tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748604.post8265928733314426662..comments2024-03-28T10:29:29.176-06:00Comments on THE WESTERNER: John David Graham (November 23, 1944 - December 26, 2011)Frank DuBoishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04078935296275462544noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748604.post-72291062580425714272011-12-30T08:34:52.007-07:002011-12-30T08:34:52.007-07:00Dr. Allison requested I post this:
Midge and Fami...Dr. Allison requested I post this:<br /><br />Midge and Family,<br /><br />I first met David in the summer of 1970 after my freshman year at the university. I was working in Clayton that summer and David was the Vocational Agriculture teacher, here in Des Moines. I can still remember the 2 things that impressed me: 1) his passion for his job of teaching and helping young people and 2) his NMSU letter jacket for bull riding!<br /><br />Several years later, I was hired as the Extension Range Management Specialist at NMSU and my first trip to Union county was to look at some poisonous plant issue. Dr. Reif and Dr. Dean Doitchinoff and I performed the field inspection while David was doing a 4H bicycle safety course. I posted a reward for anyone with a picture of David on a bicycle!<br /><br />I worked closely with David during the many years of locoweed management and research. I vividly remember during one rancher gathering, Dr. Lynn James of the USDA Poisonous Plant Lab was telling all of us the strong addictive properties that locoweed possessed. In fact, he said it was second only to tobacco. David and I concluded that Dr. James (a devout Mormon) had gone from preaching to meddling!<br /><br />One day we were travelling from Clayton to Des Moines in David’s white Ford pickup (anyone who rode in David’s pickup needed to take a shower immediately afterwards). David was pulled over by a rookie state cop for seatbelt violation (I could have told the officer that we couldn’t find the seatbelts). After listening impatiently to the short lecture, David informed the officer: “Either give me a ticket or let me go. I have important things to do!” David always had important things to do.<br /><br />Many times in my career, whether it was supervising the Clayton Livestock Research Center, judging a science fair project, listening to high school students make presentations about range management, judging the Union county fair hog show or high centered on a big rock in the middle of a locoweed pasture; I would stop and ask myself:”How did I get myself in this predicament?” The obvious answer was that David Graham had convinced me to do it.<br /><br />David had the unique ability to persuade people that the task at hand was the most important thing going on in the world at that moment and we needed to get to work.<br /><br />David’s passion for helping people, especially ranchers and young people, and his knack for making the most mundane task fun was the reason that I relished the work that he and I did together. I have a feeling of anticipation as well as trepidation knowing that when we are re-united with David in heaven, we all need to be prepared to serve on the fair board that he has organized there!<br /><br />Chris AllisonFrank DuBoishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04078935296275462544noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748604.post-73283619672231544852011-12-29T21:10:17.286-07:002011-12-29T21:10:17.286-07:00There is a blog writen at tiffanyd22.blogspot.co...There is a blog writen at tiffanyd22.blogspot.com about David Graham. It was written by his niece (my daughter). Those of you who commented you are David's Montana family, he told me after the trip how special it was and how much he enjoyed seeing all of the family. He was a very special brother-in-law. We will miss him so much.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748604.post-75889784585445029412011-12-29T21:09:40.639-07:002011-12-29T21:09:40.639-07:00David and I were fun-loving students together at N...David and I were fun-loving students together at NMSU and I have many fond memories of that era. Time passed, David advanced in the Extension Service and much to everyone's surprise I became NM Sec. of Ag. I was lucky enough to work on several projects with David. One thing was for sure: David knew agriculture and he knew his producers and he would do anything for them. I and many others in the ag community will miss him.Frank DuBoishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04078935296275462544noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748604.post-86307246645942256982011-12-29T19:30:22.731-07:002011-12-29T19:30:22.731-07:00I am an in-law of the Montana family, and got to s...I am an in-law of the Montana family, and got to spend time with David and Midge at our neice's wedding this September. I knew David as a funny, fun loving guy, and I treasure the time the four of us spent together. <br />All my love and prayeres to Midge, and family....and thanks for sharing the "million dollar trip" with us.Diane Grahamnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748604.post-7280486072272056632011-12-29T19:26:02.325-07:002011-12-29T19:26:02.325-07:00I am one of the Montana family mentioned.David and...I am one of the Montana family mentioned.David and I grew up together, and spent many hours playing as kids. David and Midge were in Montana recently at a family wedding, which David called his "million dollar trip"...and I agree. David was a dear cousin and close friend.I know he is now with his departed family planning some stunt to pull on me. I love you, DavidLes Grahamnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748604.post-87072252311840906162011-12-29T11:40:56.951-07:002011-12-29T11:40:56.951-07:00I am bummed. David and I first knew one another a...I am bummed. David and I first knew one another at NMSU in the late 60's and developed a special friendship through the years. When we were showing livestock with our sons at the NM State Fair from 1980 to 1992 and then when I served as Junior Beef Superintendent fro 92 until 2000, is when I got to know David. I will miss my friend.Joe Delknoreply@blogger.com