Richard Alan Grant

84, died peacefully on February 26, surrounded by his children and grandchildren. The son of Dr. G. A. and Helen Grant, he was born in the family home in Indianola, Iowa on June 7, 1924. Richard served as the sonar officer on the destroyer escort USS Frances M. Robinson(DE-220) in the Atlantic during World War II. He then attended Simpson College, where, in addition to his studies, he sang tenor in a barbershop quartet, appeared in numerous plays and fell in love with the beautiful Marjorie Mitchell. Married in 1950, they moved to Oklahoma where Richard continued his graduate studies and served as psychologist at the McAlester State Penitentiary. During the Kennedy Administration he accepted a position in the newly formed Department of Health, Education and Welfare and he and Marjorie moved their growing family to the suburbs of Washington D.C. During this period, Richard actively contributed to the positive social changes of the 1960s. He also indulged an avid interest in American history by taking his family on frequent trips to historical sites, all the while maintaining his reputation as a fine musician. Richard next accepted the post of Regional Commissioner for HEW in the Pacific Northwest. The family adventured across the continent in their VW bus to "the other Washington" where they established their beloved home on Bainbridge Island, with sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains and an expanse of scotch broom that was soon cultivated into gardens of vegetables and roses. Over the years the Grant home was famous for countless celebrations, planned and impromptu. Whether lofty dignitary or starving artist, all were welcomed and none were judged at Rich and Marge's house. While enjoying a warm bowl of French onion soup and a homegrown Bloody Mary, a lucky guest might be entertained by Rich as he quoted "De Gustibus non est disputandum" or launched into his astonishing rendition of Joe Cocker's "With a Little Help from My Friends". Richard stayed busy during his retirement, rooting for his favorite sports teams, tending his bee hives, consulting as a Master Gardener, contributing to numerous progressive causes and entertaining his grandchildren. Richard is survived by his brother, Dr. Lloyd Grant and his wife Mary of Saratoga, California, his sister, Dr. Genelle Morain of Athens, Georgia, his five children, Michael (Kerry), Bruce (Mary), Eric (Deb), Melinda (John Kennell) and David (Rachel) and nine grandchildren, Arthur, Ben, Noah, Hillary, Claire, Amanda, Mitchell, Jocelyn and Cael. Rich had a gift for brightening the day of everyone he met and the community responded by supporting and nurturing him. His family offers heartfelt thanks to the many people who reflected his good cheer and helped him on his journey, especially his caregivers Dr. Sundance Rogers, Heidi, Sheila, Becky, Kathryn, and the fine staff at Martha and Mary. In memory of his upbeat attitude, be good to yourself, reach out to a friend, and contribute to a worthy cause. In celebration of his life an open house will be held at 11077 Madison Ave., NE from 2:00 - 6:00 on Saturday, March 7. Interment was a private ceremony at Kane Cemetery in Port Madison.