William Alexander Graham Jr., affectionately known as Papa Bill of Sportsmens Lodge passed away on Saturday, December 5th, 2020. Has was just a few days short of his 95th birthday.
Papa Bill was part of the greatest generation, a World War ll veteran. The war ended while he was stationed on an aircraft carrier between Hawaii and Japan in 1945.
Papa Bill was born on December 22nd, 1922 in Los Angeles, California. Graduated from North Hollywood High School, Los Angeles State College and UCLA, he received his master’s degree from UCLA for Accounting and Economics. He was an accountant for California State University in Northridge, California until he retired to manage his real estate business when he was 49 years old.
In 2004, he accepted his son Bill Alexander's request to go offshore and build a business to be called The Sportsmens Lodge in Barrio Otoya, San Jose, Costa Rica. He was quoted to say at the age of 78, “Do you think that I am crazy enough to start an offshore business”. He later said that The Lodge was his favorite and the most fun venture of his life.
Papa Bill died in his sleep peacefully from natural causes with his son Bill and caretakers by his side. He is survived by his daughter Pamela, and his sons Bill and Danny. Special thanks to caretaker Bianca and Manfred Hernandez.
Memorial Services pending announcement to be made in January.
