John Andrew Grant

John Andrew Grant (84) Longtime employee and goodwill ambassador to visitors from across the world to the Grand Coulee Dam, Washington's Visitors' Center passed away surrounded by his loving wife and family in his Nespelem, Washington home during the late hours of Sunday, October 5, 2014.

John was born September 5, 1930, at Medicine Valley on the Yakima Reservation at the home of his grandmother, Agnes Yemowit-Dixon, to Andrew and Ida Williams-Grant. After his father passed away the family moved to Nespelem, Washington where John was raised by his grandparents while his mother worked in the Agency Hospital. John joined the US Army on October 7, 1948. He served his country with distinction in the Korean War. Prior to his honorable discharge June 24, 1954, Medic John A. Grant earned the following decorations and commendations: Combat Medical Badge, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and three Purple Hearts for injuries received in the performance of his duties.

On December 15, 1966 John married Marie Abrahamson in Seattle, Washington. A member of the Colville Confederated Tribes, John was always intensely proud of his Nez Perce heritage and was a traditional dancer who carefully crafted his own dance outfits. Life members of American Legion Post 114 in Nespelem, WA, John and Marie both actively served area Veterans as long as they were able.

He is predeceased by his mother, Ida Williams-Grant and brothers, Thomas Paul Grant, and Gilbert Timentwa. John's legacy lives on through his loving wife of 48 years, Marie Kateri Grant, and children, Dolores Castillo, Ernest Castillo, Gloria Bird and Linda Grant; 13 Grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild; brothers: Stan Timentwa, Bill G. Timentwa and sister, Grace Moore, as well as many, many nephews and nieces.

A traditional dressing was held at 10 a.m., on Tuesday, October 7, 2014, at Strate Funeral Home in Grand Coulee, WA. A 7 p.m., wake for John was held Tuesday, October 7, 2014, at Nespelem Community Center in Nespelem. A sunrise graveside service was held Wednesday, October 8, 2014, at Chief Joseph Cemetery in Nespelem.

John's family requests that donations be made in John's name to the American Cancer Society, https://donate.cancer.org.

Please sign his online register book at http://www.stratefuneralhome.com. Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee, WA is honored to be serving John's family.