David Daniel "Dan" Graham

Graham, David Daniel “Dan” March 30,1947-Dec. 28,2020 Dan Graham, 73; died after a long battle with cancer. Born in Seattle, Washington to Phyllis and Dave Graham (an Engineer in the Merchant Marines). They soon moved to Galveston, Texas to be near the shipping companies. Dan grew up in the Galveston and Houston area—the oldest of 6 brothers and sisters. He graduated from Sam Rayburn High School in Pasadena, Texas, and then attended Texas Tech for two years before joining the Navy during the Vietnam War. Dan served as a Signalman on Aircraft Carriers from 1967 to 1971. After serving in the Navy, he attended Cal State Long Beach, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Teaching Credential. He later received his Master's Degree in School Administration from Pepperdine Univ. in School Administration. He began his teaching career in 1975 in Irvine Unified School District as a First Grade Teacher, and moved up through the grade levels, eventually teaching Junior High. He became an Assistant Principal and then a Principal. He served as the Principal at the El Toro Marine Base School before the Base was closed. He then moved to Saddleback Unified School District and was Principal at Rancho Santa Margarita Intermediate School for many years. He was known for remembering the names of all 1800 students and learning about their interests and needs. His motto was “You’re Not Invisible”. He retired in 2008 after 32 years in Education. He was also involved in several Education Organizations including CTA, ACSA, and CLMS. He was very active in the Rotary Club of Coto de Caza/Rancho Santa Margarita, serving as President and other positions. He worked on many Community Service Projects. As his children were growing up and attending local schools, he was active in Boy Scouts and Band Boosters. One of Dan’s lifelong passions was golf, and he was a member of the Men’s Club at Tijeras Creek Golf Club. After retirement from Education he pursued two part-time “dream” jobs - one was working at Tijeras Golf Course so he could play unlimited golf, and the other was working at Anaheim Stadium as an usher so he could watch unlimited Angels Games. He enjoyed getting to know the fans in his section at the stadium. Travel was another passion, and he was proud to say he had visited all but 6 states—-and had the chance to see many beautiful parts of the World. Dan is survived by his wife of 48 years, Sandra; his son Garrett Graham and his wife Dana of Redlands; and daughter Amy Hiatt and her husband Blake Hiatt of Concord, Calif. He is also survived by brother Carl Graham and sisters Johnna McMillan and Stormy Kahler, along with many nieces and nephews, all residing in the Houston, TX area. Dan touched the lives of many students, parents, community members, and friends. Sadly, at this time a Celebration of Life cannot be held due to COVID-19. Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.