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Grant Ward

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* The long-haired guy on the right with the purple shirt and the silly grin was Grant Ward, one of the best friends I ever had…

Grant ran off to join the circus when he was a young man. He followed the Grateful Dead’s “circus” for a while as well. I wrote about him years ago when the Springfield factory where he worked moved operations to Mexico.

He wasn’t famous, he wasn’t “accomplished” in the socially accepted way, but he was a truly kind-hearted soul who would always do anything for anyone. He didn’t make enemies. He made friends, and he kept those friends his whole life. Those friends will never forget him.

Grant loved to fish. We spent long hours on my pontoon boat trolling around the lake late at night, drinking beers and talking about music and politics and women and whatever else came to mind. He almost never caught a fish on those outings of ours, but neither of us much cared.

A couple of summers back, we took my camper to that flying carp festival on the Illinois River. We had a flat tire on the way there, blew out my electrical system at the makeshift campground, got thrown out of a bar and scolded by some off-duty cops, but, man, did we ever have a great time. He was just about the easiest person in the world to hang with.

He was also a dog lover and one of those people whom dogs loved as well. Oscar couldn’t get enough of the man.

Years ago, Grant and his brother Tedd shared a house in Springfield. I moved into the coal bin in the basement. I was somehow surviving on $50 a week writing for the Illinois Times in an attempt to break into the business. Living in Grant and Tedd’s basement helped me find a way to change my whole life around. Without them, I’m not sure I could’ve done it. I’ve loved them both like brothers for 25 years.

Grant died in an auto accident yesterday. My heart feels like it’s broken. This one’s for him…

Mama, Mama, many worlds I’ve come since I first left home

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 10:16 am

Comments

  1. Rich, I am sorry for your loss of a dear friend.

    Comment by Mama Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 10:20 am

  2. So very sorry for your loss, Rich. Rest in Peace Grant.

    Comment by Eddy Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 10:20 am

  3. Sorry for your loss Rich, seems like he was a kind spirit

    Comment by frisbee Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 10:20 am

  4. Condolences to you and Grant’s family. Prayers being said for all of you right now.

    Comment by Give Me A Break Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 10:23 am

  5. Sorry for your loss rich

    Comment by Foster brooks Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 10:28 am

  6. Friends like that are rare and to be treasured. Very sorry for your loss, Rich.

    Comment by Concerned Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 10:32 am

  7. My condolences on the loss of your friend. He sounds like a great guy.

    Comment by Stones Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 10:32 am

  8. What a great testimony from you about the legacy of a good soul. May he rest in peace and find comfort beyond this life. For those he has so suddenly left behind, may you all find a safe and right space to grieve and adjust to your loss. peace.

    Comment by cdog Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 10:33 am

  9. So sorry for the loss of your best friend. I hope this quote from Leo Buscaglia will help you cope with the loss of Grant.

    I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love.

    Comment by Union Leader Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 10:34 am

  10. May he rest in peace. Very sorry for your loss, Rich.

    Comment by Nick Name Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 10:34 am

  11. Deepest condolences on your loss. Perhaps even deeper to the people who hadn’t yet gotten a chance to experience this special guy.

    Comment by A guy Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 10:35 am

  12. So sorry for your loss. Condolences to his family and everyone who knew him.

    Having gone through a recent loss myself, I know how important family is but close friends are very special.

    Comment by illini Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 10:35 am

  13. Sorry for your loss brother. One day I’d like to hear some stories of youze guys you cant put on here. Over a beer to Grant of course.

    Comment by proudstatetrooper Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 10:35 am

  14. Treasured friends like that are family — often the best kind of family, as they’re the family we choose.

    So sorry for your loss, Rich.

    Comment by thunderspirit Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 10:35 am

  15. Rich, I’m so very sorry for the loss of your friend. One only needs to read the very lovely words you wrote to feel the emotions, and understand the positive impact he had on you, and so many in his life. My heart goes out to you, and Grant’s family and the many friends he touched in his life.

