A Eulogy for Michael Anthony Grant MBE
Created by charlie_f_grant 4 years agoA Eulogy for Michael Anthony Grant MBE
Delivered by Gill & Charles
St. Michael and All Angels, Billington
11th November 2020
[ GILL ]
This is an opportunity for us, on behalf of Mum and Iain too, to express our love and appreciation for the man who was a son, a husband, a father, father-in-law, a grandfather, a step-grandfather, a son-in-law, a leader, a friend and a follower of Jesus – and so much more!
As a son he was devoted - when Dad was away in the army in Burma and India, he wrote to his mother every single day!
As a husband he was the most loving man – telling Mum that he loved her every day of their marriage. And the last thing that Mum heard Dad say to her coherently was ‘I love you’.
As a father, he invested so much love in us three kids, teaching us and preparing us for life.
He was a wonderful family man. Being rich in love and healthy relationships has always been more important to him than being rich in material wealth. He did believe in planning ahead and showed real wisdom in planning for his retirement to make sure he and Mum were financially secure.
Dad has passed on many of his passions and interests to his family – a love for music including live performance. The piece of music we will listen to shortly, the Duet from The Pearl Fishers, was a favourite of Dad’s and was significant to Mum and Dad, always heard at significant times in their lives. Mum played it to Dad a few times on the day he died and I was with her. Dad’s interest in books and in taking photos. He always had a camera with him (that reminds me of me!). His passion for transport - canals, rail & road and industrial history. His love of gardening and, more recently, of watching the many garden birds on the feeder outside the lounge window.
I know I take after Dad in various ways and I’m proud of that. Same with Iain and Charles - some things we’ve inherited and some things we’ve learnt.
Dad has been an inspiration to very many people during his life. He was an honourable, faithful, loyal man. So kind, caring, considerate, loving and compassionate. He always put other people first, because he valued people and was genuinely interested in them.
He was a very forgiving person, always patient and understanding with people and situations and rarely showed anger, other than annoyance with himself or occasionally when witnessing injustice.
Dad always saw the best in people and treated people fairly - and was always polite, courteous, respectful and keen to offer praise where it was due. He loved to thank people, even to the end of his life, in the midst of pain and immobility, always thanking Mum and Iain and us for everything we did for him, thanking the nurses and carers every time and thanking people for visiting him.
[ CHARLES ]
Dad ran his own canal boat holiday business, Autrant Waterway Services, for some years and we all learnt a lot from that period, be it about maintaining diesel engines or thorough cleaning or by the way he operated the business with enormous integrity and the personal touch. Dad gave people a chance of employment that others might think didn’t deserve it, because he saw people’s potential, not their background. He made sure he knew every customer’s name so he could greet them personally on arrival to welcome them and on their return at the end of the holiday. He made people feel valued and significant. He was a real servant leader. He also taught Gill and me to run a small business – a tuck shop, buying and selling stock and doing the books.
Our Dad has been a huge positive influence to us three children and inspired us in so many ways. We have always been secure in the knowledge that Dad and Mum loved us unconditionally.
Dad’s warm hearted generosity was another great strength – be it his time, talents, gifts or money - he was always keen to express love and appreciation.
Dad was honoured with an MBE in 2017 which couldn’t be more deserved. Throughout his life he served others in various ways, many of which we probably have no idea. Serving God and his church family faithfully for many years in a variety of capacities including Churchwarden and Parochial Church Council member - going beyond the call of duty – and serving on committees, councils and charitable organisations. He was a Parish Councillor for 30 years. He initiated and edited the parish newsletter, The Billington Bugle; he set up ad led the Parish Paths Partnership, impacting our local public footpaths, planting trees and spring bulbs – when you see the daffodils in the village next spring, I’m sure you’ll think of Michael. He started and led University of the Third Age groups such Old Glory and Trips Away. He initiated, was involved in and supported many more activities, encouraging community engagement that benefited so many people and the environment.
And whatever he did, for work or pleasure, he did it to best possible standard with enthusiasm, energy and commitment – he’d say, “If a job’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well.”
[ GILL ]
He was a very gracious man. Even in the last few weeks and months of his life, when he was frustrated by not being able to do things he was normally so capable of and having to let others do things for him, perhaps not the way he would have done.
And in these recent weeks and months we have seen Michael Grant’s fighting spirit. He fought so hard to be as independent as possible for as long as possible and to live as long as possible. He loved life!
