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Dr. Lawrence Grant

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Whitefish Bay High School University of Wisconsin

Lawrence Grant Obituary

Grant, Lawrence Dr. Age 70, died on Thursday, October 29, 2009, at his home in Thief River Falls, MN. For 21 years, Lawrence was principal of the Whitefish Bay High School in the Milwaukee area. He always felt fortunate to receive this job and "couldn't have asked for anything more." He had tremendous pride in the quality of students that he and his staff had the pleasure of educating. He served on the board of regents of Columbia Nursing College. For 10 years, Lawrence taught School Administration classes for the University of Wisconsin to graduate students. Lawrence is survived by his wife Linda, Thief River Falls, sister Peggy, Abiquiu, NM, brother David, Geelong, Victoria, Australia, and all of Linda's family. Family condolences may be sent at: www.johnsonfuneralservice.com

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Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Nov. 3, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Lawrence Grant

Sponsored by anonymous.

21 Entries

Mike Doyle

November 26, 2009

My sincerest condolences to Mrs. Grant and family. I have fabulous memories of Dr. Grant from my days at WFB HS. As a cross country and track runner, I thought that his presence at the meets, and devotion to these "minor" sports was definitely inspiring. I'll always remember his support for me and the other runners - it was truly special. His love of learning was also a great gift that he passed on to the students at WFB. I can say that he had a tremendous influence on my life, and I believe that his letter of recommendation was one of the reasons I was accepted at the University of Notre Dame. Without Dr. Grant, I am sure that my life would have turned out much differently. Thanks Dr. Grant - you were one of a kind.
Mike Doyle - class of 75.

Amy G

November 21, 2009

Dear Mrs. Grant, while I wasn't one of the star students during my time at WFB your husband saw much of me and his patience and concern for my future stuck with me throughout my young adult life and the lessons while then fell on deaf ears later in life brought me much guidance. I am sorry for your loss. Amy class of 1980

November 11, 2009

Saddened to hear of Dr. Grant's passing, but at the same time encouraged to be reminded of the difference one good man can make.
Curt Frueh, WFB '78, from Charlotte, NC

John & Suzanne Kessler

November 7, 2009

Dear Linda, Peggy and David,
My husband Jack and I extend to you our condolences on the loss of some one named affectionately by many in many ways (ie., Lars, Lawrence, Larry, Dr. Grant, L.E.G., Spirit of Sherlock Holmes, Mr. Perry’s Doublegaenger, and so forth). No matter how long this identification list is, there is only one uniquely unforgetable individual heading it. Dr. Grant began his career (in September 1970) at Whitefish Bay High School three years after I did. During the summer of 1970 Jack and I married. One of the first conversations Larry and I had was how I had thrown him off track by changing my identity! (He had wisely been determined to know as much as possible about each staff member in order to facilitate peer bonding.) Another of these initial conversations was one of comparison: we were both the eldest of three offspring (and within the immediate family circle officially the designated “role model” for the other two). Plus, we each had several names used by family and friends. From early childhood on we both realized that if someone called us by our formal name (Lawrence; Suzanne) we would turn around to hear either great praise or powerful condemnation. Through the next 21 years Lawrence was an essential and an effective member of our school community. There was so much more Larry did personally (and frequently anonymously) as well as inspired others to do which is still integral to the academically rich, open and personable environment of Whitefish Bay High. He masterfully understood that the eyes of each of us are the “windows to the soul.” Be you student, parent, WFBay resident or district staff member it was clear that his direct eye contact with you during a conversation meant that enjoyable story-telling, laughter and “good vibes” would flow. If Dr. Grant did not participate in a conversation with his eyes as well as with his voice it meant one of two things: 1) he was VERY short on time or 2) the topic which had to be discussed was awkward. In the case of the awkward topic, Larry would emphatically get on with the topic (throwing in frequent, rhythmic “up-and-down” positioning of his eye glasses from forehead to eyes) until there was resolution or - at least – closure. Dr. Grant usually initiated a conversation he had to have with someone on the staff with what most of us called a “leg” note. The message was seldom more than: “See me. L.E.G.” Once behind Larry’s closed office door you still didn’t know if the reason would be: a call from an irate parent, his newest inner-office wall map, the summary of a conversation he had recently had with one of your students who felt he or she had a justifiable complaint against you, your opinion on his options for different “blue road” routes to the Southwest for a visit with sister Peggy, the concerns(?...really another way to say complaints) from the teaching colleague(s) who thought it best to remain anonymous so that L.E.G. could more effectively handle the task of communicating the concern(s), the latest film he had seen which he really liked(and wanted to know if you had seen it too and liked it as well), etc. This is my 42nd year as a teacher (of French and German) at WFBay High. In my heart and in my memory so much of Dr. Grant is here, too. More specifically – for me – Lawrence embodies spontaneous passion (or – if you will – passionate spontaneity). You are truly UNFORGETABLE, Larry. May you rest in peace. To Linda, Peggy and David plus those of you for whom there is such an obvious loss – we wish you the patience, strength and optimism essential for now and always, John and Sue Kessler

