Graham Fleming died at the age of 99 on October 23, 2025, at Cambrian Assisted Living. He was a long-time resident of Tecumseh.
Graham was born on March 3, 1926 in Augsburg, Bavaria, to Ludwig and Selma Friedmann. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by 3 almost equally long-lived siblings, Fritz, Anna, and Lia. He was evacuated from Nazi Germany by the Kindertransport in 1939 and never again saw his parents, who perished in the Holocaust.
In England he was raised and educated by various institutions, his sister Anna and her husband Ludwig, and several unrelated people whose generosity he never forgot. During World War II he served in the Royal Air Force as a glider pilot, which entailed some risk of capture; for this reason his name was changed (from Otto Gustav Friedmann). After the war, with support from a British equivalent of the GI Bill, he received a degree in chemical engineering from Imperial College. Subsequently he worked in the chemical industry, finally retiring from a role in finance at the Wacker Chemical Company at the age of 66.
He moved to New York City for a brief first marriage and then to Adrian for work. In Adrian he met Lois Russell at an airfield (where he had continued sailplaning as a hobby). They were devotedly and happily married for 62 years. Among many shared interests were competitive ballroom dancing, for which they won many trophies; a dog and cat Bingo (to whom Graham attributed remarkable contemplative powers); and support for their community, especially through the Lenawee Community Foundation. After their retirement they traveled extensively, visiting all seven continents. Graham particularly enjoyed his trips to Bhutan and Nepal, because of his affinity for Buddhist philosophy. He regularly traveled to visit Anna and Ludwig, whose friendship he treasured. He also became an avid long distance cyclist, traversing the U.S. from coast to coast, among many other adventures. He led many trips and served as President and Board Member for the Bicycle Adventure Club. He continued cycling until the age of 90 and after that walked 5 miles per day until entering Cambrian at the age of 97.
He is survived by his wife, Lois; a son, Matthew (Miriam); a daughter, Victoria; four granddaughters, Becca, Erin, Jane, and Sarah; and a great-grandson, Nathaniel.
Graham will be remembered for his wit, kindness, intelligence, resilience, and optimism and for his constant admonition to “enjoy your life”.
At his request, there will be no memorial service. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Lenawee Community Foundation.