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Milford ‘Fred’ Graves, 88

Milford “Fred” Graves, 88, entered into rest on May 23, 2019, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Milford was born on Dec. 19, 1930, in Sandpoint, Idaho, to William and Marian (Brixen) Graves. Milford grew up and attended school in Sandpoint, graduating in 1949. Milford worked at Safeway until he and his brother, Leland, joined the Air Force. They served four years and were always stationed together.

Milford married Colleen Crane in 1952, while home on leave. They started their married life in New Mexico. In 1955, they returned to Sandpoint to live and raise their children. Milford was transferred to Coeur d’Alene in 1963, and they remained residents since. Milford worked for Safeway for 45 years before retiring in 1993. After retirement, Milford enjoyed his grandchildren, his dogs and always going to the grocery store for family and friends.

Milford is survived by his daughter, Debbie (Pete) Pryor of Coeur d’Alene; sons, Gregory (Anita) Graves of Spokane, Wash., and Mark (Teresa) Graves of Coeur d’Alene; six grandchildren: Kelly, Tyler, Emily, Ryan, Stacy and Jordan; six great-grandchildren: Sophie, Conner, Addison, Parker, Hunter and Riley; and brother, Leland Graves of Spokane. He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; brother, Kenneth and sisters, Dorothy Hilligoss and Lucille Crane.

Our family would like to say a special thank you to his physician, Dr. Chambers, and the staff at Legends Assisted Living. You cared for our father, showing love and compassion. A special thank you to Becky, Stacie, Fawn, Shay and Thomas at Legends. You treated our father as if he were yours. The last week of Milford’s life was spent at the Schneidmiller Hospice House, where he was cared for with love and dignity. Thank you for making a difficult time bearable.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 22, 2019, at Yates Funeral Home — Hayden Chapel, 373 E. Hayden Ave., Hayden, ID 83835. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Schneidmiller Hospice House, 2290 W. Prairie Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815 (www.hospiceofnorthidaho.org) would be appreciated.

Please visit Milford’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.