JOHN GRANT obituary

BOZEMAN John “Melvin” Grant, 87, died on Nov. 17, 2006.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday at Dokken-Nelson Sunset Chapel in Bozeman. He was born Sept. 17, 1919, to Joseph W. and Mary (Levey) Grant, the middle of three boys. The family came to Montana and settled in the Saco-Hinsdale area to farm and raise sugar beets. Mel's love for horses started at a very early age and continued to his dying day. He was always his happiest in the saddle. Melvin served in the 9th Armored Division as an MP during World War II. Upon his return to the United States, Mel married Viola Barrett in Malta on Sept. 2, 1945. They moved to Havre, where the family was able to continue its love for livestock, ranching and always spending time with the horses in the hills. After many years in the Havre area, they moved to Helena and eventually to Bozeman. Mel was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Wyatt; granddaughter, Kimiko Grant; and a whole bunch of friends he loved and laughed with. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Viola, of Bozeman; brother, Chester (Loetta) Grant of Emmett, Idaho; sister-in-law, Marcella Grant of Portland, Ore.; sons, Dennis (Donna) Grant of Churchill and Dallas (Jeannie) Grant of Clearwater, Idaho; daughter, Dixie (Mike) Lucero of Bozeman; grandsons, Kevin Grant of Grangeville, Idaho, Justin Grant of Portland, Ore., and Cameron Lucero of Bozeman; granddaughter, Krystal Grant of Stanwood, Wash.; and two great-grandchildren. The family requests memorials be made to Bozeman Deaconess Hospice, 931 Highland Boulevard, Suite 3200, Bozeman, MT 59715; or to a charity of choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service in Bozeman.