In recent years, Iain has taken Dad out a lot to steam museums etc, and in the past year or so particularly, going for drives and to visit cafés such as Ivinghoe Beacon, the Down’s Café and College Lake. Of course, after lockdown, cafés were closed, so Iain and Dad would go and watch the gliders and hang gliders or just drive around. Dad loved to go out in the car. Iain took him to see the full 4 seasons including Christmas lights in Milton Keynes, the bluebells, the rhododendron. Most recently, Dad’s last trip out with Iain was just 10 days before he died and that was to see the autumn colours - the photo on the front of the Order of Service was taken that day when Dad walked a little in the garden. He looked full of joy. That’s how we remember him.
This past year or so, since Dad’s diagnosis, and the past 7 months in lockdown, we have had some precious family times together - made a lot of beautiful memories. Dad’s sense of humour stayed with him to the end. His cheekiness, the twinkle in his eyes, his loving teasing and his banter with the nurses & carers, so often made us smile. Also during lockdown, Dad appreciated the waves through the window from his friends in the village out on their walks.
Dad’s death leaves a massive hole in our lives but he left an amazing legacy - we are full of his love and we are at peace that, just as he gave us all he possibly could, we have done the same for him through his illness - particularly Mum and Iain.
As part of Mum and Dad’s devotion to one another for 63 years, during Dad’s illness Mum has been the most loyal wife and carer I could imagine. Charles and I are so appreciative of you Mum and of you Iain – who knew that you would turn out to be such a super carer? You have done so much to increase the quality of Dad’s life these past couple of years. Thank you, both, for being there.
[ CHARLES ] For me, Dad taught me some valuable life lessons – not least of which was how to parallel-park! But much more importantly, to always try to be kind, courteous and generous – wherever possible. Thank you, Dad.
[ GILL ] And for me, Dad’s faith in Jesus, shown in action by the way he lived, has taught me Godly values. A very prayerful man, he taught me to pray and to respect every individual and value them, no matter what their background or status, he taught me what love looks like. Dad was the most Christ-like human I know. He will always be my inspiration and I thank God for him.
Dad was loved and respected by so many people in his life. In non-pandemic times, this service would be packed with people. Hopefully next year we can have the celebration all together, as Dad deserves.
Dad: Mum, Iain, Charles and I love you so much and always will. Thank you, Michael Anthony Grant.
I thank our Heavenly Father for the gift you’ve been to so many and for the privilege of us sharing life with you. Thank you.
Delivered by Gill & Charles
St. Michael and All Angels, Billington
11th November 2020
[ GILL ]
This is an opportunity for us, on behalf of Mum and Iain too, to express our love and appreciation for the man who was a son, a husband, a father, father-in-law, a grandfather, a step-grandfather, a son-in-law, a leader, a friend and a follower of Jesus – and so much more!
As a son he was devoted - when Dad was away in the army in Burma and India, he wrote to his mother every single day!
As a husband he was the most loving man – telling Mum that he loved her every day of their marriage. And the last thing that Mum heard Dad say to her coherently was ‘I love you’.
As a father, he invested so much love in us three kids, teaching us and preparing us for life.
He was a wonderful family man. Being rich in love and healthy relationships has always been more important to him than being rich in material wealth. He did believe in planning ahead and showed real wisdom in planning for his retirement to make sure he and Mum were financially secure.
Dad has passed on many of his passions and interests to his family – a love for music including live performance. The piece of music we will listen to shortly, the Duet from The Pearl Fishers, was a favourite of Dad’s and was significant to Mum and Dad, always heard at significant times in their lives. Mum played it to Dad a few times on the day he died and I was with her. Dad’s interest in books and in taking photos. He always had a camera with him (that reminds me of me!). His passion for transport - canals, rail & road and industrial history. His love of gardening and, more recently, of watching the many garden birds on the feeder outside the lounge window.
I know I take after Dad in various ways and I’m proud of that. Same with Iain and Charles - some things we’ve inherited and some things we’ve learnt.
Dad has been an inspiration to very many people during his life. He was an honourable, faithful, loyal man. So kind, caring, considerate, loving and compassionate. He always put other people first, because he valued people and was genuinely interested in them.
He was a very forgiving person, always patient and understanding with people and situations and rarely showed anger, other than annoyance with himself or occasionally when witnessing injustice.
Dad always saw the best in people and treated people fairly - and was always polite, courteous, respectful and keen to offer praise where it was due. He loved to thank people, even to the end of his life, in the midst of pain and immobility, always thanking Mum and Iain and us for everything we did for him, thanking the nurses and carers every time and thanking people for visiting him.
