For Our Dad, Keith Grant (1936-2009)

 

We are here today to remember and celebrate the Life of Keith Grant: a loving husband, inspirational father and grandfather.

Our dad was a man who, in the many phases of his life looked out for others, and worked hard to provide a stable and secure future for himself and his family.

We all have loving memories of his HUMOUR and SENSE of FUN, his dedication to our FAMILY, his political convictions, CIVIC SENSE and SERVICE TO COLLEAGUES, and again his wonderful SENSE OF HUMOUR.

We remember our Dad for his CIVIC DUTIES and SERVICE TO COLLEAGUES: he worked for the town (as an elected councillor), for schools (as a parent governor), he raised money for charities (with the Moose), gave his expertise and skills in erecting Christmas illuminations in the Town (his “star” is, we think still atop St Johns Church after 20 years). Importantly, as a long standing EEPTU (Trade Union) member and pensions trustee, Dad worked to secure equitable and generous pensions for himself and fellow Westland employees.

His HUMOUR: we remember Dad’s love of performance, pantomimes and spreading fun to others (with early days concerts in St Peters Youth Club and Summerlands old folks home), to the Wessex pantos where he met our Mum.

As a young boy, I remember laughing watching our Dad and Dad’s best man, Keith Burgess (who some of you know), mime and perform to the Goons “Ying Tong Song”. We are playing that song at the end. It reminds us of all the fun.

As a FAMILY MAN: our Dad provided an inspiration to us and has given Kevin and I solid values to aspire to and live by with our own families. He can rest assured in our total conviction to look after our Mum as he wished us to. We are all very proud of him.

Bravely, without complaint, Dad battled a fearful illness with dignity and strength.

We sincerely thank all those who have looked after Dad during this time: the wonderful people at the MacMillan Unit (Yeovil), the incredible team at St Margaret’s Hospice, and at the Salvation Army.

And of course our wonderful Mum. Their absolute oneness is an inspiration to us all.

It is difficult today to remember all the joy and laughter our Dad brought into our lives and to the wider world. We have our memories, Mum and Dad’s stories and we really look forward to talking to you, and hearing your memories of our lovely Dad, over a sausage roll (in the Airfield Tavern).

Ian and Kevin Grant, for the Grant Family.