Claude 'Shorty' Graham, 82

Claude Allen Graham, better known as "Shorty," age 82, passed away on the afternoon of May 12, 2024, at Pacifica Senior Living in Pinehurst, Idaho. He was born Nov. 6, 1941, in Wallace, Idaho, to Guy and Edna (Andrus) Graham. 

On Dec. 22, 1960, Claude married Sharon G. Mitchell in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. They lived in Priest River, Idaho, and had two children, Claudia and Kenny. They were married 43 years before Sharon's passing in December of 2003. In 2005, Claude married Irene Graham in Las Vegas, Nev. They had been married for 19 years. 

Shorty served in the U.S. Navy from 1959 to 1961. He worked for years in mining before he began working in the woods. He started working in the tunnels of Boundary Dam and moved through various jobs in the logging industry, including working for Ralph Brooks, LP, and Knole's Logging. Claude moved on to mechanizing with Modern Machinery for a few years but returned to logging with Roy Cliff before retiring in 2004. "Loved the woods, everything about it!" He would share. Shorty was honored to receive Bull of the Woods 2021 for Priest River's Timber Days, a standout memory he was so proud of! He genuinely enjoyed the outdoors: yard work, camping, hunting, fishing and particularly elk camp, a highlight of each year for him in the fall. 

He loved spending time with his family. Shorty was always up for the company of family or a good friend, who frequently stopped by on "Shorty's Lane." He was a resident of Priest River for over 60 years. His smile and laughter were contagious and "by golly" he loved to dance! 

Claude is survived by his wife, Irene Graham, daughter Claudia Graham (Ray) and son Kenny Graham (Sherry), stepdaughter Connie Leetch (Randy), daughter-in-law Tina Graham, brother Clyde Graham (Cheri), sister-in-law Kathy Mitchell, brother-in-law Wallace Mitchell (Gloria), grandchildren Kassondra (Justin), Kamille (Tyler) Tierney (Max), Cody (Shantelle), Cameron (Brooke) Michael (Kristin), Brandon (Carrie) Baylee (Eric), Kevin (Brenda), Bethanie (Larry), Brandon (Elizabeth), and Cendra, as well as 20 great-grandchildren and his beloved dog, Ruffy. He is also remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Claude was preceded in death by his first wife, Sharon Graham, his parents, mother and father-in-law, brothers Clark and Cleatis Graham, brother-in-law and best friend Jerry Mitchell, sister-in-law Janice Reynolds, brother-in-law Lloyd Reynolds, and stepson Carl Graham. Shorty was dearly loved by his family and will be missed by all who knew him.

A graveside memorial service is planned for May 23, 2024, at 10 a.m. at Evergreen Cemetery in Priest River, and a gathering to follow at City Park. Sherman-Campbell Funeral Home in Newport, Wash., is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends are welcome to visit their website at www.shermancampbell.com.