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Henry Granju Obituary

GRANJU, HENRY LOUIS - age 18, passed away Monday, May 31 at the University of Tennessee Medical Center after having spent more than a month courageously fighting for his life. Henry was born October 7, 1991 at St. Mary's Hospital, and he grew up in Knoxville surrounded by a large circle of loving family and friends. He was one of the members of the founding class at Episcopal School of Knoxville, where he spent eight happy years as a student, and he earned his high school diploma in November, 2009. He was a gifted musician and writer with an incredibly clever sense of humor. He brought joy to his friends and family with his creative jokes and the natural compassion he held for others. Henry felt the world deeply and never stopped showing us the world in a different light through his incredible heart. He especially loved his dog, Fiat, and he spent many happy times with his extended family in Bell Buckle, TN, which he considered his second home. Henry was very close to his younger siblings, Jane Granju, Elliot Granju and Charlotte Hickman. He also treasured his role as oldest cousin to Eleanor, McLean and Nancy Catherine Tant, Jones, Anna, Helen and Nicholas Allison, Gray, Jack, Ward and Leo Anderson, and Louis and Will Granju. He is survived by his parents, Chris Granju and Katie Allison Granju, and his stepparents, Jon Hickman and Melissa Granju, all of Knoxville. His surviving grandparents and great grandparents are Susan Anderson Allison, Jane Allison, Nancy Orr Anderson, and Jean Pierre and Barbara Granju. Surviving aunts and uncles are Ray and Betsy Tant, Robert and Nicole Allison, and Nicolas and Karen Granju. Receiving of friends will begin at 10am on Saturday, June 5 at St. Johns Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Knoxville, with memorial services immediately following at St. Johns, beginning at 11:30 am. There will be a casual open house at 2:15 pm following the service at the home of Jon Hickman and Katie Allison Granju. The family asks that mourners avoid wearing black, and that everyone bring fresh cut or picked flowers to the service for children to lay at the altar. In lieu of funeral arrangements, and in honor of Henry's brave battle against the disease of addiction, the family requests that donations be made to a permanent endowed fund being established to assist families in paying for needed drug and alcohol treatment for their children. Donations may be sent to: The Henry Louis Granju Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Administrator: James Anderson Morgan Stanley Smith Barney 2000 Meridian Blvd. Suite 290 Franklin, TN 37067. May God's loving light envelope our precious, beloved boy, the light and love of our lives - our beautiful Henry.

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

Published by Knoxville News Sentinel from Jun. 3 to Jun. 4, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Henry Granju

Sponsored by Henry's Mama.

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Janie Rose

October 2, 2014

Remembering your pain today. Praying that less people will suffer by knowing your story.

June 29, 2014

For Henry.

Samantha

April 8, 2013

It's such a tragedy that something like this could happen to such a talented hopeful young man. I hope that Henry's Fund can help save others from this growing epidemic. You're in my prayers.

Meryl Kerns

March 8, 2013

thinking of you this morning Henry... Loving you each and every day

Randy Bynder

January 22, 2012

Dear Katie,
I am taking my 18 year old daughter Candace to the Wilco show in San Diego tonight. Its the second leg of The Whole Love tour. We are both excited, but more importantly after reading your story on the Wilco website this morning, I will treasure this show, and the few precious hours with my daughter, beyong what words may describe. Thank you for sharing your story and please know how much it has touched my life.
Your friend forever,
Randy

June 30, 2010

Katie and family, another guest said it all, there are no words. Katie, I have admired you for years because you stand up for what you feel is right. Now you are standing up for Henry's right to be heard. I've enjoyed reading all the wonderful things about Henry. It is clear that he was loved by friends and family alike. I have prayed for you and your family and will continue to do so.

