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Timothy Appleton Grannis

1949 - 2016

Timothy Appleton Grannis obituary, 1949-2016, Burlington, VT

Timothy Grannis Obituary

Timothy Appleton Grannis

Timothy was born November 24, 1949 in Hartford CT, to the late Caroline Kinloch Bull Grannis of Georgetown, SC and the late Peter Edwards Grannis of Greenwich, CT. He died on September 6, 2016 in Burlington, VT, surrounded by his friends and family after declining rapidly over this past year with early onset Alzheimer's.

Timothy is survived by his partner in business and in life, his loving wife, Susan Elizabeth Hurd. He is also survived by his daughter, Genevieve Chesna Grannis Hathaway, and her husband, Keith Hathaway; his daughter, Rebecca Eve Grannis, and her husband, Chapin Spencer; his step-son Will Idaho Hurd, and his wife, Biyokuri Bidameri. He leaves behind his grandchildren Kaylan Hathaway, Jarrit Hathaway, Zia Clara Grannis and Asa Ray Hurd. Timothy is survived by his loving brothers and sister, and their spouses: Yissacher Granitsky (fka Peter Edwards Grannis, Jr.) and his wife Esther Granitsky; Anne Cleland Grannis and her husband Lee Stephen Engdahl; Stephen Bull Grannis and his wife Christina Lynn Grannis. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.

Timothy led a vibrant life, full of creativity, humor and mischief. He enjoyed a childhood filled with adventure, fireworks, and family. When he was twelve-years-old, he began making jewelry with his father; this endeavor sparked a creative passion that would shape Timothy's life's work as a metalsmith. Timothy graduated from Watkinson School in Hartford, CT, winning first prize for his senior art project. During his two years at St. Lawrence University, he cultivated a community of radical friends, fought the system, and made art. Timothy and his first wife, Victoria Graf, settled in Vermont in 1972, where they raised their two daughters. Timothy completed his degree at the University of Vermont and opened his first Jewelry studio in Underhill, which he later moved to Essex, VT in 1982. Through his studies with Heikki Seppa, a renowned Finnish Metalsmith, he learned the art of anti-clastic forging. He was able to further develop his three-dimensional metal work through a grant he earned from the National Endowment for the Arts. He was also honored to be selected for a special exhibition of artists at the mansion of the Vice President of the United States.

Timothy's artist statement read, "All the elements of my work and life distill down to this statement: 'I just like to make stuff.'" In 1998 Timothy and his life partner, Susan Hurd, opened the Grannis Gallery in Burlington, VT, as a venue to showcase Timothy's "stuff," and as a realization of their dream of creating and selling unique collections of designer jewelry. Together, they crafted a creative and successful business, earning The Readers' Choice Award from the Seven Days newspapers for 9 years, as well as JCK's "Top 10 Designer Jewelry Stores" award. Timothy and Susan married in 1999. Ten years later they closed the Grannis Gallery and opened Alchemy Jewelry Arts, a small artisan collective in the South End Arts District of Burlington. Together, they continued to bring beauty to the community with Timothy's inspired creations.

Timothy held family and friends in his deep hugs and bottomless heart. He was an insatiable adventurer: hiking mountains and canyons, paddling rivers, skating on wild ice, running marathons, traveling the world with his Susie. He loved to laugh, to sing and dance, to make music. He was always the first one to go skinny dipping. Timothy loved science, figuring out how things work, blowing things up, and making potato cannons. He could fix anything with duct tape and superglue.

Timothy was a Prankster. A pyromaniac. An idea factory: one with plenty of talent and just enough focus to pull off the most audacious concepts. He was a gentle soul. A mentor to many (though in denial). A Metal God. Stubborn. A nurturer of two darn strong daughters. He was "Eggie," the entertaining Rock Star Grandpa to his precious grandchildren. A Seeker of Beauty. A man with a very broad definition of family. He was the Best Dad Ever.

A celebration of Timothy's life will be held on September 25, 2016 at 5:00 pm at the All Souls Interfaith Gathering in Shelburne, VT. A private reception will follow. For those wishing to honor Timothy's memory please take a moment to give love to your family and friends and do something to make the world more beautiful.

Visit burlingtonfreepress.com/obituaries to Express condolences and sign the guest book.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Burlington Free Press on Sep. 13, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Timothy Grannis

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Jami & Christopher Robertson

July 9, 2017

So very sad to have just read of Timothy's passing. He was our jeweler for the past 22 years! Our beautiful "Camels Hump" wedding bands, and a family birthstone garland ring are worn daily with great pride. We own a number of other Timothy originals and have always thought of him as an amazing artist. We love to show off our unique pieces which we designed with his guidance, and vast knowledge. What a wonderful man with an extraordinary life. He will be sorely missed.

