MIAMI LAKES, Fla. (NEWSnet/AP) — Family and friends on Saturday remembered former Florida Gov. and U.S. Sen. Bob Graham as a politician who avoided rancor, enjoyed meeting regular Floridians and behaved civilly.

About 200 people gathered for a memorial service at Miami Lakes United Church of Christ for the two-term governor and three-term senator, who died last month at age 87.

A painting of Graham stood on an easel at the front of the chapel. His wife of 65 years, Adele, dabbed her eyes as she sat in the first pew with the family.

Robin Gibson, a lifelong friend who was Graham's general counsel as governor, said in his eulogy that Graham's friendly and civil public demeanor was not a charade. He behaved that way even at stressful meetings.

“There was no macho profanity. There was no agenda. There was no pettiness. There was no gossip. It was, ‘How do we get to make the best decision for the best reason?’ It was that simple,” Gibson said.

As both a governor and senator, Graham spent a shift each month at various job sites. He did it more than 400 times, including teacher, bellhop, construction worker and farm laborer.

Buddy Shorstein, a longtime friend who became chief of staff, said Graham looked forward to each, “to learn what the average Floridian went through to make a living.”

Former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham, eldest of Graham's four daughters, said her father has always been her inspiration and role model.

“There has never been a day I haven’t been proud to be Bob Graham’s daughter.”

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