Janie Rose, Knoxville,TN

barbara

June 22, 2010

Dear Katie and family, found your story on the Montessori page on Facebook and have been reading it for the past hour. I pray you find some comfort in all the responses to your incredible tragedy. My heart goes out to you and you are an incredible person to put your story out here. God Bless you and your loved ones. B.E. Morgan, VA

June 11, 2010

We are deeply saddened for your loss. My daughter, Amanda, is a friend of Henry's and although we never met him personally we feel as though we knew him as she has shared many funny stories with us and she cared for him deeply. Our thoughts are prayers are with you. The Bradley Family

Erin Nolan

June 9, 2010

I don't know you personally but I also have a son with an addiction and I just wanted to say I am deeply sorry for your loss. I am praying for you and your family.

June 7, 2010

I DIDNT KNOW YOU, BUT I HAVE A SON AND MY HEART GOES OUT TO THE PARENTS OF HENRY.MAY YOU FIND COMFORT AND KNOWING HE'S AT PEACE NOW.THIS OLD PLACE IS NOT OUR HOME,WE JUST PASSING THREW.GOD BLESS YOU ALL. YOURS TRULY.

June 6, 2010

Thank you for sharing your story with us. My children are still young and I linger under the illusion that I can protect them from the darkness of the world but I know that it is not always true. No matter how hard we work or pray to that end- your Henry was beloved, gorgeous and talented... my heart breaks for your family. Know that you made me speak to my eldest for the first time ever about drugs and how one bad idea can lead to heartache and sorrow for everyone you love who loves you. Thank you, thank you, thank you...

Charese Phillips

June 6, 2010

"death is only a horizon;
and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight" -- Rossiter Worthington Raymond
Although Henry is gone from your sight, he lives on in your hearts and memories. My family and I pray that you find comfort in God and your family during this sad time. May God grant you all peace.

Florence Abad Turner

June 6, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

June 6, 2010

I have never met you or your family, but having a son with an addiction, my heart swells with pain for you and fear for me. I hope that all the love and prayers reach your hearts to comfort you now and in the coming years. I hope that you find it in your heart to make Henry's story, from that first confession to his last precious breath, into a lasting tribute via a book so that others may learn the ravages of this terrible, terrible disease.

Christie H

June 5, 2010

I am very heartbroken for your family. What a beautiful young man with a beautiful soul. Katie, stay strong. You are a great, great mother. Celebrate his life with memories and pictures, and celebrate the new one with hugs and kisses.

Michaelle S

June 5, 2010

You and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers. May God grant you peace during this most difficult time.

June 5, 2010

We are sorry for your loss and will keep you all in our prayers in this sad time. The E. Phillips family, Kingston ( We got a dog from you several years ago)

June 5, 2010

the greatest sorrow, known in antiquity, is for parents to bury their child.
You grief must be borne with the strength and support of many, most of all the higher power that grants us our life. I pray for his soul, and rejoice in the peace bestowed upon Henry. May some solace sustain you in your moment of greatest grief,
(Philip Marcus, Fairfield, Ct)

Kim Trail

June 5, 2010

My heart is breaking for all of you....I know your beautiful Henry is at peace now, and free from all the pain. Thank you for sharing his journey with us. Kim

Patricia B

June 5, 2010

Thank you for sharing your story. It has touched me deeply. May God give you the strength to continue fighting the good fight.

Stacy&Tracie Drury

June 5, 2010

Although we have only met a time or two while bustling our children out the door in the mornings, my heart is broken for you and your family. I am sure Henry was an amazing young man. Words cannot express how sorry I am. We are praying for your comfort during this sad time. If there is anything at all we can do to help, please please let us know. The Drury's across the street.

Christie

June 5, 2010

To Katie, I'm deeply sorry for you and your beautiful family's loss. I don't live in Knoxville, but this tragic story has brought many tears. Just a reminder how the disease of addiction can take over your life. I know, I am a recovering addict and alcoholic. May you now rest in peace Henry.

Melissa V

June 5, 2010

Katie and family, words can't begin to express my condolences. Thinking of you at this difficult time, and hoping that the memorial service was truly a celebration of a life that ended way too soon.
Love, Melissa Vance, Kevin & Sean

Cin

June 5, 2010

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Henry sounds like a wonderful young man who brought so much love and joy into your lives. I'll be thinking of you.

