The Tulsa Figure Skating Club mourns the loss of Dr. Hugh C. Graham, Jr., who passed away on May 30, 2024, at the age of 90. Dr. Graham’s legacy is deeply intertwined with our club, and his contributions to the sport of figure skating are a testament to his unwavering dedication to the sport, his leadership, and his enduring impact on the figure skating community.
Dr. Graham Jr.’s figure skating journey began alongside his sister, Margaret Anne Graham, under the encouragement of their parents, Dr. Hugh C. Graham Sr. and Helen Graham. Their journey was marked by competitive success, with Margaret Anne and Hugh Jr. becoming U.S. pairs silver medalists and members of multiple World teams. Beyond their competitive years, both siblings transitioned into roles of significant influence as judges and officials, shaping the sport they loved so dearly.
Dr. Graham Jr.’s tenure as president of U.S. Figure Skating from 1986 to 1989 was marked by pivotal changes that standardized the U.S. Championships and improved the overall experience for competitors and officials alike. His leadership extended to chairing the competitions committee, where his firsthand knowledge as a skater informed his efforts to streamline and enhance competition protocols.
The Graham family’s contributions to figure skating extend beyond Hugh Jr.’s leadership. His daughters, Dana and Peggy Graham, and niece Lorrie Reed Parker, continue the family tradition as top figure skating officials.
The Tulsa Figure Skating Club has always been proud of its historical significance in U.S. Figure Skating, from hosting the worldwide premiere of the Ice Follies in 1936 to the 1970 U.S. Figure Skating Championships. The Graham family’s multi-generational involvement has been a cornerstone of this legacy, reflecting the values of commitment, excellence, and community.
As we commemorate Dr. Graham Jr.’s remarkable life, we celebrate his contributions and the indelible mark he has left on figure skating. His legacy lives on through the countless skaters, judges, and officials he inspired and supported throughout his life.
Dr. Graham Jr.’s passion for figure skating and his significant contributions will be deeply missed, but his spirit and dedication to the sport will continue to inspire future generations. The Tulsa Figure Skating Club extends its heartfelt condolences to the Graham family and honors the memory of a true pioneer in our sport.
Rest in peace, Dr. Hugh C. Graham Jr. Your legacy will forever be cherished.
— Tulsa Figure Skating Club
References:
- FORMER U.S. FIGURE SKATING PRESIDENT DR. HUGH C. GRAHAM JR. PASSES AWAY AT 90 https://www.usfigureskating.org/news/article/former-us-figure-skating-president-dr-hugh-c-graham-jr-passes-away-90
- GRAHAM FAMILY’S SKATING LEGACY CONTINUES TO FLOURISH https://www.usfigureskating.org/news/article/graham-familys-skating-legacy-continues-flourish