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David Eugene McGraw, died from natural causes at his home in West Salem, Oregon on February 2, 2017.
David was born on July 3, 1965 in Middletown, Ohio to the proud and devoted parents of Jeffrey and Janice (Lykins) McGraw. He was an intelligent, dignified and loyal son, brother, uncle and employee. His sister, Lori McGraw, was a lifelong advocate for and protector of her brother. Her husband, Paul Schreiner, and their sons, Adam Schreiner-McGraw (Maritza Sandoval Aguilar) and Jeffrey Schreiner-McGraw (Annette Marinello) were his faithful supporters.
David was one of the first students with a disability to be mainstreamed into the regular public school classroom in Rockford, Illinois during the early 1970s. He and his parents navigated through school systems that were often ill-equipped to serve students with disabilities. At one point, his mother had to threaten legal action to secure high school physical education classes for him. He graduated from Southwestern High School in Hanover, Pennsylvania. He continued his studies at Edinboro University, a nationally renowned school for supporting students with disabilities. During his time there, he was an avid collegiate athlete, competing in wheelchair basketball, field events and weight lifting. He narrowly missed representing the United States at the 1988 Paralympics Games in Seoul, Korea. He graduated in 1987 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice.
David was a voracious reader of history and he earned a Masters of Government from Lehigh University in 1990. After graduation, he worked for Electronic Data Systems from 1996 to 2003 as a Customer Service Representative. The position that meant the most to him, though, was his Support Specialist position at the Oregon Department of State Lands. He served there from 2007 to 2017. He never missed a day of work, even when he had to have his wheelchair towed out of a snow bank in a blizzard. He found a kind and supportive group of colleagues who enriched his life, particularly in his final years.
David followed his family to Oregon so that he could share his life with them. He loved attending Oregon State basketball games with his parents and nephews, yelling at the coach from the wheelchair section (so the coach could actually hear him). He cheered for his nephews during their running careers and he enjoyed going out to eat with his family. He adored dogs and he was a loving companion to all of his family’s pets. He was stubborn and sometimes challenging. He lived his life the way he wanted to live it, and our hearts are broken.
Celebration of Life
Saturday, April 1st 2017 @ 1 p.m.
Johnson Funeral Home
134 Missouri Ave S Salem, OR 97302
David was a new student in my 5th grade class at Vandercook elementary (Rockford, IL) We made friends with him quickly. He was like a magnet to talk to about everything especially sports. I remember having to carry him up the bus stairs for field trips. Good memories.
I was a student with David McGraw at Edinboro University, Edinboro Pennsylvania during 1986 and we were in a "Logic" class together. He earned an "A". We had some good times and he attended wrestling events and concerts together there. I would at times push his wheelchair through the heavy snow that would occur in Edinboro. He made me laugh often with his sense of humor. We also played ping pong on occasion. I was his Resident Assistant for a short time and lived in the same dorm and on the same floor. I was talking to my wife and daughter about him today and decided to "Google" him.
David was simply my friend. From the first time I met David when he came to intern at DSL we hit it off. Funny, sarcastic, encyclopedic knowledge of sports, great laugh. Just a fun guy to spend time with. I also respected David. When I learned he traveled to and from Philometh to Salem for work everyday I was amazed. Never late, never absent. Same when he moved to West Salem. Shorter trip, but still difficult. Everything I did and took for granted David had to work hard at. But he rarely complained. He always was ready with a smile and a crack at me for this or that perceived failing. Made me laugh and of course I shot it right back at him. Graying hair, bad haircut, gaining weight, where we grew up, who we rooted for, his limited diet of ham sandwiches.potoato chips/Pepsi - nothing was off limits. It pained me that he loved the Beavers and I was a Duck - but we had much fun with that. Going to the Volcanoes games, having David over to our house for the Super Bowl, World Series etc... Dam, I miss David...
I only found out today. David and I talked sports and news of the day while waiting for the bus in the afternoon. He was a mighty good human. I will miss him.
I am deeply saddened to learn of David's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It truly was a pleasure knowing David! I feel blessed to have called him a co-worker, friend and brother. David and I would visit each other regularly to talk about anything, most was sports. David was definitely one of the funniest people at the DSL. His sense of humor and optimistic attitude always shined light in my life. He helped me to continue to stay positive, no matter the situation! Thank you David! I will carry your influence with me forever!