R. Gene Grant's Obituary
R. Gene GrantR. Gene Grant passed away peacefully at home on Nov. 9, 2004. Born in Tacoma on February 28, 1912 to Cloyd E. and Gladys Grant, Gene graduated from Lincoln High School in 1928. After working at Bill Gill Chevrolet for several years, he started his lumber business career in 1934 with Fairhurst Lumber Co. He and Ben Cheney began the Cheney Lumber Company in 1936, continuing to build the company until 1974 when it was sold to Louisiana-Pacific. Since then he has been a member of the Ben B. Cheney Foundation, serving several terms as president. Gene was always the consummate gentleman with a kind and gentle manner, which will be greatly missed. His devotion to his family can first, before work, boating, and cars.A former member of the Tacoma Yacht Club, Orcas Island Yacht Club, and a founding member of the Orcas Island Tennis Club, he continued his membership in the Tacoma Country and Golf Club, Tacoma Club, Tacoma Art Museum, Washington Athletic Club, Sun Valley Ski Club and the Little Church on the Prairie. Gene was a long-time member of the West Coast LumbermanÂ's Inspection Bureau, and served on the Board of Regents of Pacific Lutheran University. He was a founding member of Crystal Mountain and Alpental ski areas and a respected member of the Tacoma business community.Preceded in death by brother Glen Grant, he is survived by his wife of 68 years, Esther M. Grant; daughters Karen Gardner (Hilton B.) and Kristine McLean (Peter); grandchildren Kelly Daluiso (David), Sandy Maher (Joseph), Dee Gardner, Bowen Gardner (Summer), Amanda McLean, Chris McLean (Paula); great-grandchildren Alexander and Mathew Daluiso, and many treasured nieces and nephews.Memorial services will be held at Little Church on the Prairie at 1:00 PM, Friday, November 12, 2004. A reception will follow at the Tacoma Country and Golf Club.Memorials may be made to the Little Church on the Prairie Memorial Fund or Mary Bridge ChildrenÂ's Hospital.
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