Tandy 'Ted' Graff, 74
The Calam Temple Potentate Tandy “Ted” Graff left this Earth, Friday, Nov. 11, 2016, of an apparent heart attack while on his last Harley ride of the season. Ted left home Friday morning to meet a friend and ride the Montana Scenic Triangle Loop. It was a glorious fall day. The air was crisp and full of adventure. Dressed to the hilt with leather chaps and all, he left with a twinkle in his eye and a song on the CD player. It was going to be a good day. Ted truly enjoyed himself on his motorcycle. To be outdoors, riding his bike or “Pushing for the Kids” is what Ted lived for and is the legacy he has left.
Ted was born Tandy R. Graff on Aug. 26, 1942, in Spokane, Wash. Ted was the oldest of four siblings born to Vera Ann Blair and Julius Raymond Graff. He grew up fishing and hunting with his family in various places around the country. As the son of a traveling construction worker, Ted and the family lived and worked all over, but Ted always considered the Northwest his home. Ted graduated from Sunnyside High School in Sunnyside, Wash., in 1960 and entered the Navy. As a naval seaman, he specialized in intelligence operations. His service to his country was a great source of pride for Ted. He was honorably discharged in 1963, but would continue to serve his community as a Mason and a Shriner.
Ted has two children; Constance and James Graff. As a father, Ted influenced his children with an unwavering work ethic and the love of the outdoors. Ted was born with the hands of a laborer. During his working career, he proudly served as a heavy equipment mechanic and operator, welder, Wyoming State Trooper and retired from the Operating Engineers Union. Later in life, Ted was a jeweler and finder of all things bent and broken that could be made new again under his skillful hand.
In 1970, Ted entered the Masonic brotherhood and has been an active member of the Masonic community for the last 46 years. He was a member of the Legion of Honor, Scottish Rite, JESTERS and held every office in the North Idaho Calam Shrine including this past year as Calam Temple Potentate. During his Potentate year, Ted wanted to “Push for the Kids” using his background as a Cat engine mechanic as his theme and platform to raise funds for the Shriner’s Hospital. Ted was heavily involved in the Go-Kart club that showcased his beloved Shrine brothers in area parades and festivals.
As a person and as a Shriner, Ted had a huge heart for the kids. He always had a smile for them, a hearty hand shake and one of his famous pins or cups. He was extremely proud to be a member of his Masonic brotherhood and the work they do to support the kids and all the Shrine hospitals. He wore his FEZ with pride and a joy unprecedented to any other. We will miss his electric smile, charisma, hearty laugh and bear hugs. He is gone but never will be forgotten.
Ted is survived by his wife, Candy Graff and her children; his children, Constance Mallula and James Graff (Ana Graff) and their children; his sisters, Patricia Nelson (Lee Nelson) and Virginia Baker (Don Baker) and their children; and his brother, Steve Graff (Connie Graff) and their children.
Funeral services will be held with viewing from 9-10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 18, 2016, at Yates Funeral Home and Crematory, Coeur d’Alene, and funeral service immediately following. After the service, a reception in Ted’s honor will be held at noon at the Coeur d’Alene Shrine Club, 1250 W. Lancaster Road, Hayden. Burial will be at noon Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016, at the Tekoa Cemetery in Tekoa, Wash. Please visit and sign Ted’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com. Yates Funeral Homes has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements.