Traverse City Record-Eagle

Archive: Friday

February 10, 2012

Harold J. McGraw

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ELK RAPIDS — Harold J. McGraw, 90, of Elk Rapids passed away peacefully at his home on Jan. 30, 2012. Harold was born in 1921, in Detroit, to Harold and Merle (Smith) McGraw.

As a member of the Greatest Generation, Harold served his country from 1942 to 1946 as an airplane and helicopter mechanic for the U.S. Army Air Corps. In addition to advanced military training, Harold was part of a select group of soldiers sent by the Army to attend classes at Stanford University.

While stationed in Los Angeles, Calif., Harold married the love of his life, Virda, with whom he shared 68 wonderful years.

Along with wife, Virda, Harold owned and operated Infra Corp. of Waterford from 1959 until their retirement in 1982.

Never losing his passion for engineering and technology, Harold embraced computers, creating many memorable slide shows and among other projects, helping put together the Calvary Lutheran Church directory.

An avid boater, Harold was an active member of the Birmingham Power Squadron, earning numerous awards, including recognition as a Master Mariner. He and Virda cruised the waterways of North America, documenting their travels with slides, videos and written accounts of their adventures. Their trips were always a success because as Harold liked to say, "It never rains on my parade!"

In addition to boating, Harold's hobbies included hunting, collecting stamps, photography and collecting cameras.

Harold's wife, Virda, predeceased him in May of 2011.

He is survived by son, Vaughn A. (Harriet) McGraw, of Petoskey; sister-in-law, Elsie Rice, of Pompano Beach, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Harold's life will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, March 9, at Calvary Lutheran Church, 10180 Elk Lake Road, Elk Rapids, MI 49629.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Calvary Lutheran Church or Little Traverse Conservancy, 3264 Powell Road, Harbor Springs, MI 49740.

Share a memory of Harold at www.covellelkrapids.com.

Arrangements were made by Covell Funeral Home, Elk Rapids.

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