Michele

June 5, 2010

I'm so sorry for the loss of your sweet boy. May God give you peace and strength.

Dallas Camp

June 5, 2010

Henry man im really going to miss you. You were a great friend and an amazing person who will never be forgotten. i love you brother have fun up there and we will all see you soon.
dueces&goodnight
love,
Dallas Camp

Wendi Lombard

June 5, 2010

My heart goes out to you Katie, and to all who love and miss this beautiful soul.

Christine Velez

June 5, 2010

I don't know you or your family, but I want you to know that Henry's story has touched my heart deeply. Thank you for your bravery. You are in my prayers.

Claudine Verney-Carron

June 5, 2010

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Theresa Ferrante

June 5, 2010

My condolences to you and your family. Enjoy the "celebration" of Henry's life today. Rest in Peace, beautiful Henry.

~ jeanne daoust

June 5, 2010

i woke up thinking about your family and the long journey ahead today.

i don't know if this will help but it helps me in times of great tragedy.

Those whose lights burn brightest, burn out quickest and all we are left with are their puffs of smoke ascending to heaven.

my prayers are with you today and the months to come.

Debra Reagan

June 5, 2010

I am so sorry about the death of your loving Henry. You will be in my thoughts.

Debra Reagan

Barbara Hancock

June 5, 2010

Dear Katie,
I just read through your blog and cannot imagine your grief. Thank you for sharing your story with all of us. He sounds like a very special child and I feel as if he could have been a friend of one of my children. How precious they all are. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Stephanie Hall

June 4, 2010

I am forever sorry for your loss and know that God is hugging H as tight as you did! He is in an amazing place and will forever be remembered! I will be keeping your family in my prayers and hope to be helpful in helping you find out who hurt your beautiful son if possible! In Him, Stephanie Hall

Amanda Rowcliffe

June 4, 2010

Dear Katie,
All of my family sends love and condolences to you. May God watch over all of you and grant you peace...

Sonya Armiger

June 4, 2010

Katie-I'm so very sorry. My heart aches for you. Sending my love and prayers.

David & Calli Pinckney

June 4, 2010

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Carey Nelson-Gadd

June 4, 2010

Granju family, my heart breaks for you all. Please accept my sincerest condolences in your time of sorrow. I did not know Henry personally, but am related to a dear friend of his, and have also followed Katies blog. From what I know Henry was a wonderful person, and a better friend could not be found. He will be missed by many.My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

martha bunch

June 4, 2010

What a beautiful obituary reflecting so much love.

From someone who reads your blog,
God's peace to you.

Amy Smith

June 4, 2010

My life and those of my sons aaron and joel were blessed by Henry. What a beautiful compassionate soul. He brought joy to this life. May God wrap his arms of love and mercy and comfort around Henry's family.

June 4, 2010

"Our prayer will be that you find strength and solace in the days and weeks to come. May the God of all comfort take you in his loving arms and rock you as you weep for your baby." Bill and Dawn Lockett

Kaye

June 4, 2010

I did not know your son, but looseing a child is very hard. I know. But remember God is with you and he is taking this wonderful and putting him close in his arms and loving him. Remeber that when sorrow hits your heart remember the good times and his smiles, kisses and those things he did to make your smile or laugh. May God put his loving arms around you.

Cj Coppola

June 4, 2010

Your family's brave fight with the disease of addiction has touched so many. Henry's special light will shine and light the way for others walking the path. Peace to all his loving family during this time of sorrow.

Bekah O'Dell

June 4, 2010

My deepest sympathies extend to the family and friends of this precious young man. May God give peace and comfort to all in the knowledge that Henry is in the loving care of our Lord and all will be reunited one day.

June 4, 2010

I just had a long talk with my seven year old son about drugs. Thank you for sharing your story of Henry. He is a beautiful boy and he has touched my life. -Jeanette, VA

June 4, 2010

Katie, Chris, and family,
We are so saddened to hear about the tragedy that has happened to your family. All of you are in our thoughts.
- Rachel Craig & Jim Hagerman

R. M.

June 4, 2010

I am so sorry for your loss. Your son obviously left an indelible impact on those around him, and will remain with them.

