John B. Grant Jr. died peacefully on April 27 surrounded by his family.
John was born Aug. 10, 1935 in New Haven, Conn. and first moved to Maine to attend Bowdoin College. Professionally and personally, he dedicated much his life to helping others. After receiving his MA in Art History from the University of Minnesota, he had a 38-year career as an educator, teaching nationally and internationally, ultimately settling at Lincoln Academy as guidance counselor from 1972-1997. After retiring from education, John served on the Central Lincoln County Ambulance Service and continued his community involvement through work with several local groups supporting at-risk youth.
John’s friendly disposition and warmth infused his interactions with his community and family. His passion for life and love for others shone through all he did. One of John’s great joys was sailing among the islands of Muscongus Bay. Having learned to sail at a young age, John was an exceptionally skilled sailor and enjoyed sharing his expertise with others through extended trips and day sails. He also loved canoeing and camping with his wife Marty in remote areas of Maine, restoring his 200-year-old house, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Martha of Newcastle; daughter, Peggy James and husband Don of Gold Bar, Wash.; sons, Ian Grant and wife Michelle of Scarborough, and Patrick Grant and wife Kristin Harward-Grant of Savannah, Ga.; and stepdaughter, Claire Brassil of Newcastle; along with grandchildren, Liam, Ginger, Dillon and Elle.
A memorial service will be held later in the spring.
Condolences may be conveyed to the family via Martha Grant, P.O. Box 74, Newcastle, ME 04553.
In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to the Community Energy Fund of Lincoln County or the Ecumenical Food Pantry.