Normally I keep the AHS blog entries focused on our upcoming events, news articles or reflections on best practices in education. But today, I'd like to take a moment to publically appreciate and say goodbye to a very special individual.
When I came to Durango to interview for Animas High’s Head of School position, my initial point of contact was Bev DeGraw. Before meeting Bev in person, I was already fascinated by this man who I had come to know through telephone conversations and emails. When we finally sat down at the Doubletree for breakfast on a bitterly cold morning in December 2008, Bev did not disappoint! He regaled me with stories about his time in the navy, his experiences in education and his love of the Colorado mountains. It was almost as if we both needed to be reminded this was a job interview and not a casual brunch. But that was Bev. He had the ability to disarm, comfort and engage everyone he met. He was a terrific listener. He had a sharp wit. He quickly became a fabulous mentor, fantastic cheerleader and valued confident. He’s also one of the main voices that advocated for the board to hire me and one of the main reasons I was drawn to work for Animas.
I move to Durango full time and devoted every second to Animas High. As the days grew shorter, the snow banks grew higher and winter firmed its icy grip over our little mountain town, Bev fell ill. I remember missing his presence at meetings, his reassuring voice in times of stress and his “don’t panic, it’ll be okay” approach to all the twists and turns encountered in a start up venture like Animas High. As the season wore on, Bev’s condition persisted and I watched a proud, independent man begrudgingly grow to accept the help of friends and colleagues trying to assist him through his daily routines. I spent a weekend with Nancy, Peter and Pearce as we moved Nance into Bev’s house so she could be at hand to help him around the clock. It was good to spend time at the house and I was relieved to at least help him out in some way.
As spring approached, Bev’s condition worsened and he had to return to the hospital. I remember trying to gather up the nerve to visit him at Mercy. For some strange reason I was at a loss for words? (Not what most people have come to expect from me) I remember leaving the hospital, getting in my car and starting to cry. In the midst of all the craziness that comes along with opening up a new school, I realized that I had forgotten to take the time to process the gravity of the situation. It became increasingly clear to me that Bev was most likely not going to get better and it was a tough pill to swallow. As I sat in the car feeling sad and upset I realized what an impact this man had made on me. In only a short six months I had developed such a strong respect and admiration for Bev that the thought of losing him was unnerving.
Bev stayed sick. Sam moved away and spring slowly turned to summer. Then, last Sunday, I got the call that Bev had passed away. As I reflect on how Bev would have wanted to be remembered, it seems pretty clear to me. Bev DeGraw was an inspirational leader, a veteran educator and fiercely independent personality. He was committed to a lifestyle where he challenged himself to grow mentally and physically each day and his track record of giving to others remains a huge source of inspiration. Bev, I’m going to miss you and your quick wit, patient tone and calm demeanor. Together, we are accomplishing great things but you made this journey extra special. You are loved and you will be missed and we will continue to celebrate your life in all the good work we aspire to do. Namaste.
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Durango resident Beverly C. deGraw died after an eight-month battle with pulmonary fibrosis of unspecific origin at Mercy Regional Medical Center on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009. He was 66. Mr. deGraw was born to Carl and Myrtle deGraw in Washington, D. C., on March 4, 1943. He served as an active duty officer in naval security surveillance from 1967 to 1969 in Pensacola, Fla., and Dahlgren, Va. Mr. deGraw earned his bachelor's degree in industrial-arts education in 1967 from State University College in Oswego, N.Y.; his master's degree, also from State University College in Oswego, in 1971; and his doctorate from Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Ind., in 1990. He taught seventh- and eighth-grade industrial arts for 15 years at Thomas Harrison Junior High School in Harrisonburg, Va. From 1990 to 1995, he held professorships at Murray State University in Murray, Ky., and Morehead State University in Morehead, Ky. In 1991, he married Therese Jane "Janie" Albreight in West Terre Haute. From 1996 to 1999, Mr. deGraw was the director of curriculum and technology for the Ignacio School District while also serving as an adjunct professor at Adams State College in Alamosa. In the fall of 1999, Mr. deGraw went to work for the Bayfield School District as the curriculum, staff development, and special projects director. In 2007, as the district continued to grow, he became solely the special projects director. Among Mr. deGraw's responsibilities were directing the district's accountability and accreditation processes, writing and administering all federal and state grants and programs and serving as the district's director of vocational education, the coordinator of the Colorado Student Assessment Program, and the administrator of the district's E-Rate process. "Bev was highly regarded and trusted to recommend what was in the best interests of quality education and meeting the specific needs of students," wrote Don Magill, the former superintendent of the Bayfield School District. "Not only was he highly intelligent, but he thoroughly researched his well-thought-out recommendations. He was gifted with a dry wit and the visionary ability to 'see the future.'" Mr. deGraw received research awards, served on several editorial committees and published articles in educational journals. He helped address the vocational needs of students by serving on school committees in the Bayfield, Durango, and Ignacio school districts, as well as assisting the San Juan Board of Cooperative Educational Services with its industrial and vocational programs. Mr. deGraw was on the board of the new Animas High School in Durango. He belonged to Toastmasters in Durango and was on the board of United Way of Southwest Colorado. Mr. deGraw was preceded in death by his wife, Janie deGraw, in 2001. He is survived by his 14-year-old son, Sam deGraw, of Durango; brother, William deGraw of Omaha, Neb.; stepdaughter, Christina Brough, of Brownsburg, Ind.; and several nieces and nephews. Cremation will occur. A memorial service will take place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009, at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 495 Florida Road. A reception will be held after the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jane deGraw Memorial Fund, Christian School at the First United Methodist Church, 2917 Aspen Drive, Durango, CO 81301; Animas High School, P.O. Box 4414, Durango, CO 81302; or the Columbine Christian School, 1775 Florida Road, Durango, CO 81301. Reprinted from the August 11, 2009 Durango Herald obituary submitted by the deGraw family