June 4, 2010

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Andrea

June 4, 2010

My sincerest condolences. I can not imagine your pain and grief. Even though I do not know your son or your family personally, I feel connected to your tragedy through your blog entries. Henry seemed like such an vibrant young man. It is a tragedy to have his flame extinguished so early. I am so, so sorry for your loss, and I hope you can find some comfort in your time of need.

Giselle

June 4, 2010

Peace to all of you. God’s timing is a mystery we do not understand, yet we trust for the future and hold His hand. With sympathy for your tremendous loss. My children have all had many extra hugs this month and all to come - this is your gift and Henry's to us. Peace & ((hugs)) all around.
Giselle

Scott and Lisa Starbuck

June 4, 2010

Sincere condolences to Henry's family and friends. Wishing you peace and refuge in happy memories during the difficult days ahead.

June 4, 2010

Your son was a bright light ... and so very very handsome. Addiction is a disease and I am so sorry your son suffered.
I pray for peace and comfort for you and your family ... and for Henry to be surrounded in a divine and loving light.
With deepest condolences.

June 4, 2010

Your boy is beautiful! Your family's story has changed my life. Thank you for sharing him with us.

jeanne daoust

June 4, 2010

the funeral is tomorrow and i'm sure you are all still numb with grief. i can't imagine putting my child in the ground. my heart cries for you. i hope tomorrow and all the days to come are filled with love from family and friends. i will be sending happy thoughts your way tomorrow.

much love,

Darlene Jenkins

June 4, 2010

We are the parents of a friend of Henry's. Henry spent the night in our home a few times and he was just one of the nicest young men we had the pleasure to meet. I will never forget his gracious manner around my husband and I. The word "shy" would never describe Henry. May God fill your lives with peace and healing.

Susan Benton

June 4, 2010

We will miss you. My deepest sympathy to all the Granju family.
Susan Benton

Donna Chamberlain

June 4, 2010

"Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow,may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal." (unknown author) My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Julie

June 4, 2010

Your loving words about your beautiful boy are touching many, many people. Thank you for sharing and please take some comfort in the knowledge that his memory will live on even with us who did not know him. Your family and your sweet Henry are in our thoughts and prayers.

June 4, 2010

Peace be with you...... Linda Seattle, WA

Betty Bean

June 4, 2010

God tempers the wind to the shorn lamb.
That was almost a mantra to me at a couple of points in my life when I was overwhelmed by unbearable grief. I didn't believe it then, but I hoped it was true, and eventually I came out the other side.
That is my hope for you, Katie and Sue and all who loved sweet Henry, that you come safely out the other side of this horror. You'll be different, but you'll all carry a piece of his heart with you forever. There's no limit that kind of love.

Kim Holmes

June 4, 2010

I'm truly sorry for the loss all of Henry's loved one are experiencing. I'm truly sorry.

Sarah Traynor

June 4, 2010

What a beautiful boy, so sorry.

Susan Sims

June 4, 2010

To you and your family: may you find peace and healing. Susan Sims

June 4, 2010

thinking of you and your family. I am sorry for your loss. Kathleen, Minneapolis

Nancy Sherwood

June 3, 2010

There are no words....

Sue Allison

June 3, 2010

Your Nanny loves you. Be at peace, my sweet angel.

julie N

June 3, 2010

My heart is breaking for you and your family. After reading everything you have documented on your blogs, I can tell you that as the mother of a 13 and 14 year old, I will treat drug use with a zero tolerance policy. It is because of you, that my feelings have changed on this oh, so important issue. Thank you for sharing your story - you and Henry have made a difference. God Bless you and your family.

June 3, 2010

Thinking of all of you and your unfathomable loss. Rest in peace, Henry.

June 3, 2010

Jean Pierre and Barbara
I am so,so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Charlotte Rufyiri and Family,
Knoxville , Tennessee

Shelly Watts

June 3, 2010

I wish I could have met Henry. He sounds like he was such a wonderful sweet and talented boy. I am so unbelievably saddened for your loss and what you are going through. Katie-you and your family are in my every thought and prayer.

