Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009

Hundreds pay tribute to Rep. Grant at funeral service

Kristin M. Kraemer, Herald staff writer

WALLA WALLA -- State Rep. Bill Grant loved spending time in Olympia, but when it came to making legislative decisions his heart was always in Eastern Washington.

The fourth-generation wheat farmer respected the land and community that helped the Walla Walla native become an influential and effective leader in state politics.

Saturday, hundreds gathered to remember the friendly and honest man and the "positive impact he had on the shape of our society," said the Rev. Patrick Kerst.

Grant, 71, died Jan. 4, less than a month after he was diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer.

A Democrat, he was re-elected in November to the seat he held for 22 years.

St. Patrick Catholic Church in Walla Walla was packed with Grant's constituents and prominent Democrats from local government to the state capitol, including Gov. Chris Gregoire and House Speaker Frank Chopp. Also in attendance was Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash.

Kerst, looking around at the standing room-only crowd for the funeral Mass, announced that "Bill had said if the church was full for his service, there was to be a collection."

Since the church was at double capacity, there would be a double collection, Kerst joked.

A remark that a person is well-connected is sometimes made to preface a disparaging comment, Kerst said.

That was not the case with Grant, who "was a connected man," he said.

Grant was connected to the Lord, to his past, to the land and to "a life of caring and nurturing" with his large family, his friends and his colleagues.

"He was always striving to do the best for people, striving to do good ...," Kerst said. "He was striving always to make things just a little bit better."

Grant leaves behind his wife Nancy; four children Gina, Laura, Amy and Jonathan; and 11 grandchildren.

Nancy Grant choked back tears while telling the crowd what a comfort it's been to her knowing how much her husband was loved. She said in the audience was her immediate family, her extended family, her Walla Walla family and the Olympia family, and she asked the Olympia folks to "think of him with love this session."

"I am just so blessed and thankful," Nancy said.

Her short address was followed by loud applause and a standing ovation.

Bill Grant served the 16th District, which covers Walla Walla and Columbia counties, along with parts of Benton and Franklin counties.

He was known for his work on water policy, agriculture and education, and the various projects he supported around Southeastern Washington. The William A. Grant Water and Environmental Center at Walla Walla Community College was named in his honor.

"Rep. Bill Grant was really a good guy and we're all going to miss him a lot. And he'd like me to stop there," Steve L. VanAusdle said to laughter and many utterances of agreement.

Grant was a compassionate conservative who "was the voice and the advocate for the Democratic Party in Eastern Washington."

He studied the issues and always knew where to go for advice if needed.

"Bill spent the state's money as if it were his own. And we all know how conservative Bill was with his money," said VanAusdle, president of Walla Walla Community College.

He referenced the legislator's 1985 pickup that was always parked among fancy sports cars at the state capitol. One legacy Grant will leave is his impact on the current and future leaders of Washington.

VanAusdle reminded the other legislators that as they "face tough economic challenges this session" to be reminded of how Grant would handle it.

He thanked Nancy Grant and the family for sharing Grant with everyone else.

"Bill, your work is done, your course is set ...," VanAusdle said. "Bill, our friend, well done."