Gary Grant
(1934-2022)
Gary Stephen Grant, local politician, loving husband, and father died on January 17, 2022, in Tucson, Arizona.
He was born September 18, 1934, in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin to Merrill and Kathryn Grant. He grew up in North Bend graduating from Mount Si High School in 1952. He attended St. Martin’s College in Lacey, graduating with a degree in Industrial Relations in 1956. After graduation he worked for Boeing, where he met the love of his life, Tanya Olson. They were married on April 30, 1960 and enjoyed a close and loving marriage for nearly 62 years, raising four children.
In 1962, Gary ran for public office winning a seat in the 47th district of the Washington State House of Representatives, thus beginning his long political career. Gary served in the House for five terms and the State Senate for two terms. During this time, he also worked for the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). In 1978, he was elected to the King County Council representing the 9th district, where he served for three terms. For his years of public service, he was honored with the dedication of Gary Grant Park, along the Soos Creek Trail in Kent. His last elected position was as a Commissioner for the Port of Seattle, where he served two terms, retiring from public office in 1998. He also served on the board of the Washington State Convention and Trade Center.
Gary was devoted to his family and friends. He and Tanya lived in King County, had a home in Arizona, and were active in the Catholic Church. They enjoyed traveling, relishing time in Asia and Europe. Gary loved to tell stories and entertain, making everyone laugh and feel at home. He was fond of music, especially singing, and playing the accordion and harmonica. His was a life well-lived and well-loved.
Gary is survived by his loving wife Tanya of Maple Valley; children: Stephen Grant (Joyce), Leah Grant (Michael Royston), Daniel Grant (Vera), and Jennifer Kombol (Bill); grandchildren Michael Grant, Katie Grant (Maggie), Tyler Lomax, Gary Grant II, Stella Grant, Carter Grant, Oliver Kombol, Spencer Kombol (Krista) and Henry Kombol; great-grandchildren Reagan, Kendyl and Mason Grant; brother Merrill Grant, sister Linda Lawson and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws. He was preceded in death by his sister Diane Blanchard and brother Bill Grant.
The family requests memorial gifts be directed to Saint Martin’s University for the purpose of general scholarships. Gifts can be mailed to Saint Martin’s University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 5000 Abbey Way SE, Lacey, WA 98503, or made online by visiting www.stmartin.edu/giving.
A mass in his honor and a memorial service will be held at a future date.
