Christopher Grant, of Issaquah, died on February 1, 2025. He was 83 years of age.
Chris was born on April 2, 1941, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the eldest child of G. Paul and Emma Grant. The family later settled in Whitewater, Wisconsin, where his father was a Professor of English at what is now known as UW-Whitewater. Chris and his sisters, Susan and Jo, attended Campus Elementary, forming friendships that he cherished throughout his life.
Chris graduated as valedictorian from College High School in Whitewater and attended Carleton College before enlisting in the Army in 1959. He was stationed at Redstone Arsenal in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where he met Barbara Fields. They married in 1961 and welcomed their daughter, Sharon, in August 1963, and their son, Jeffrey, in April 1967.
While serving in the Army, he continued his education, ultimately earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in Alabama. After his discharge, he and his young family moved to Chicago, where he completed a master’s degree in biomedical engineering at Northwestern University. Chris’ remarkable career in engineering included a long list of accomplishments. Among his proudest contributions was his work with Martin Marietta Aerospace as a design engineer for the NASA Skylab and Apollo missions from 1968 to 1982.
Chris met Karen Graser in Denver, and they married in 1991. After relocating to Seattle, they embraced the joys of the Pacific Northwest — sailing, camping, and hosting friends in their home. When Karen was diagnosed with cancer in 1996, Mr. Grant became her devoted caregiver. His love, kindness, and gentle spirit provided untiring support to Karen and her children, Scottie, KrisAnne, and Kim. He remained by her side, offering strength and comfort until she passed in 1997.
Chris found love again when he met Judy in 1998 while Zydeco dancing. They quickly bonded over their shared love of music, travel, and scuba diving. They married in 2001 and spent many joyful years exploring the Caribbean and embracing adventures including dancing, boating, traveling and scuba diving in exotic places, attending concerts and theater, hosting big Oscars parties annually for two decades, and more. A music historian, Chris built a 10,000-record vinyl collection and restored his three jukeboxes. He became a devoted stepfather to Brad and Annette, and grandpappy to all his grandchildren. He was thrilled by a family safari in Kenya three years ago — checking off a “bucket list” item he had dreamed of ever since reading Green Hills of Africa as a young boy.
In 2020, Chris was diagnosed with Semantic Dementia and Primary Progressive Aphasia, affecting the language center of the brain. He faced the challenges of the disease with resilience and grace. Through every step of this difficult journey, Judy stood by his side with unwavering devotion, dedicating herself fully to his care and comfort. Her love ensured that he lived with dignity, surrounded by warmth and compassion. Her strength and kindness were a true testament to the power of love.
Survivors include loving wife Judy Grant; sisters Jo Werner of Anchorage and Susan Diachok (Roger) of Phoenix; daughter Sharon Stephenson (Chris) of Las Vegas, son Jeffrey Grant (Anna) of Denver; stepchildren Kim Kvaal (Jim), KrisAnne Barta, Bradley Meacham (Marie), and Annette Fechenbach (Paul). He was loving Grandpappy to grandchildren Shawntel, Danielle (Wayne), Andrew, Theo, Isis, and great-grandchildren Landon, Zoey, Brixton, Padraig, and Fenny.
Chris leaves behind a legacy of love, perseverance, and deep connection. Chris was a beloved husband, brother, father, uncle, stepfather, and grandfather. His life was one of adventure, curiosity, and kindness, touching the lives of so many. He will be profoundly missed but forever remembered.
A graveside memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240th St., Kent, Wash., 98042. Following the service there will be a gathering for family.
The family suggests remembrances to the Seattle Neuroscience Swedish Hospital Center for Healthy Aging or mailed to 747 Broadway, Seattle, WA, 98122.
Friends are invited to share memories and sign the family’s online guest book at www.flintofts.com