Francis (Frank) Terrence Grant, 82, died June 23 at Brentwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Yarmouth.
Frank was born June 16, 1931 in Heppner, Ore., the son of Fred and Mary Grant. A few years later the family moved to New York City where he attended parochial elementary schools and public high school. After graduation Frank served two years in the U.S. Marine Corps. Upon his return to New York, he studied art under Stephen Greene from 1954 to 1957 at Parsons School of Design in New York. He then attended New York University and studied under Philip Guston at the New School for Social Research for two years. Following his university studies he traveled to Europe aboard a freight steamer where he spent several months visiting museums, sketching and experiencing what he called “a culture of great sanity and earthiness.”
Frank married Joan Hammer in June 1967 and the couple moved to Round Pond in 1971. Their son, Evan, was born March 14, 1979.
In Maine Frank continued to be a prolific artist and exhibited his work at galleries around Maine as well as Boston and New York. In addition to being a great painter, Frank was effortlessly an artist in everything he did, from making a pot of tea, to designing his home in Bremen.
Frank also worked as an antique dealer for many years where he impressed upon many his good eye for antiques, his personal charm and his kindness.
Frank loved fly fishing, playing tennis, movie actresses from the 40s and 50s, vintage Porches, good coffee and food, jazz (especially Django Rheinhart) and classical music (especially Bach). He had a rare and great appreciation for life.
A week before Frank’s passing, on June 16, Frank’s birthday, Father’s Day, and Blooms Day (a day honoring James Joyce, one of Frank’s favorite authors and fellow Irishmen), Evan took Frank to see the Payson collection, an exhibit of modern paintings including some of his favorite artists like Matisse and Bonnard, at the Portland Museum of Art. Frank’s spirit was as strong as ever and the two enjoyed themselves tremendously.
Frank is survived by his son, Evan of Bremen; brother, Fred and sister-in-law Esther of Redwood City, Cal., ex-wife, Joan Grant of Round Pond and Portland; and nieces and nephews.
A service will be held at 11 a.m., Fri., June 28 at St. Patrick’s Church in Newcastle.
Rememberances and tributes can be viewed and offered at www.stronghancock.com.
Arrangements are provided by Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.