Graham, Meghan West June 6, 1994 April 21, 2019 It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of our beautiful 24 year old, daughter, grand daughter, niece and friend, Meghan Graham. Meghan passed away unexpectedly on Easter morning of complications resulting from previous brain injuries. She is survived by her loving parents, Jennifer and Rick Graham, her best friend and brother, Ricky Graham, grandfather Keith West, grandmother Pat Graham, and the scores of family and friends whose lives were forever changed by knowing her. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Maribee West and her grandfather, Dr. John "Jack" Graham.

Meghan was born in Mountain View, CA and moved with her family "back home" to Minnetonka, Minnesota at age 8, where she grew up surrounded by the love of her family, grandparents, aunts, uncles and many cousins. Her natural athletic talents were evident from a very early age. Embracing the colder climate in Minnesota, she took her first run on a snowboard and flying down the mountain quickly became her passion. She competed on the world's biggest stages, accumulated hundreds of awards and took home National Championships year after year.

At 16, she moved to Steamboat Colorado to pursue her dream of becoming an Olympic snowboarder. In Colorado she trained every day while working to complete her high school degree. She attracted prominent sponsors and was striving to earn her place on the US Olympic team. Unfortunately, multiple head injuries forced her to give up competing in the sport she loved. It was a tremendous loss for Meghan, but like everything in her life, she faced her challenges with bravery, grit and determination.

Recovering from her head injuries was her greatest trial but she did the hard work both mentally and physically. She was well on her way down her new chosen path to a happy and successful life. She traded in her racer's jacket for a coach's jacket. She loved her job coaching talented young competitors, guiding many of them to the podium at Nationals. This past year, she was doing well in college. She and her dog, Summit, were beloved by the seniors she worked with at the Glenn Hopkins Daybridge Program. Most recently, she was training for a 5K Marathon.

Meghan loved working with kids and actively supported the Special Olympics. She also walked each year to raise money and awareness for NAMI the National Alliance for Mental Illness. To know Meghan was to love Meghan. She touched so many lives and impacted them each profoundly - yet it all came so naturally to her. Her energy and positive attitude were magnetic. She always seemed to spot the person who felt left out or in pain, and she reached out time and time again. Everyone in her sphere got a hug, a laugh, just the right encouragement or a "toughen up" when they needed it most. She welcomed everyone with open arms and an open heart.

Meghan was a bright light that warmed and inspired everyone who knew her. May she rest in peace among wild flowers and snow-covered mountains with tie-dye rainbows. Please join Meghan's family and friends as we remember her too-short but well-lived life with a "Tie-Dye Celebration". May 9, 2019 at the Woods Chapel. Gather at the amphitheater at 1:00 p.m. Service will commence at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Special Olympics and/or NAMI National Alliance for Mental Illness (namimn.org)

Published on April 28, 2019