    The imprint he left in your heart and the hearts of others is a legacy that will live on.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 10:35 am

  16. Sorry for your loss.

    Comment by Trolling Troll Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 10:36 am

  17. Rich, you eloquent memory speaks well of the power of friendship and inspires love. Peace to you and your friend’s family.

    Comment by Big T Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 10:36 am

  18. Potent reminder to value and nurture old friendships, and not take them for granted.

    Comment by Langhorne Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 10:40 am

  19. I’m so sorry, Rich. He sounds like an absolutely lovely man and a true friend.

    Comment by JoanP Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 10:41 am

  20. My condolences for your loss. Such a lovely tribute to a life long friend.

    Comment by a girl Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 10:41 am

  21. Truly sorry for your loss, Rich. Great friends like Grant are to be treasured and we all feel fortunate to have them in our lives. As you grieve his loss, he will always be remembered and will stay in your mind and heart forever. May he rest in peace.

    Comment by Big Joe Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 10:43 am

  22. Rich, my deepest condolences. May his memory be for a blessing.

    Comment by IRLJ Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 10:45 am

  23. I am sorry for your loss, Rich. I lived in Springfield for a number of years and regularly frequented establishments that featured live music. I believe I remember your friend.

    Comment by illinoised Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 10:45 am

  24. Condolences to you and all who loved him.

    Comment by Pawn Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 10:45 am

  25. “Rule 3: A friend is not necessarily someone who buys the steak dinner or has the best jokes. A friend is the one that will bring you chicken soup when you’re sick. Stick with your friends.”

    It wasn’t hard to tell the few times I met him at your house that Grant was a bringer of soup. I hope his immediate family, and the family that gathers around the fire pit from time to time, find comfort in the months ahead. What a loss :(

    Comment by Barton Lorimor Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 10:47 am

  26. What a lovely tribute. I hope your warm memories help ease the pain. So sorry for your loss.

    Comment by Higher Ed Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 10:49 am

  27. I am so sorry, Rich. Grant sounds like he was such a cool guy, a real friend.

    Comment by Belle Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 10:49 am

  28. Rich, my condolences on the loss of your long time friend.

    Comment by DuPage Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 10:51 am

  29. My condolences.

    Comment by Nick Danger Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 10:56 am

  30. Rich, I am so sorry.

    Comment by Wednesday morning Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 10:56 am

  31. Dammit. So unfair. Condolences.

    Comment by Eric Zorn Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 10:58 am

  32. Rich, very sad to hear, sorry for your loss.

    Comment by JS Mill Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 11:01 am

  33. Rich, I am sorry for your loss.

    Comment by AC Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 11:01 am

  34. I thought I knew the song, but just now listened to it again. Great tribute to your friend.

    Comment by illini Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 11:02 am

  35. So so sorry for your loss Rich. What a blessing he was to you….and to think of it, to all of us. Had you not had his shelter, you might not have made it in the field. His voice, his essence is strong in you, I can hear it. That’s a treasure you will always have.

    Side note, in my years of hospice work I had one consistent bit of advice. Drink water. I know it’s stupid but when one is experiencing strong emotions you dehydrate faster. When you’re dehydrated it concentrates those emotional neurochemicals and can amplify the upset. Drinking water will allow you to stay as even, all things considered.

    I said a prayer just now for Grant, his family, and for you.

    Love and Light, Rich, love and light

    Comment by Honeybear Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 11:05 am

  36. Thanks for honoring your friend and sharing the beauty of your friendship. It continues to warm the sometimes cold world.

    Comment by Leading InDecatur Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 11:06 am

  37. Super sorry about your loss.

    Comment by SAP Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 11:14 am

  38. Sorry for your loss Rich and to Grant’s family. Close friends are so special. Each day we have is truly a gift.

    Comment by Tough Guy Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 11:18 am

  39. Rich, so very sorry for your loss. thank you for sharing your memories of him. it is especially difficult for you to post here today, but perhaps including a post about Grant helps you in your time of grief. it is so very hard to lose a dear friend. peace.

