Joseph H Grant

On August 14th, 2020, Joseph “Joe” Grant peacefully slipped the surly bonds of earth on his own terms following a brief hospitalization for injuries sustained in a fall at home while reaching for a Journey album.  

Joe was born on January 23rd, 1947 in Baker, Oregon, and grew up on his family’s ranch along the Powder River. The valedictorian of Eagle Valley High School near Richland, Oregon, he was always quick to point out it was from a class of nine Students.  He then graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Philosophy from Mt. Angel Seminary. In the years that followed, Joe filled many shoes: aspiring monk, conscientious objector, hippie, houseboat inhabitant, and pianist. He maintained a lifelong commitment to peace and service to others and had a varied career in the field of social services. He was motivated by his deep compassion, sympathy, and curiosity about the world and the people who live in it.  

While living in Portland, Joe met his beloved wife of 41 years, Jeanette. Together, they shared many years in the city and Grants Pass before moving on a whim to the high desert of Lakeview, where they reared their brood of five feral, sturdy children who, to this day, still clean up quite nicely. Their intelligence, sense of humor, accomplishments, and love brought him immeasurable joy and pride over the years.  

Joe’s friends and family will cherish memories of his quick wit and his love of roses, animals, his Irish roots, music, and poetry. He was kind, thoughtful, generous, and understanding; his great love of life was reflected in the range and depth of his knowledge and opinions. He was always willing to lend a sympathetic ear and offered excellent advice about everything from culinary adventures to major life decisions. Joe never lost the capacity to be moved, amused, and interested in life - and the people around him never lost the capacity to be delighted and surprised by him. Joe’s Catholic faith was a guiding light throughout his entire life, and he was active in his parish and the Knights of Columbus.

He is survived by his wife Jeanette; children Liz (Jeff Siler) and family, Nicholas (Brandi) and family, Joey (Nancy) and family, Anna (Cory Callaghan), and Mary; his brother Bob Grant and sister Mary Elizabeth Pirone and their families; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is preceded in death by his mother Mary; Father Kenneth; and his brothers James (Jim) and Michael (Mike). Joe especially adored his six grandchildren, with whom he loved to play piano and watch Jeopardy.  

Holy Rosary will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Lakeview, OR Wednesday, August 19th at 7 pm; Funeral Mass will take place at 10 am the following morning (social distancing and masks are required). Graveside service will be held in Richland, Oregon on Saturday, August 22. 

Memorial contributions can be made to the Lake County Library Endowment Fund, PO Box 44, Lakeview, OR 97630 the Lakeview Disaster Unit, PO Box 1007, Lakeview, OR 97630 the Ann Duval Church Flower Fund, PO Box 29, Lakeview, OR 97630 or donor’s choice. 

Desert Rose Funeral Chapel is handling the care.

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