A tribute to a listening leader

Mark Graff broke out this high school outfit as the featured speaker during a McCook High School homecoming pep rally a few years ago

Courtesy Photo

So far in 2021, at least two or three of these columns have been tributes to those who have passed, including Cloyd Clark and Tor Olson. Hopefully, their families and friends found those words comforting, uplifting or at least brought back a few fond memories.

While I will continue to occasionally reflect on those who have had a tremendous impact but are no longer with us, I want to offer up an alternative: highlighting those who have had a tremendous impact but continue to influence our community in positive ways because they are still here.

Wednesday night to kick of McCook’s Heritage Days Celebration, several well-deserving people were recognized for their roles in McCook including Bill Elliott as parade marshal; Jody and Richie Crocker as honor family; and king and queen Matthew Pochop and Karragan Shaw, as well as all of the Heritage Days royalty.

And finally, there was Mark Graff, who received the Grand Marshall award for his years of service nationally, statewide and locally.

While many people know Mark because of his role leading MNB Bank, his influence can be found in countless other areas. Had Trevor Taylor listed everything Mark has been or is currently involved in during Wednesday’s celebration at the MNB Mixer, we would have been there for a long time…way past Mark’s bedtime.

While Mark is involved in many organizations including serving as a founder and current treasurer for the McCook Community Foundation Fund, the public may not notice it. As a certified public accountant, he steadfastly does what is needed, what is expected, what is right. He isn’t out there show-boating or grand-standing unless he is showing off his two new grandchildren.

And Mark is quick to shift the attention from himself to those around him or give credit to those who came before him. There is one person who he cites for helping him become the man he is today: his dad, Pete Graff.

Pete and Mark have many similarities - from their height to their hairline - but there is yet another attribute they have in common. When they speak, people listen. Pete was not one for many words. He didn’t have to orate long to get his point across. There are countless stories of people sitting in Pete’s office in McCook National Bank, now MNB Bank, as the customer or friend told a story or asked for advice with Pete sitting back in his chair with his arms crossed across his chest, just listening most of the time.

The same holds true for Mark as people reach out for advice, assistance, or just a friendly ear to talk to. Because Mark acknowledges that the other thing he learned from his dad is that we can never give back to our community too much and that we will never be able repay all the people who also work so hard day after day but we’ll try.

And for full transparency, I must clarify my relationship with Mark. I am married to Mark’s brother, Jon, the youngest of Pete and Dolores Graff’s 11 children. When meeting someone new who knows the Graff name, I am often asked if I am Mark’s wife, but that title belongs to Mark’s wonderful wife, Linda.

Occasionally, I am asked if I am one of Mark’s five sisters, but McCook is home to four Graff-Thomas boys: Mark, Mike, Chad and Jon. But my favorite question is when people ask if I’m Mark’s daughter. Not sure how Mark feels about that, but it makes my day.

Congratulations to all the Heritage Days Royalty, who continue to make McCook an even better place to call home.

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As if he wasn’t involved enough, Mark is spearheading the Timberline Concert next Thursday, Sept 30 at the Alice Building on the Red Willow County Fairgrounds, which is being held in memory of Tor Olson. Thanks to many generous sponsors, all ticket proceeds will go toward a project in Tor’s name, something that showcases one of Tor’s many interests.

While you can get tickets at the door, it’s going to be $5 more. So stop by MNB Bank or Sehnert’s Bakery before next Thursday to get a ticket. Tickets are also available at the Imperial City Offices. Or visit www.jimsalestrom.com to order online.

The concert is going to be a fun evening with great music by Timberline, honoring a great man in Tor Olson and organized by a tremendous local leader in Mark Graff.