Former Regent Madison Graves dies after a long illness at 64
Former Regent Madison Bayles "Maddy" Graves died Tuesday after a long illness. He was 64.
Graves was a native Las Vegan. He attended Fifth Street School and Western High School and graduated from Bishop Gorman High School in 1964. He also graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno.
As a youth, Graves became the Las Vegas, Clark County and Nevada state champion in junior singles and doubles tennis. He also served in the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1966 to 1972, including a time on active duty in 1967 and 1968.
He served as a regent on the higher education system's Board from 1992 to 1998, acting as chairman in 1995 and 1996.
"Maddy was one of the finest and most decent regents that I ever served with," said Chancellor Dan Klaich, who served as a regent from 1983 to 1997. "He had a clear sense of what his role was and discharged it with honor. In addition he had a great sense of humor and was a friend to all who knew him. He loved the system and was a fierce and unflagging advocate for higher education.
"We will miss him dearly."
Graves worked in real estate, founded Falcon Homes and was a founder and partner of Mad Matty's Casino, GeeBee's Bar & Grill, Kavanugh's, Morrissey's, Molly Malone's and Sean Patrick's Irish Pubs.
As a regent, Graves helped establish the William Boyd School of Law at UNLV.
He served on numerous boards and committees, as well.
Graves is survived by his wife of 34 years, Susan, daughters Ginger Angela Graves and Kristen Danielle Wiener, son Darin Brookner, three grandchildren, and two brothers.
Services are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Palm Mortuary, 1325 North Main St. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Keep Memory Alive, 888 W. Bonneville Ave in Las Vegas.
