Lyn Grant

Grant, Lyn
Lyn Blakley Grant, a fashion executive, entrepreneuse, interior designer and style-setter, died at her home in Phoenix, supported by family and friends, on the evening of April 26th. The cause was metastatic colon cancer. She received this incurable diagnosis 16 months ago -- according to her husband, Jolyon Grant. He states they decided to salute life while treating her disease. Life returned the salute. Fashion and beauty were in Lyn's DNA and were expressed both personally and professionally. Her career began at the early age of 15 in a dress shop at Uptown Plaza in Phoenix and continued through executive positions or ownership interests in such businesses as Diamonds, Goldwaters, Entz White Clothing Company and Tablescapes. Throughout her life, Lyn Grant was naturally showcased by her inimitable sense of style. She most often complemented her slim profile and lithesome grace with Chanel black and sunglasses ebony; sunglasses serving as headband for impeccably coifed hair. Having spent so much time for Goldwater's in New York, she never lost her Fifth Avenue panache. Perhaps one of Lyn's most endearing and enduring qualities was her ability to not take herself too seriously. She could laugh at herself, and did so often. It was a joy to be in her company. It was an honor to know her. It was a privilege to love her. Clearly, hers was a life well-lived. Lyn's way home was a journey of passion and devotion to the love of her life, Jolyon. In their 20+ years together, Lyn and Jolyon forged a bond that ran deep with love and respect, compassion, joy, commitment, selflessness, gentleness, and an intellectual and artistic curiosity that could only be satisfied through frequent trips to Canada, Italy, England or France (especially Paris, where Lyn found her "soul"). The final trip to Paris for Lyn and Jolyon was last fall, where they shared their continuing love of Paris with both French and American friends. Lyn faced her incurable cancer the same way she lived her life: with grace, humor, strength, incredible courage and the occasional glass of fine wine. She was an inspiration to her many, many wonderful friends and her family. Lyn said goodbye to her beloved husband and soulmate, Jolyon; his daughters and her great friends Trevi and Ashley (and Ashley's husband, Scott Cavanaugh) and adored grandchildren Isabelle, Sophie and Claire. She is survived by Bucky and Phylis Byron, her father and step-mother; her brother Bill Byron and his wife, Su, and their children Retta, Brecken and Graham; her brother John Byron and his children Courtney and Mary Frances; her sister Mikaelann and her husband Rick Deninno; and Gloria Blakley and Zodie (and her husband Steve Weaver), mother and sister of her late husband, Bill Blakley. To celebrate Lyn's life and accomplishments as wife, mother, businesswoman and memorable & missed friend, the family plans a private Fête de Vie in her honor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lyn's name to Hospice of the Valley or the French Heritage Society, 14 East 60th Street, Suite 605, New York, NY 10022.