Graham Lovelady Obituary (1957 - 2023)

Graham "Rick" Patrick Lovelady was born on January 19, 1957, in San Diego, California, to Graham and Patricia Lovelady. He grew up in Orange, California, just ten miles from Disneyland, with his two younger brothers and sister. He went to several schools and eventually earned his GED, then went into the military at age 17. The military brought him to Hill Air Force Base in Utah. After he left the Air Force, Graham attended Weber State University on the GI Bill. It was there that he met the love of his life, Lori. They married in 1979, and they both graduated in 1981--Graham with a bachelor's Degree in Finance. Soon after, the couple welcomed their first daughter. Two years later, after the birth of their first son, Graham returned to academia to pursue a master's degree in business administration. Throughout this period, he juggled two jobs to provide for his family. Graham and Lori highly valued Lori's commitment to being a full-time homemaker. With the arrival of three more children, Graham continued to provide for the family while Lori took on the task of homeschooling. As the children grew, Graham realized that if he focused on climbing the corporate ladder, he would have to sacrifice time with his family. He decided to go back to school to become proficient in computer programming, allowing him more time with his wife and children. Professionally, Graham was a dedicated Senior Software Engineer, working at Wex, INC. for over 20 years. Prior to this, Graham worked as an Analyst at Intermountain Health Care, an Accounting Systems Implementer at Great Salt Lake Minerals, a Plant Controller at Kraft General Foods, and a Product Administrator/Industrial Engineer at Iomega. He Founded Econosoft - a Computer Consulting company, and Reliable Rentals of Ogden. Graham loved coaching his kid's sports teams, spending time fishing, hiking, biking, motorcycle riding, golfing, skiing, reading, cooking, remodeling houses, gardening, and having countless adventures with his wife and children. Graham's passion for spending time with his children continued with his grandchildren. As a child, Graham was exposed to faith by a loving neighbor, and he accepted Jesus as his Savior. As he grew into adulthood, he recommitted his life to Christ around age 30. His passion for growing and sharing his faith prompted him to earn his master's degree in divinity (theology). An eternal learner, Graham's thirst for knowledge was insatiable, and his desire to share his learnings with others was equally strong. His passion for Christ drove him to serve God through various ministries over the years: teaching Sunday school classes, mission trips to Colina De Luz Orphanage in Mexico, Biblical Counseling, and (most importantly) sharing the Word of God with his family. He taught Bible Studies at Weber County Jail for over 15 years. Graham also founded Inner City Ministries, provided pre-marital counseling, and presided over marriages and funerals. Graham spent many years on the Board of Directors at The Lantern House, a local homeless shelter, where he also served as Chairman of the Board. While their children were young, Graham served as the President of the Utah Christian Homeschool Association. As an ordained minister, we love to remember Graham as a "Pastor Without Walls." Graham's greatest desire and lifelong prayer was that YOU would know the love of Christ, ensuring that someday he would be reunited with you in heaven. Graham was promoted to glory on Thursday, December 21, 2023, and he will be sorely missed by all who love him. Graham is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Lori; children: Katie (Jack), Paul (Maegan), Heather (Rocky), Bryan (Holly), and Ben; grandchildren: John, Owen, Nola, Leioni, Raini, Riona, Ruby, and Alden; brothers: Dave (Carrie), Todd (Karen), sister: Heidi (Steve), and many nieces and nephews. Graham's Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at 11:00 am at Washington Heights Church in Ogden, Utah. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Lantern House or Washington Heights Outreach Fund in Graham's memory are welcome.