Frank R. Grant

Frank Reginald Grant was born on April 14, 1940 to C. Leslie and Edith (Billing) Grant at Ronan, Montana. He lost his battle with pancreatic cancer and left this earth on June 15, 2014 at the age of 74 in his home in Olympia, Washington. Frank graduated from W.F. West High School in Chehalis, Washington. After high school, he continued his education by attending Centralia College in Centralia, Washington. He then received his Masters in History from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington; a Masters of Divinity from Garrett Theological Seminary at Northwest University in Evanston, Illinois; and a Ph.D. in Western History from the University of Montana in Missoula, Montana. Frank grew up in Chehalis, Washington before moving to Missoula, Montana. He then moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, followed by East Helena, Montana before settling in Olympia, Washington. Frank was married to Margaret LaFollette and they had two sons. In 2003 while living in Albuquerque, he married Janice Brigante, which also gave him a stepdaughter. Frank enjoyed spending his time teaching and attending Bible studies, reading, writing, enjoying the outdoors, camping, hiking, gardening, traveling and being with his family. He was always passionate about his work. He earned his living working at Lowe’s in East Helena, ResCare while in Albuquerque, was a Research Historian for the Historical Resources Association in Missoula and Albuquerque, Director of Historical Museum of Fort Missoula, and pastored the United Methodist Churches in Townsend, Toston and Radarsburg in Montana. Frank was also a member of the Montana Historical Society. Frank was a lifelong lover of learning. He was thoughtful, intelligent, gentle and kind man whose heartfelt belief was “God is always with us.” He faced illness with courage, grace and humor. Frank loved his family deeply and will be missed not only by his family but also all those whose lives he touched. Frank is survived by his wife, Janice of Olympia, Washington; sons, Erin (Sarese) of Missoula, Montana, Justin (Serena) of Albuquerque, New Mexico; step daughter, Kimberly Phillips of Federal Way, Washington; brothers, Phil of Ronan, Montana, Curtis of Gassville, Arkansas, Charles of San Antonio, Texas, Alfred and Ron both of Chehalis, Washington, Don of Deer Park, Washington, and Bruce of Alvin, Texas; sister, Edla of Tacoma, Washington; and three grandchildren. He is predeceased by his parents and sisters, Julia Alstad and Alice Church. The family suggests donations to be made in his memory to the First United Methodist Church of Olympia, Youth Mission Trip Fund, which can be sent to 1224 Legion Way SE, Olympia, WA 98501. Please leave memories of Frank or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.