    Comment by Amalia Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 11:20 am

  40. Sounds like Heaven was short on kind souls yesterday and needed Grant. Sorry for your loss Rich.

    Comment by Cubs in '16 Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 11:27 am

  41. I am so very sorry for your loss, Rich.

    Your words of loss and remembrance remind me to live my life in a way that will render as beautiful and heart-felt eulogy as you offered your friend. If in the end, all we achieve is a life-long friend, we done pretty damn good! I am grateful to you and to your friend for that reminder.

    Comment by Springfieldish Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 11:29 am

  42. Knew Grant, but haven’t seen him regularly since oh, about ‘95 I guess. A few times since, but not often. Rich’s words are spot on, he’ll be missed.

    Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 11:30 am

  43. Real friends like that are one of the great joys of life. Heartbreaking. Sincerest condolences for your loss.

    Comment by Finally Out (and now very glad to be) Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 11:35 am

  44. Rich that is such a beautiful narrative of your friend I send my heartfelt condolences to you and those he touched. It was once said we should not mourn the passing of such men but give thanks that such men lived. I think we can do both mourn and celebrate.

    Comment by FormerParatrooper Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 11:39 am

  45. Really sorry to hear a gentle soul has left the building. RIP, Grant.

    Comment by Blue Bayou Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 11:41 am

  46. So sorry for Grant’s loss in your life. We should all be so lucky as to have a genuine great guy by our sides for so many years. Treasure the memories. Give Oscar a big hug and remember the good times. My heart goes out to you.

    Comment by Archiesmom Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 11:48 am

  47. Rich, my sincere condolences for the loss of your dear friend. A close friend of mine passed earlier this year. When the melancholy feelings start I think of how wonderful she was and the good times I had with her. Our deceased loved ones shine bright in our memories and show us the way forward.

    Comment by Jimmy H Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 11:48 am

  48. Sorry for your loss Rich.

    Comment by chcagonk Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 11:54 am

  49. I am so sorry for your loss. He sounds like a wonderful person who’s time on earth was too short. The world needs more Grant’s.

    Comment by StateWorker Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 12:03 pm

  50. This beautiful tribute, Rich, is another daily example that you’re the greatest. The greatest!

    Comment by Bystander Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 12:05 pm

  51. Rich, I’m so sorry to hear about your good friend’s death. Your eloquent accounting of his virtues reminds me of some of my old friends and people I have known. A few of them even toured with the Dead back in the 1980s. You can be sure I will think of your description of Grant and your friendship in the coming weeks. In part because I’m pinned down at work and miss my own friends whom I’m overdue to visit, but also because I know the editor of CapitolFax is grieving over the loss of a good man. My best wishes to you.

    Comment by James Knell Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 12:07 pm

  52. Words are never really adequate, but I am sorry for your loss and the loss to the world of a kind man. I always like the New Orleans way of celebrating the life when somone dies; based on your words he seems like somone who would want you to celebrate the good times in his memory.

    Comment by Ghost Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 12:30 pm

  53. Long time friends are gold. They’re gold because you both inherently realize you’re not friends for what they can do for you, or for what you can do for them. They’re just there comfortably and familiarly for the long haul–until suddenly they’re not– and then it hurts like hell to lose them. My condolences go out to you, Rich.

    Comment by Responsa Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 12:38 pm

  54. What a great tribute to one of life’s blessings - Life long friends
    Especially the kind hearted ones who give more than they get

    Comment by Lucky Pierre Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 12:45 pm

  55. A wonderful, touching story; I could feel the friendship, almost touch it. Such a thing is precious. I mourn your loss with you.

