The week got off to a solemn start as friends and family attended funeral services for Dr. Todd Graham in Granger.

Dr. Graham was shot and killed last week after he refused to prescribe pain medication to one of his patients.

Dr. Graham leaves behind a wife, three children, and four dogs.

Ever the philanthropist, mourners are being asked to contribute to the Homeward Bound Animal Welfare Group instead of sending flowers.

An estimated 500 people gathered at the sprawling St. Pius X Church to pay their respects. “What an absolute honor to have known and loved such a spectacular man, what an honor it is to speak about him today,” said the cracking voice of Dr. Graham’s business partner, Dr. Adelbert Mencias.

Whether it be a lump in the throat or a tissue in the hand, those on hand did their best to deal with a life taken so senselessly, and violently.

“Of course we're all shattered and heartbroken today that anything like this could really happen, but we are equally determined to celebrate the life of this man,” said the Pastor of Graham’s boyhood church in Illinois.

Graham was the high school valedictorian who set up a practice in South Bend and proceeded to spend decades here as a doctor, a philanthropist and an inspiration to those who knew him best.

“Todd challenged us all, you taught us how to think differently, how to dream big and how to have the courage to be bold. This is what you embody; you inspired all of us through your life and actions. Todd our hearts will forever be grieving but all of our spirits have been lifted by your presence in our lives,” said Dr. Mencias.

Perhaps the quote of the day was that there was “nothing mediocre” about Dr. Todd Graham: everything he did he did impeccably.

“We all know that Todd is larger than life, that any event he was associated with was impeccable. He had an electric personality and he lit up a room like the sky on the Fourth of July. He held himself to the highest of standards and he was the absolute definition of class. His style was impeccable, his reputation was huge, and he lived up to it.”

Dr. Graham was an avid traveler. His obituary says he visited St. Bart’s so often that he was jokingly referred to as the Mayor of the island.