Gary Stephen Grant, local politician, loving husband, and father died suddenly of kidney and heart failure on January 17, 2022, in Tucson, Arizona.

He was born September 18, 1934, at home in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin to Merrill and Kathryn Grant. At age two, his family moved west to Washington, settling in the North Bend area. Gary spent his youth fishing the Snoqualmie River and singing in the choir at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic church. During the sixth grade, Gary developed a keen interest in politics, supporting Harry Truman for President—because he was the underdog. He later claimed that is when he became an avowed Democrat. Gary graduated from Mount Si High School in 1952 as student body president.

Gary attended St. Martin's College in Lacey, Washington on a Glee Club scholarship, graduating with a degree in Industrial Relations in 1956. There he excelled in debate and was elected president of the Phi Kappa Delta debate team. He used those skills when coaching debate at St. Martin's High School and later when running for public office.

After graduation, Gary worked at Longacres racetrack and on local political campaigns. He eventually landed full-time work at the Boeing Company in Renton. In 1959, while working at Boeing, he met the love of his life, Tanya Olson. They were married on April 30, 1960 and enjoyed a close and loving marriage for nearly 62 years, raising four children.

The election of John F. Kennedy in 1960 renewed Gary's political aspirations; and in 1962, with Tanya's support, he decided to run for office. He achieved success in his first campaign, winning a seat in the 47th district of the Washington State House of Representatives, thus beginning his long political career.

Gary served in the House for five terms before being elected to the Washington State Senate for two terms. When the legislature was not in session, he worked as a labor leader for the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

In 1977, he ran for U.S. Congress in a special election to fill a vacant seat in the 7th district. In a crowded slate he ran a strong campaign but failed to win the nomination. This led to his next move–a successful race in 1978 for King County Council, representing the 9th district. He served on the Council for 12 years until 1990. In honor of his years of service, a section of the Soos Creek Trail near Kent was dedicated as Gary Grant Park. He next won election to the Seattle Port Commission, where he served for two terms, retiring from public office in 1998. During his retirement he served on the board of the Washington State Convention and Trade Center.

Gary was devoted to his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family and many friends. He and Tanya raised their family in southeast King County and were active in the Catholic Church, most recently at St. John the Baptist Parish. They enjoyed traveling throughout the world, relishing time in Asia and Europe. In retirement they bought a house in Green Valley, Arizona, where they made an extensive network of new friends. Gary loved to tell stories and entertain, making everyone laugh and feel at home. He was especially fond of music; he played the accordion and harmonica, and he loved to sing. His signature song was, "You're nobody 'til somebody loves you." He will be missed by all who knew him. His was a life well-lived and well-loved.

Gary is survived by his loving wife Tanya of Maple Valley; children: Stephen Grant (Joyce), Leah Grant (Michael Royston), Daniel Grant (Vera), and Jennifer Kombol (Bill); grandchildren Michael Grant, Katie Grant (Maggie), Tyler Lomax, Gary Grant II, Stella Grant, Carter Grant, Oliver Kombol, Spencer Kombol (Krista Lee) and Henry Kombol; great-grandchildren Reagan, Kendyl and Mason Grant; brother Merrill Grant (Trish), sister Linda Lawson (Jerry), sister-in-law Dawn Orlando and brother-in-law Orvin Olson (Claudia) as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister Diane Blanchard and brother Bill Grant.

The family requests memorial gifts be directed to Saint Martin's University for the purpose of general scholarships. Gifts can be mailed to Saint Martin's University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 5000 Abbey Way SE, Lacey, WA 98503, or made online by visiting www.stmartin.edu/giving .

A mass in his honor and a memorial service will be held at a future date.