Our loving Dad and Papa, Graham Rodney DeLong, went home to the Lord at age 80 on November 22, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones and friends. Graham was born on April 9, 1945, in Berkhamsted, England, to Russell and Joyce DeLong.

On December 12, 1945, The New York Times recorded the story of Graham and his mother—one of the many World War II war brides and their infants sent by Congress on one of the first ships traveling from Great Britain to the United States during the war. Joyce and baby Graham arrived in Somers (Flathead), Montana, where they were later joined by Graham's father after the war.

Graham grew up on Flathead Lake in Somers, Montana as a hardworking farm boy. He graduated from Kalispell High School in 1963. Eager to see the world, he joined the United States Air Force, serving four years and becoming a proud Vietnam War Veteran. After returning from Vietnam, Graham settled in Spokane, Washington, where he attended Spokane Community College, worked at Deaconess Medical Center, and later at The Ridpath Hotel. In 1969, his life changed forever when he met the one who would hold his heart—Linda—while dancing at Ratskeller's in Coeur d'Alene. They married later that year and built a beautiful life rooted in love and family.

Graham went on to work for the Washington State Patrol, followed by 26 years at Kaiser Aluminum Trentwood in the physical testing lab and remelt departments. After retiring from Kaiser, he pursued his passion for art by opening his own framing and matting business, Graham's Graphics, where he generously shared his talents with friends and the community.

At the center of Graham's life was his unwavering love for his family. His greatest goal was to raise his family the very best he could—and he did exactly that. His deep faith in God and his positive mindset shaped the way he approached every challenge and every blessing. He loved Gonzaga basketball, volunteering at church and for Union Gospel Mission, fly fishing, fly tying, bowling, cribbage, and dominoes. A proud member of the Watercolor Society, Graham was well known for his artistry and creativity.

Graham is survived by his children, Matt DeLong and Shanna Hale, and leaves behind a legacy of love through his cherished grandchildren: Abigail, Grace, Katelynn, Hailey, and Micah.

He is preceded in passing by his beloved wife, Linda, who passed away on September 15, 2023. Graham could not wait to be reunited with her, and today they are finally together again. Mom and Dad, we imagine you dancing to music, sipping coffee, and enjoying pastries together
once more. Thank you for your example of hard work, selfless love, perseverance, and wholehearted devotion to family. We will carry your legacy forward.

In honor of Graham's life, a memorial service will be held on January 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Otis Orchards, Washington. Friends and loved ones are invited to gather in remembrance and celebration of the profound impact Graham had on all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army.