[ CHARLES ]
Dad ran his own canal boat holiday business, Autrant Waterway Services, for some years and we all learnt a lot from that period, be it about maintaining diesel engines or thorough cleaning or by the way he operated the business with enormous integrity and the personal touch. Dad gave people a chance of employment that others might think didn’t deserve it, because he saw people’s potential, not their background. He made sure he knew every customer’s name so he could greet them personally on arrival to welcome them and on their return at the end of the holiday. He made people feel valued and significant. He was a real servant leader. He also taught Gill and me to run a small business – a tuck shop, buying and selling stock and doing the books.
Our Dad has been a huge positive influence to us three children and inspired us in so many ways. We have always been secure in the knowledge that Dad and Mum loved us unconditionally.
Dad’s warm hearted generosity was another great strength – be it his time, talents, gifts or money - he was always keen to express love and appreciation.
Dad was honoured with an MBE in 2017 which couldn’t be more deserved. Throughout his life he served others in various ways, many of which we probably have no idea. Serving God and his church family faithfully for many years in a variety of capacities including Churchwarden and Parochial Church Council member - going beyond the call of duty – and serving on committees, councils and charitable organisations. He was a Parish Councillor for 30 years. He initiated and edited the parish newsletter, The Billington Bugle; he set up ad led the Parish Paths Partnership, impacting our local public footpaths, planting trees and spring bulbs – when you see the daffodils in the village next spring, I’m sure you’ll think of Michael. He started and led University of the Third Age groups such Old Glory and Trips Away. He initiated, was involved in and supported many more activities, encouraging community engagement that benefited so many people and the environment.
And whatever he did, for work or pleasure, he did it to best possible standard with enthusiasm, energy and commitment – he’d say, “If a job’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well.”
[ GILL ]
He was a very gracious man. Even in the last few weeks and months of his life, when he was frustrated by not being able to do things he was normally so capable of and having to let others do things for him, perhaps not the way he would have done.
And in these recent weeks and months we have seen Michael Grant’s fighting spirit. He fought so hard to be as independent as possible for as long as possible and to live as long as possible. He loved life!
In recent years, Iain has taken Dad out a lot to steam museums etc, and in the past year or so particularly, going for drives and to visit cafés such as Ivinghoe Beacon, the Down’s Café and College Lake. Of course, after lockdown, cafés were closed, so Iain and Dad would go and watch the gliders and hang gliders or just drive around. Dad loved to go out in the car. Iain took him to see the full 4 seasons including Christmas lights in Milton Keynes, the bluebells, the rhododendron. Most recently, Dad’s last trip out with Iain was just 10 days before he died and that was to see the autumn colours - the photo on the front of the Order of Service was taken that day when Dad walked a little in the garden. He looked full of joy. That’s how we remember him.
This past year or so, since Dad’s diagnosis, and the past 7 months in lockdown, we have had some precious family times together - made a lot of beautiful memories. Dad’s sense of humour stayed with him to the end. His cheekiness, the twinkle in his eyes, his loving teasing and his banter with the nurses & carers, so often made us smile. Also during lockdown, Dad appreciated the waves through the window from his friends in the village out on their walks.
Dad’s death leaves a massive hole in our lives but he left an amazing legacy - we are full of his love and we are at peace that, just as he gave us all he possibly could, we have done the same for him through his illness - particularly Mum and Iain.
As part of Mum and Dad’s devotion to one another for 63 years, during Dad’s illness Mum has been the most loyal wife and carer I could imagine. Charles and I are so appreciative of you Mum and of you Iain – who knew that you would turn out to be such a super carer? You have done so much to increase the quality of Dad’s life these past couple of years. Thank you, both, for being there.
[ CHARLES ] For me, Dad taught me some valuable life lessons – not least of which was how to parallel-park! But much more importantly, to always try to be kind, courteous and generous – wherever possible. Thank you, Dad.
[ GILL ] And for me, Dad’s faith in Jesus, shown in action by the way he lived, has taught me Godly values. A very prayerful man, he taught me to pray and to respect every individual and value them, no matter what their background or status, he taught me what love looks like. Dad was the most Christ-like human I know. He will always be my inspiration and I thank God for him.
Dad was loved and respected by so many people in his life. In non-pandemic times, this service would be packed with people. Hopefully next year we can have the celebration all together, as Dad deserves.
Dad: Mum, Iain, Charles and I love you so much and always will. Thank you, Michael Anthony Grant.
I thank our Heavenly Father for the gift you’ve been to so many and for the privilege of us sharing life with you. Thank you.
Pictures
St. Michael and All Angels, Billington
