took pride in his Nebraska roots and the prominent roles his parents played in their small town community. 

Following high school, Lloyd enrolled in the University of Nebraska. While attending school in Lincoln, he was introduced to his bride-to-be through a blind date arranged by her brother Harold Wray. Lloyd’s education was interrupted when he was drafted into military service with the U.S. Army during the Korean War.  While on leave, Lloyd married Elizabeth at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, in Spalding, Nebraska, on May 1, 1954.  The newlyweds returned to Fort Carson where Lloyd was stationed in Colorado Springs,  Colorado.  Their first child and only daughter Sharon was born in Colorado Springs on March 22, 1955.  Upon his honorable discharge, Lloyd returned to the University of Nebraska where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. 

Lloyd’s early career was in broadcast media in Holdrege, Nebraska and Sioux City, Iowa.  In 1969, he was recruited by McCann-Erickson Advertising to work as an Account Manager for Chevron in San Francisco.  Following years working for a number of firms, he opened his own advertising agency in Palo Alto—originally known as The Agency and later known as Graff Advertising.  In the twilight of his career, he worked in development for Goodwill Industries and finally for the Salvation Army.

Lloyd converted to Roman Catholicism after meeting his future bride, and he was always engaged in church life.  In earlier years he participated in the Knights of Columbus and the Cursillo movement.  His lay ministries included service as a lector, eucharistic minister, and member of the choir.  At Resurrection he took a lead role in fundraising and was an integral part of a successful capital campaign.  Lloyd enjoyed travel, and his excursions included a Caribbean cruise, as well as trips to Europe and Asia.

Lloyd’s greatest love in life was his wife Elizabeth, followed closely by his family, and lastly his work.  He was a devoted husband, and he relished his time spent with the family he and Elizabeth created.  He was generous, kind, open-hearted, and lovable.  Lloyd always had a smile, whether he was meeting you for the first time or greeting you after some time apart.  He is greatly missed by all who were close to him.

A funeral service for Lloyd and Elizabeth Graff will be held at Resurrection Catholic Community in Aptos, California on Saturday, June 14th at 2:00 p.m.  Interment at the California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery in Seaside, California will follow on Monday, June 16th at 9:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Community Bridges, 519 Main Street, Watsonville, CA 95076.