    Comment by molly maguire Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 12:51 pm

  56. My deepest condolences on the loss of your friend.

    Comment by Fool On The Hill Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 12:55 pm

  57. Sorry for the loss of a special soul. Too few of them.

    Comment by Anonymous Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 12:57 pm

  58. You’ve communicated enough about him to make us feel the loss too. So sorry to hear this.

    Comment by Wayne Bibliotech Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 1:02 pm

  59. Sorry for your loss. Lovely eulogy. May his memory be a blessing.

    Comment by West Side The Best Side Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 1:09 pm

  60. Rich,

    Condolences on your loss

    “There is a road, no simple highway
    Between the dawn and the dark of night
    And if you go no one may follow
    That path is for your steps alone “

    Comment by Oldengrey Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 1:10 pm

  61. What a nice tribute. I wish I had known Grant. So sorry for your loss.

    Comment by Keyser Soze Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 1:36 pm

  62. Bless Ted, bless you, bless all that love (cannot use past tense)Grant.

    Comment by Joe Coffey Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 2:13 pm

  63. The reason we’re here, nobody knows. Where we go, nobody goes. Sadly, it must be this way.

    Look at the impact this man had on so many. I’m teary and I never met him (or you, Rich). That’s something. Your friends gets the highest praise. He was somebody. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about him.

    Comment by Jerry Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 2:18 pm

  64. Thank you for sharing your touching tribute. Silent and heartfelt reflections to his passing.

    Comment by Vole Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 2:20 pm

  65. Sorry Rich and Tedd. I wish Grant
    Fair winds and following seas.

    Comment by William Jennings Bryan Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 3:45 pm

  66. Truly sorry for your loss Rich.

    I think, if we’re lucky, everyone gets to meet a Grant or two in their lifetime. Those rare individuals that would give you their last dollar even if it meant they’d go hungry.

    Without ever meeting Grant, I’m certain he probably thought it was no big deal allowing you to live with him yet I’m also certain that for you it was probably a nearly life-saving gesture at the time. I know because when I was in my early twenties I was in the same boat and a kind old man and his wife did the same for me. I know you can never truly repay people like Grant, nor can you replace them, but you can celebrate their lives.

    Thanks for sharing your wonderful memories of a dear friend.

    Comment by CrazyHorse Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 4:07 pm

  67. So very sorry to hear of your loss. Our hearts are with you

    Comment by Rich's Mom Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 4:17 pm

  68. So sorry for your loss. God speed ❤️

    Comment by Anonymous Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 5:05 pm

  69. My condolences to you, Rich.

    Comment by tch02 Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 6:27 pm

  70. I love what you wrote about Grant. Thank you.

    Comment by Jesus Christ-Y? Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 6:53 pm

  71. Sorry for your loss, Rich. Thanks for sharing great memories of your friend, and how important friends are.

    Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 8:01 pm

  72. I am sorry. Friends like this don’t come along that often.

    Comment by Howard Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 9:03 pm

  73. Very sorry for your loss Rich…

    Comment by Shytown Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 9:17 pm

  74. my best friend was killed in a car accident almost 8 years ago I know the heartache So sorry Rich

    Comment by iroquois county dem Thursday, May 12, 16 @ 9:28 pm

  75. A pure tribute to a great friend. My condolences.

    Comment by Formerly Known As... Friday, May 13, 16 @ 1:57 am

  76. Sorry to hear about Grant. Lived next to Wards on Hamilton Ct, really liked him. great guy. As happens, I lost track of the whole family. Tell his mom and Tedd Jr. I am very sorry.
    Is there going to be a wake or anything? I would like to know.
    Jack

    Comment by old neighbor Friday, May 13, 16 @ 9:21 am

  77. Rich, what a kind tribute to a wonderful friend. Those friends don’t come along often, the loss of such a pal is tough. I am so sorry for the loss of a beautiful soul and your best friend.

    Comment by Grandpa Friday, May 13, 16 @ 10:14 am

  78. I went to school and worked with Grant. He was so nice and caring. Grant is going to be so missed by so many.

    Comment by Parrot Tuesday, May 17, 16 @ 8:51 am

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