Robert Bush McGraw
Robert Bush McGraw, 87, of Hamden, passed away on August 28, 2014. Bob was born in New York City and raised there and at his family's home in Newtown, CT where his passion for the outdoors and geology bloomed. His father, Robert Bush McGraw, was a prominent New York City psychiatrist, and his mother, Catharine Ross McGraw, a former nurse, was active in a variety of charities. He graduated from Loomis School in Windsor, CT, in 1945 and served in the U.S. Army in Germany for 2 years following the end of the war. He received a BA from Columbia College in 1950 and an MA in Geology from the University of Wyoming in 1954. His wife of 63 years, Kate Robertson McGraw, died in 2013. An avid lifelong learner of many scientific fields, Bob was an expert on tools, both historic and high tech. His work as a geologist led him and Kate to Laramie, Wyoming and Lark, Utah before returning to Connecticut to raise their three children. He is survived by a daughter, Sarah McGraw (husband Jeffrey Levine; children Ruth and Adam) of Westport; sons, Matthew McGraw (wife Carrie; children, Jane and Elizabeth and granddaughter Elowyn) of Portland, OR and Peter McGraw (wife Lillian; children Michael and Kristina) of Severna Park, MD; and his sister, Ann Davis of Englewood, NJ. Bob held several positions with high technology companies in Connecticut, receiving a patent for some of his work. His greatest joys in life were assisting his wife in their active social life during their years in Hamden, Orange and Westport, CT. Always reading everything he could get his hands on, Bob had a remarkable intellect, but he is best remembered for his unusually kind, loving and patient nature. He was an extraordinary husband, father and friend and will be sorely missed. Bob's Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 PM on October 31, 2014 at Whitney Center in Hamden, located at 200 Leeder Hill Drive. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Bob's memory to Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County, www.habitatcfc.org.
I first met Bob at a Habitat build over a decade ago, one in which the Unitarians were participating. He was so kind and patient and trusting! as he taught me how to use a nail gun and sent me up to the rafters to fire away. Never one to talk much about himself on the job – he was focused on the work – I didn’t really get to know him, but maintained a fond connection ever since that time. Kate I had known through her work in the schools and through church. Wonderful people. I’ve missed them these last few years since they moved to Hamden. You’re lucky to have had them in your lives.