Obituary of Ron R. Grant

Ronald R. Grant Ron passed away April 23, 2006 at his home in Olympia after a prolonged illness. He was 64. Born May 22, 1941 to Mary and Ronald Grant in Tacoma, Ron grew up in Portland, Oregon. In high school, he was proud to be a member of the Jefferson High School state championship football team and played saxophone in the school jazz band. He attended Oregon State University where he received bachelor and master’s degrees in Forest Science. In 1966, he went to work for Simpson Timber Company and began a distinguished 30-year career. He worked in Simpson operations in Seattle, Eureka, California and Shelton, Washington and was Vice President/Controller of Simpson’s Northwest Operations from 1986 to 1996. He retired in 1996. At Simpson, Ron was known for being an innovative manager, clear thinker and creative problem solver. Ron enjoyed tackling projects and learning new things. Over the years, his hobbies and pastimes included riding motocross, fly-fishing (including tying his own flies), woodworking, photography, classical music, attending theatre productions, reading and bird watching. He acquired his first personal computer in the early ‘80’s and enjoyed keeping up with new technology. Throughout his life, he was active in community organizations including Junior Achievement, the Economic Development Council of Mason County and the Port of Olympia Planning and Advisory Committee. After retiring, he enjoyed serving as treasurer of the Capital High School Foundation, which funds scholarships for deserving students, and his condominium association. Ron is survived by his daughter, Paige, a student at the University of Cincinnati, and his brother, Larry, of Portland, Oregon. His family is grateful for the exceptional care Ron received from his wonderful team of caregivers and Providence SoundHomeCare and Hospice. Per Ron’s request, there will be no service, but a celebration of his life will be held later this spring. The family suggests memorial donations be made to Capital High School Foundation, c/o Capital High School, 2727 Conger Ave., Olympia, WA 98502.