Graham Lovejoy

Graham Lovejoy, beloved father, son, brother, uncle, spouse, nephew, cousin and avid fisherman passed away on January second.

Graham was born August 17, 1975 at home, on his fathers desk, down a dirt road in the hills of Burbank Ca. to Robert and Debra Lovejoy, joining big brother Clayton. His parents separated when Graham was young, so he and brother Clay grew up in Burbank during the school year, while spending his summers in Santa Barbara with their father and his wife Dawn. Graham’s love for the beach grew, living on the Mesa a few months a year. When Graham was 10, Bob and Dawn gave he and brother Clay who was 14 at the time, a sister, Athena. Growing up in both Burbank with his mom and her husband Steve and in Santa Barbara gave Graham an opportunity to learn two different lifestyles. Graham grew up playing football, skiing, sailing and was in the junior lifeguard program among other activities.

Graham lived a somewhat bohemian lifestyle as an adult. Clay took Graham with him on many adventures creating unforgettable memories including following The Grateful Dead for a couple of summers taking in about 25 shows during these road trips.Graham’s life changed when he and his partner Araceli Solorio, welcomed daughter Ariah Jade, on November 19th 2004, joining big brother Elias, and this gave his life new meaning. Graham’s priorities became providing for his family as he embarked on a business career. Graham started a successful concrete pumping business and later opened two retail vape shops. All three businesses were thriving when Graham passed.

Graham also became an avid fisherman. He and best friend Danny Biven spent a month every year fishing with Bob on the Sea of Cortez. Graham’s first catch was a purple sailfish and he was hooked on the sport. He spent much of his free time fishing and hosting fishing trips all along the North American coast, from the tip of Baja to Alaska. Graham owned several boats over the years but his favorite was his Boston Whaler, My Celi.

Perhaps Graham’s greatest talent though, was his ability to connect with people. He left everyone he met feeling like they had a new best friend. He had a special knack with kids and seemed to have the ability to get the most rambunctious kid to calm down, listen and just be cool. He was jokingly referred to as the “kid whisperer”.

Graham leaves behind his immediate family of daughter Ariah, mother Debra, father Bob, brother Clay, sister Athena and partner Araceli, along with a large extended family and an enormous group of friends and collegues. When word of Graham’s passing became known social media lit up with literally hundreds of heartfelt posts from people who were touched by this kind and generous man. He will be missed dearly, but remembered fondly…

We love you Graham!
Rest in peace

contributions to Ariah’s college fund can be made out to Charles Schwab, P.O. Box 15, Santa Barbara, Ca. 93102