Graydon W. Painter

Graydon W. Painter was born April 17, 1949, in Wenatchee, WA. After a rapid and fierce battle with cancer, he died peacefully on July 14, 2012. A fourth generation wheat farmer, he resided in Waterville on the family farm with his father, Oroville and mother, Katherine "Kit" Painter. As a young adult, he sparked an interest in competition trap shooting with his parents. He won a junior state champion trap shoot competition in 1974. From that time on, he was well known in the region for his knowledge of guns and game hunting skills. During the 1960's, Graydon took an interest in Muscle Cars and had many unintended adventures with high-speed car chases and crashes, resulting in many stories about these events that are still told today. After graduating from Waterville High School in 1967, he briefly attended Spokane Community College, majoring in architecture. But, his destination was ultimately in agriculture. By the age of 23, he was called to operate the family wheat farm full-time. Wheat growing being his inherited passion, he developed deep and lasting respect from his peers for being known as a good farmer and wise land steward. Over the next 40 years, it is safe to say he fed a lot of people in the world. Besides his interest in farming, he also enjoyed golfing and often competed with friends from Chelan and Waterville. Snow skiing was another passion and each winter season he utilized all the ski areas in the Pacific Northwest region. He also gained his pilot's license and flew friends and family to various destinations in the U.S. and Canada. Always open to new ventures, during the 1990's, he bought and operated a restaurant in Chelan, called "Grady's by the Lake". Amazingly, he managed both the wheat farm and restaurant together. But, his passion for the farm won over and after a few years, he sold the restaurant and worked exclusively as a wheat farmer. When it came to matters of the heart, Graydon met his true soulmate, Jennifer Stevenson, in 2006. They married November 5, 2008. As constant companions, the passion never faded and happiness was well known in their marriage. Also, he was a devoted step-father to Jessie L. Watson, who served in the Afghanistan War from 2010 to 2011. Graydon is survived by his wife, Jennifer; step-son, Jessie Watson; cousins, Tony Long, Johnny and Linda Painter; and other relatives from the Waterville and Mansfield area. Services will be held on Saturday, July 21, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. at the Federated Church in Waterville. Following the Services, there will be a reception held at the Kevin and Anne Whitehall residence in Waterville. Please express your thoughts and memories on the online guestbook at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements are by Waterville Funeral Home.

Tributes

Graydon W. Painter

April 17, 1949 - July 14, 2012