Vicki Schmitz

November 6, 2009

Dr. Grant will always hold a special place in my heart and in my memories. Even when I struggled with my class work, Dr. Grant always believed in me. Every time that he saw me in the halls, he would ask how my classes were going. With his support I became a life long learner and an educator.
Vicki Schmitz
WFBHS '77

Terry Head

November 6, 2009

I am so sorry to hear of Dr Grant's passing. Like so many people I was taught an important lesson by him. Dr Grant was very nice to me at WFBHS. One day while passing him in the hall I said "Hi Doc", which caused Dr. Grant to stop and give me some advice. At age 15 Dr. Grant calmly said this to me: Please don't call me Doc, you can call me Dr. Grant, Mr Grant or Larry but don't call me Doc. The way Dr Grant said it made the oh no feeling go away that I did something wrong. He got his message across without raising his voice to a kid who did not know he did anything wrong. Be calm and tell people what you want was a great life lesson Dr Grant taught me that day that I carry with me every day. For that I thank you. RIP Dr Grant.

Terry Head WFBHS 77

Cathy Baldwin

November 5, 2009

Like so many WFB grads, I have fond memories of Dr. Grant. I moved to WFB in December of my junior year--this was my third high school. Within the first month of being in WFB, Dr. Grant was in my creative writing class, probably doing an observation. I went up to ask Mr. DeAngelos a question, then returned to my seat. Dr. Grant came over to me, commented that he noticed I was new to the school. Then he gave me a compliment that carried me through the rest of my schooling and beyond. "You carry yourself well, your demonstrate such poise and confidence. Those are good traits to have." I was shocked--I'd never had a principal single me out before for anything, plus I was such a quaking violet inside, I would never have described myself as confident. But I resolved that if the PRINCIPAL could see me that way, everyone would from now on. Thank you, Dr. Grant, for affecting who I am today.
My sympathies go out to the family.
Cathy (Willits) Baldwin WFB Class of 1981

Mike Kahn

November 5, 2009

I was sadden by the news that Dr. Grant had passed away. As a long distance runner at WFB, he took a great interest in my running and of others. He made time to attend about every meet with great encouragement for me to run my best. With his help, I became one of the top high school runners in the state.

Dr. Grant had a tremendous influence on all students while he was the principal at WFB. He will be missed.

John Haupt '74

November 5, 2009

I was at WFBHS early in Dr. Grant's tenure and, more than once, he was the object of some well intended kidding from the students. Two of my more artistic classmates created, produced and sold "Dr Great" T-Shirts complete with an excellent likeness of Dr. Grant on the front with glasses on forehead and in full superhero dress. I and others parodied Dr Grant in our skit for the AFS Variety Show. Some teachers or administrators would have taken offense, or worse, taken action. But, to his credit, Dr Grant found it all to be worth a good laugh. It was then we realized he must be a pretty good guy.

My sincere condolences to his family. I hope this story lifts your spirits.

Kelly (McDonald)Rhodes

November 5, 2009

Dr.Grant will always hold special memories in our hearts. I remember after we had gotten our puppy,I tried to sneak him into school to get something our of my locker after school,inside my purse. I set my bag down,only to find it wandering down the hall on it's own. Dr.Grant(with glasses sitting on the tip of his nose)announced "Ah,Miss McDonald,your bag is moving down the hall..would you kindly get it off the floor,before it leaves their mark?" Never a harsh word,just a look of confusion and humor. You will be missed by all who knew you.

Margie (Mallin) Margolies

November 4, 2009

I feel lucky that, as a WFBHS student (class of 81), I got to know Dr. Grant. He made a point of getting to know so many of us.

I learned a lot about leadership from Dr. Grant while meeting with him several times to present and discuss the request of a group of students (including me) to add an additional foreign language course. He was very respectful and receptive to our request and he helped me learn to advocate for our cause without, as he put it, "rattling my [his] cage."

Dr. Grant also taught me the word "erudite" which he felt I needed to know in order to understand the respect he had (and wanted to be sure I shared) for my father. The adjective of course applied to Dr. Grant as well.

Dr. Grant got involved in my college applications too. After a high school guidance counselor sent in the school's portion of my application late to the University of Michigan (which results in an automatic rejection) he personally called the school to make sure my application was nonetheless reviewed (and accepted).

Dr. Grant was a very special person who got to know us (WFBHS students) and cared about us individually, and whom we remember all these years later for the wonderful person he was and for the influence he had on our education and our lives.

Christine Lucas

November 4, 2009

I am saddened by the news of Larry's passing. In 1987, he hired this fresh college graduate coming all the way from her practice teaching in New Zealand. He never let me forget the fact that he was put on hold waiting for a reference from my head mistress at Christchurch Girls' High! When I began employment at Whitefish Bay High School, I came to know all that a principal should be: encouraging, intellectual, demanding, well-spoken, fair, engaged, present, strong and supportive. Larry's presence was large and everywhere, and his contributions to creating a stellar academic atmosphere at WFBHS are everlasting. lg, you are missed...it is an honor knowing you had faith in me, working for you, and sharing school trials and tribulations. ~Christine Lucas

Dan Mallin

November 4, 2009

Dr. Grant was a special person in our lives. He drove excellence from students and faculty. I know he made me a better student and citizen.

