Obituary of John William Martin Grant

A beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother, John "Bud" William Martin Grant, 67, of Concord, California, passed away, Monday July 14, 2014. He was surrounded by family at Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley. Bud was born March 2, 1947 in New Haven, Connecticut to Francis and Margaret Grant. In his early 20's, Bud married Susan, they resided in Newington, N.H. While their union was brief, he did get a daughter out of the deal. In his 30's, Bud married Pat, they resided in Rye, N.H. Their union was twenty plus years and he got two sons out of that one! In his 60's, he decided to quit while he was ahead and got his dog Jessie! He enjoyed living life on his own terms. Bud is survived by his daughter, Tara Ashoo and husband Sam, Concord, California; son, Jeffe Grant and wife Cindy, Hampstead, N.C.; son Brian Grant and wife Alicia, Raleigh, N.C.; Grandchildren, Robert John, Taylor, John Cutter, Gabe, David, Chloe, Lily, and Elora; great grandson Owen John; sister Carole "Bunny" Runlett, nieces, nephews and extended family. Bud honorably served his country as a Staff Sergeant in the US Air Force from 1967 to 1973, including a tour in Vietnam. After leaving the military, Bud found he enjoyed talking to people and his career in sales was the perfect fit. He worked as a sales executive in the automation industry. After retiring a couple of times from the corporate world, he started his dream job in 2013 selling motorcycles for Arlen Ness in Dublin, California. Bud had several hobbies and interests. Bud was a bit of a ladies man as well, the prettier the better. And oh how the ladies loved him. He loved to be on the ocean, whether sailing or flying over the water in a speedboat. Hitting a little white ball around acres of grass was a favorite past time, but this became somewhat difficult after he shot his finger off. Poor Bud, he endured hours of teasing and high 4.5's from his children and grandchildren. He was at home on his Victory motorcycle and the motorcycle club he belonged to "Dirty Dogs" nicknamed him "Nubbs". He also rode with Warrior's Watch, a group dedicated to bringing home our military heroes. He took such pride in bringing home his veteran brothers. I'm not sure how to put into words what an amazing person our Dad was. He always led by example, never said a negative thing about anyone, believed in hard work, and loved his family. He loved food, as long as it was a thick steak or pasta. He was a bit of perfectionist, so if he did make a mistake, his children took great pleasure in teasing him. He taught us to take joy in the things that money couldn't buy and look at life through a glass half full. He was always there for us, only gave an opinion when asked and never said "I told you so" when we chose a different path. We love you so very much and are so grateful for everything you have taught us. Services: Monday July 28th 10a.m. - First Christian Church 2115 Pleasant Hill Road Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 For those of you who would like to attend, we will be taking Bud to Sacramento Valley National Cemetery for a brief (30 minute) military interment ceremony. 2p.m. - Sacramento Valley National Cemetery 5810 Midway Road Dixon, CA 95620 5p.m. (or when we get here) - Celebration of Life Rogan Residence 1220 Bridlewood Ct Clayton, CA 94517