Albert French Grant

1920 - 2008

VETERAN

Albert F. Grant, 86, passed away peacefully from natural causes at his home on Monday, March 17, 2008, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born May 20, 1921 [1920], in Lincoln, Nebraska. Albert worked ever since he was a young boy, taking care of his mother. After graduating from high school, he worked at a stationary store, and then joined the United States Navy Air Corps in 1942, serving as a flight instructor, Lt. J.G., at Corpus Christi, Texas, until Nov. 27, 1945.

Albert married Julie Barnes on August 2, 1944, moving to Missoula in 1945. He went to work for the railroad, starting as a grade setter in the engineering department of the Northern Pacific and gradually advanced to assistant bridge and building superintendent for the Northern Pacific and Burlington Northern. In 1981, he retired after working for nearly 35 years.

Albert enjoyed many interests over the years. He was a fine car mechanic, built an addition on to the house, constructed a model railroad layout and became a skilled woodworker. He enjoyed backpacking in the Mission and Swan mountains with his children, taking photographs of nature and his family, watching his son, Alan, play football in high school and driving for Meals on Wheels.

He had a fine sense of humor, a loving smile, and was always ready to help his family. Albert enjoyed the family vacation trips and considered his long, devoted marriage and his family to be his greatest treasures.

His mother, Addie B. Welch Grant, preceded him in death. Albert is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Julie B. Grant; his sister Ruth Kennedy of Sacramento, Calif.; his four adult children, Ken Grant (Shelley Anne), Barbara Moon (Steve), Lane Grant (Joel Lankford) and Alan L. Grant (Kim); and his grandchildren, Levi and Dusty Moon, Shawna Grant, Amber Lankford and Derek Grant.

There will be a veteran's interment at Sunset Memorial Gardens.