Obituary of Carl W. Graef

September 14, 1913-October 2, 2016 Carl William Graef went to be with his Lord on Oct 2, 2016 at 103 years and 18 days old. He was born to Julius and Elsie (Merkel) Graef on 9/14/1913 in Alameda, CA, the oldest of 4 children. He married Alice Bryan in 1940, and they raised their 3 children, Clayton, Lois and Cheryl in Alameda. She passed away in 1978, and he later married Lucy Baldridge in 1980 until her passing in 2014. He also lived in Ben Lomond, El Cajon and Scotts Valley. He was self-educated as he had to quit school in 10th grade at the beginning of the depression years. His first job involved taking the ferry to San Francisco and delivering Western Union telegrams around the city by bicycle. He could find his way around that beautiful city and often shared his vast knowledge about many landmark buildings there. He also was in the CCC when it was very difficult to find work. At 20 years old, he started working on the docks in Alameda as a lift truck operator for $.25 an hour. He worked on all the docks in Alameda, Oakland and San Francisco, retiring as a walking boss in the Longshoreman's Union 41 years later. The legacy he left to his family includes his strong faith in God, his commitment to both Alice and Lucy for many years of marriage, his unconditional love shown to his children, step children and many grandchildren. He was fondly known as "Uncle Carl" to several nieces, nephews and family friends and was a father figure to many young people growing up in Alameda as well as sailors who were all welcomed into his heart and home with open arms. He is survived by his children, Clayton (Pat) Graef of Santa Maria, Lois (Kevin) Mattson of Oceanside, and Cheryl (Rick) Hill of Scotts Valley, and his stepdaughter, Sami Fullford of Jacksonville FL. He also leaves many beloved grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren throughout the state. Until he died his mind was very sharp and his memory was simply amazing. He will be greatly missed by so many. One of his last requests to all his family was, "Please don't vote for Hillary." Family graveside services will be held in Mt. View Cemetery in Piedmont CA on Monday, Oct. 17 at 1 pm.