Tammy Edwards

September 24, 2016

I'm sad to learn of the passing of Mr. Grannis. I remember him as being a jokester during his daughters' sleepover parties in home/business off of Rt 15. He always greeted me with a genuine, sly smile. May the memories of him help family and friends through this time.

Meg Howard

September 19, 2016

I met Tim in 1970 through his brother Steve. He introduced me to the arts of breadbaking and meditation which I practice to this day. Holding all of his loved ones in my heart. Fond memories of Caroline and Peter..Sending a special hug to Steve.Meg Gross Howard

Kathy Golden

September 17, 2016

I met Timothy at the DC Mall when he was selling jewelry with Susie. That was the one time meeting him. I have know Susie for as long as always and I remember thinking of them together. No one on this planet could have sculpted a more perfect person for her. And she was ideal for him. I am really sorry he had to go.

anne grannis

September 16, 2016

One thing that made my brother unique, is that, he was predictably unpredictable. He could be a bit stubborn at times but he always had a sense of humor.
There is only one like this guy and I think the mold has been broken. Too bad because this man was a very caring , gentle and a creative genius. Those who knew him are better people because of this relationship. Especially his daughters.
He is very missed.
sister, Anne

Liz Furkay

September 16, 2016

I worked for a short time at Grannis Gallery, and was fortunate to have experienced the magic that was Timothy. He and Suzie were wonderful employers who treated us all like family. The most loving, caring, talented, original, creative, courageous, and inspiring couple. I'll never forget Timothy suggesting I sing Happy Birthday to Suzie as part of the job interview. My sincere condolences to Suzie and family. He was a beautiful soul.

marne ryan

September 15, 2016

Dear Timothy
You were so kind to me while living on this planet . May you be nurtured wherever you may be - Marne

September 15, 2016

Dear Timothy
You were so kind to me while on this earth.may you be nurtured where ever you may be. Marne Ryan

camille benjamin

September 15, 2016

There are no words to express my sadness, and heart felt arms surrounding you, Susie. I am so sorry for the loss to us all.
- Camille

September 15, 2016

Sending our deepest sympathies from Timothy's alma mater.
Watkinson School
Hartford, CT

Craig Donnan

September 15, 2016

I first met Timothy through the VT men's support community called 'Men Alive VT" in 1989. A story of his prankster nature I will always recall with culinary glee was his decision that the group deserved to feast in style and chose to make a lobster dinner for the group retreat. It stirred the pot so to speak, and was perhaps contrary to the vegetarians and fiscal conservatives in the house, but I loved it. His playful, affirming boldness and humor was in high form.

His heart rang true and deep and he loved and cared much for those around him and the community and our world. I am grateful to have known him, to have been able to offer friendship to him and care back, and to have celebrated life with him. I am terribly sad to find that he is gone, and shocked, and yet my grief must pale to Susie's and family to whom I offer deep condolences and caring thoughts.

Farewell and Godspeed good man and dear friend - you will be in my heart.

Janet Schneider

September 14, 2016

What a nice man with such a warm, gentle smile. The obvious love that Susie and Tim shared was beautiful and in essence never can die. Our community has lost a special member. My condolences to Susie and Family.

Michele Hagen

September 14, 2016

I only met Tim once a few months ago as he gave his input for my wedding ring/band. he was a kind soul it's hard not to take a liking to him. I was so sad to hear of his passing. my best to his entire family both personal and work...

Amy McIlwaine

September 14, 2016

A beautiful celebration of Tim's life. So sorry to hear of this great loss to your whole family. Tim was a true character. May your memories of him warm and inspire you. With love from Amy Dorta McIlwaine and family

Mark Sustic

September 13, 2016

So very sad.... my best to Susie and everyone in Tim's family. Wish I had known him better. He lives on in the love(s) he had, and the love they give.

Susan Miller-Coulter

September 13, 2016

Susie and family, when I moved to Vermont in 1993, I rented a little house on Spruce St right off St. Paul St. Several rooms on the ground floor were covered with stunning canvases, at which the French-Canadian farmer landlady cast what I can only describe as a skeptical eye. And pronounced him "an artist" which seemed to upset her. A long time later I ran into Tim at a Sacred Harp sing and we figured out I was living in his old house. He was fabulously, but quietly unique. My deepest condolences at his untimely passing.

Carol Boucher

September 13, 2016

Susie and family,
So sorry for your loss.... I enjoyed his beautiful sculptures at Alchemy. Timothy found so many ways to express his interest in metal and form....really exceptional. My mother loved the ring he designed using her stone.
Best wishes from Carol and Donald Boucher

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results

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Memorial Events
for Timothy Grannis

Sep

25

Celebration of Life

5:00 p.m.

All Souls Interfaith Gathering

Shelburne, VT

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