John Lindert

November 4, 2009

I would talk to Dr Grant almost everyday, but then how could I not with my locker being right outside his office. I believe he was really interested in each and every student and tried to bring the best out of each one of us.

Dan Sinykin

November 4, 2009

I share Jon's thoughts as well. Dr. Grant would often pass notes to me in the hallway or I would suddenly find a folded piece of paper on my disk. This slip would contain two or three sports trivia questions to have answered and returned to him by the end of the day. We din't have the Internet and I was forced to try to figure them out myself.

He was a wonderful man and WFB students were lucky to have him there for such a long time.

Dan Sinykin WFB 82

Heather Hughes

November 3, 2009

As a student at WFB, I remember Dr. Grant's energetic waltzes across campus. He knew what he wanted, and the school benefited under his guidance. I had a sense he knew me, knew everyone, and that he relished progress toward our dreams. I didn't know him well, but it seemed like his was a life well lived. (I also went on to get an administrative services credential). My condolences, Heather Hughes, WFB, 1985

Bill Donovan

November 3, 2009

Dr. Grant had a great influence on me. He wrote me a short ,inspirational, note just before my graduation from WFBHS in 1975. I still cherish that note today. I feel fortunate to have known him.

November 3, 2009

As a student at WFB in the early 70's I recall how sincerely interested Dr, Grant was in the students. I was a State Champion Pole Vaulter in 1975. I was very appreciative of his genuine interest in my efforts. I remember how he was almost always at every meet. He always willed me on and I'll never forget that. When we finished 2nd at the state meet he was there posing for photos with family, friends and teammates. That night he came to my parents house for a party. I will always remember him as a truly genuine person and above all a really 'cool' guy. God Bless Him and thank you God for letting me have a piece him. Tom Callahan

Jon Wallace

November 3, 2009

I was a student at WFBHS, and had a special relationship with Dr. Grant (I am sure many students felt this way).

I credit him with singlehandedly getting me into my college of choice by writing a tremendous letter of recommendation for me, despite my being a B+ student. As I recall, he was such a wordsmith that he made my D in French seem like a great accomplishment, and that any university would be lucky to have someone as well rounded as to have a few D's to go along with my A's and B's.

I remember that on a few occasions my name would be paged over the school intercom, asking me to report to the Principal's Office. My classmates would chuckle, thinking I had gotten myself into some sort of trouble. But when I would walk into his office, he would smile (knowing full well the ribbing I was getting) and invite me to sit down so he could show me a humorous article he had read, or to ask me about my opinion about something goint on at school so he could have a student's point of view.
His approachability, intellect, wit, and thoughtfulness were a great life lesson for me on how to be an effective leader.

My entire family had a great fondness for Larry. My father, David Wallace, worked with him on the school board for a decade. They had a great relationship, and Larry's letter of appreciation that he wrote to my father upon his retirement from the school board was framed, and has been up on my dad's office wall ever since. (I share this with you on behalf of my father, who passed away suddenly last November.)
Larry was a strong positive role model for me and I count myself lucky to have been able to get to know him. My deepest condolences to you on this tragic loss.

Dave Perry

November 3, 2009

As a Whitefish Bay resident and father of two who enjoyed their years at Dr. Grant's WFBHS, I had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of Dr. Grant and personally seeing my daughters Lizzy and Evie and their many friends benefit from the extremely high quality educational experience under his leadership.

I had a unique relationship with Dr. Grant in that we bore a fairly close resemblance, primarily due to similarities in glasses, lack of hair and compensating beard. My first encounter was a photo of an autumn morning jogger that appeared in the local newspaper, which on first viewing, I thought was me. (We even had similar jogging suits.) I then read in the caption that it wasn't me, but was the high school principal, Dr. Grant. Over the years that followed, various people reported other incidents of mistaken identity. My favorite was the report of my younger daughter's junior high friend who passed by Dr. Grant at a football game and asked her mother "Was that the principal or Evie's father?" I also enjoyed the wary looks and improved behavior of students when I passed by. When our daughters became high school students, I met Dr. Grant in numerous occasions and often shared a laugh about our common appearances.
I had the greatest respect for Dr. Grant, for his intellect and approachability, his care, concern and devotion to the students and their achievements and being a "great guy" with whom to discuss weighty matters or share a good story and a laugh. He has been and will be missed.

November 3, 2009

Linda, I just got a notification of Lawrence's passing and I was a
classmate of his from Hillsboro. Went to some grade school with him and jr. high and high school. I wish to extend my sympathy to you and it is hard to hear of one that is one's own age leaving us. I am a cancer survivor to and it's not easy all the time. I was not at the reunion so missed seeing the people which would probably be for the
last time at our ages. Lawrence was always a very likable fellow who had a sense of humor that was uncomparable. We shall all miss him even though I didn't know him in his adult life. I hope your burden
of losing him isn't too bad as you can find consolation in the fact that he is at peace and is in the arms of the Lord and doesn't hurt anymore. Just know he will be missed by a lot more people than you will ever know about.

Sincerely,

Kaye (Diehl) Tollerud

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