Leonard G. Grant, age 82 of Cascade Township, passed away peacefully February 10, 2020 surrounded by his family. Len is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Beverly Grant; children, Christopher (Susan) Grant of Boynton Beach, FL, Colleen Smith of Caledonia, MI, Kimberly Grant of Grand Rapids, MI; grandchildren, Jennifer Grant, Kelsey Grant, Hayden Smith, Harrison Smith; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Tim Smith. He was born in 1937 in Detroit, MI and moved to Grand Rapids in 1978. Len was a United States Marine and a member of The Knights of Columbus. He was a parishioner at St. Robert of Newminster Catholic Parish as well as an active volunteer throughout the years. Len retired in 2000 as the District Manager for Batesville Casket Company. He enjoyed playing cards, socializing with friends and never turned down a cocktail. He was a friend to everyone he met and will be missed by all who knew him. Visitation will be Thursday, February 13, from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at the O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3890 Cascade Rd, SE, Grand Rapids. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, February 14, at 11:00 am with visitation at 10 am at St. Robert of Newminster Catholic Church 6477 Ada Dr. SE, Rev. Leonard Sudlik, presiding. Interment Cascade Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Leonard’s name to Kid’s Food Basket, 1300 Plymouth Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505.
16 Responses
Len was truly nice man. Equally respected mentor of many distribution and sales employees over many years with Batesville.
What a great guy. So sorry to hear. Prayers to all of you.
I remember as a young kid going up to the service center with my dad. Len would be sitting at the desk and always had the best personality. Semper Fidelis my fellow Marine.
My heart is aching. Loved you so much Uncle Lenny! But what a reunion that’s going on in heaven!!
Love to you Aunt Bev, Christopher, Colleen & Kim
Len Grant was a very important friend in my work with Batesville. He made things run perfectly year after year for Batesville Casket Co. in West Michigan. Len knew what needed to be done, knew how to do it well, and did it all beautifully. Who would expect anything less from a United States Marine and a great guy to boot! He ran the Grand Rapids operation in a first-class manner and as time went on was presented with the company’s highest honor—membership in the Batesville Masters Club. Len was the exact same way in everything he did—as a husband, father, and grandfather–at home, on the golf course, at church, and at party time, too! Len Grant was a wonderful man—truly one in a million. I’m thankful to have known him and worked with him.
Len hired me and was a great boss, as well as a good man. He was someone I always looked up to. He was a wonderful person.
Dan Faller
Hammond ,la.
I worked with Len when he and his family moved to Batesville and then Grand Rapids.
He was a great person and had a lot of fun over the years. He will be missed by all.
Bill Merley
Indianapolis, In.
So sorry to hear of Uncle Lenny’s passing. Wish I could be there with all of you. Love Dave
I worked with Len at Batesville Casket Company. You could always count on Leonard to make things happen. He was a pleasure to work and spend time with. I retired from Batesville several years ago, but often thought of all the nice things Len did to help me out. He spoke of his family often and was very proud of them. I am a better person for knowing and working with Lenord! Rest in peace Ole Buddy!
Uncle Lenny was a lighthearted man . He lit up a room shortly after he entered in. He was so easy to love. He was the favorite of the family. Everyone looked forward to his company. He always made everyone feel valued. In his younger years he was cocky and cool. People called him Lefty.We even called him Uncle Lefty before he met Aunt Bev. When he came home on leave from the service he always had a pretty girl, then he met Aunt Bev and she was pretty who came again and again. I’ll remember my godfather as a positive man. Always trying to do the right thing with an award winning smile. So cool. So right So loved. Rest with the angels Uncle Lefty
Len and my dad, Ken, worked together at O’Brien Gerst and were dear friends. He will be greatly missed.
I had the opportunity to work with Len when I started my career in logistics with Batesville. He was a mentor and gentlemen who will be missed by many. My sympathy to the family and God bless.
Len was a great guy! I knew him through his work at the Service Center and you could always count on Len! He made things happen even if it was outside company protocol. He really had a heart for his customers and people. As the days go by I hope your memories will evoke smiles instead of tears.
Regards, Herb Ayres Kalamazoo, MI
Worked with Len at Batesville as inventory and billing when he was a manager.
The guy was great to work with and am so for the loss to his family. Know it is hard
RIP my friend
My deepest sympathy and prayers. Words cannot express what a great loss this is. I will remember how he always had a smile and wanted to know how you were,playing cards and who can forget those crazy socks!!!! You will be missed uncle Lenny. Love Cynthia