Wesley Everett Grant

GRANT, Wesley Everett

North Highlands, Calif., age 73. Born May 29, 1935 in Lansing, Michigan to Belva and Virgil Grant. Died Monday, Sept. 1, 2008. Beloved husband of 47 years to Wanda June (O'Neal White) Grant. Preceded in death by both parents and brother Kenneth.

Wes spent most of his childhood in Camas Valley, Oregon and has many friends from there still to this day. He joined the Army in 1958 and played his trumpet in the 9th Army Band in Fairbanks, AK. After the Army he joined his brothers Bert and Bob in the LA area, where they were a big part of the growth of the S. Calif. Hot Jazz Society. Music was always a huge part of Wes' life, from his years as a Shakey's Pizza Parlor musician while earning his college degree so he could teach music in schools. His teaching career included many schools throughout California and Oregon. He was also involved in many church choirs and special music groups, and was well known for his spirited rendition of "I Shall Not Be Moved" that rocked the church. He played in many local area bands including The Goodtime Levee Stompers, Black Diamond Jazz Band, and the Jasstown Revelators, and was a member of the Sac. Trad. Jazz Society and the San Joaquin Dixieland Jazz Society.

Wes spent the last 20 years of his teaching career with the Grant School District as a substitute teacher. Wes was well known for sharing his philosophy of a strong character and a sense of personal responsibility with the kids he taught, through discussion and the sharing of poetry. It made him very happy to be stopped in public places by former students, telling him of the impact he made on their lives.

Wes' wit was well known; he always had a corny joke for you. He loved Johnny Carson and thought Judge Judy was hilarious. He was also known for eating a whole fried chicken in one sitting, stating to his kids "I didn't even know a chicken had anything but a neck and a wing until I was 21 years old!"

In addition to his wife Wanda, Wes is survived by two daughters: Teresa (Robert) Rasters of Livermore, Mary Anne Grant of North Highlands; two step children: Nancy Taylor (John) Owen of Elk Grove, Dan (Terri) Taylor of Aurora, CO; grandchildren: Joseph (Erica) Peterson, Dawn Taylor Fairchild, Nichole Rasters, Julie (Kevin) Gugerty, Michael Pepper, Mathew Dillon, Meaghanne Pepper; and two brothers: Bert Grant of Inglewood, CA and Bob (Beverly) Grant of Henderson, Nevada. He also leaves behind his two canine companions, Toby and Honey.

A special Celebration of Life is being planned by friends and family to be announced at a later date. Please visit www.silverhornblower.blogspot.com for details or call (925) 980-2730. Memorial gifts in Wes' name can be sent to the following: National Brain Tumor Foundation, 22 Battery Street, Suite 612, San Francisco CA 94111 OR the Sacramento. SPCA at 6201 Florin Perkins Road, Sac, CA 95828.