Claudette McCubbin

June 3, 2010

My heart goes out to you and your family. I have no words to express what I feel specially having known Henry. He was a sweet kid that had the magic to get to your heart with just a few words. That really impressed me! It is not a trait that is found everyday in someone so young...

Rachelle

June 3, 2010

I did not know your Henry, however I have been moved by this horrific turn of events. Please accept my sincere condolences. I will be prarying for Henry's family.

Amy Cooke Chesney

June 3, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Anne LeMar

June 3, 2010

Your family will continue to be in my prayers.

Angel Shultz

June 3, 2010

Beautiful Henry....gone too soon.
Sincerely praying for the entire family. God bless you.

June 3, 2010

Dear Katie, I am so terribly sorry to learn of Henry's passing. I cannot imagine anything more horrible than the death of one's child. I have had you and your family in my thoughts these past weeks, and I will continue to hold you all in my heart. Natalie LeVasseur

June 3, 2010

my heart goes out to you along with prayers and peace. I have also lost a son. May God bless you with strength. gwen Hines Florea also from Knoxville,Now I live in Cincinnati,Ohio

Jake Marcus And family

June 3, 2010

Deepest sympathies as we grieve with you for the loss of precious Henry. Our hearts break with yours and our lives are forever changed by the lessons this has taught us.

June 3, 2010

I am a friend of a friend of Katie's, and can only imagine your pain. However, I wanted you to know your family is in my prayers. Cheryl Hobbs (Deshler, OH)

Linda Kaufman

June 3, 2010

Katie and family, there are no words that can express your loss or the prayers and love that are coming your way from family, friends and people across the nation that only know you through your blog. But please know that you and Henry and all of your family are surrounded by love, hope, prayers, faith, and understanding of your loss. Henry struggled but in his struggle he has touched so many lives and I truly believe that his journey and his story will help others find their way out of darkness into the light to help others too. Henry's spirit will live on and so will his family who will share his stories good and sad so that others may know him too and know that when they are feeling their lowest they should always reach out because someone will be there for them. God bless you and your family, may he wrap his love around you and give you strength to move forward. Linda Kaufman (Knoxville, TN)

Barb

June 3, 2010

All that you have written about Henry has truly touched me, deep in my heart. I pray that you are comforted by the support of your family and friends, and that Henry is now at peace. My heart is breaking for you.

A friend

June 3, 2010

Having lost an 18 year old, my heart goes out to you and your family. The days ahead will be a challenge but just remember the wonderful times that you had with Henry. Keep his memory alive...that is the best way to heal.

Rebecca Reynolds-Johnson

June 3, 2010

I only know your family though Deb Hardison and Anne Krueger. We have never met, but your blogs, Katie, have been so courageous and loving, I feel I know you a bit. I pray God will wrap His loving arms around each of you. As you know, your lives have been profoundly changed forever. God be with you. Becky Reynolds-Johnson

The Thal Family

June 3, 2010

Our prayers go out for peace and comfort to all of Henry's family and friends. Henry will forever remain in our hearts, epecially Max's.

Anita Long

June 3, 2010

So sorry. I can't imagine the pain of losing a child. May you be given the strength to pursue justice for Henry. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Anita Long

Rose Tyer

June 3, 2010

All my most heartfelt condolences. Love to all the family and to Henry above.

Selina Villarreal

June 3, 2010

My deepest condolences on your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Debbie Tropiano

June 3, 2010

My deepest sympathies to Katie and family. Losing a child is so incredibly hard, but he will live on in your heart forever. Hugs and love!

Vivian DeBord

June 3, 2010

i am so sorry about Henry. I love you Missy. I"m thinking of you both. Mamaw DeBord.

Diana Guzik

June 3, 2010

My deepest condolences to everyone who was touched by Henry. May the memories created and shared be enough to get you through this dark time. May you hold onto these memories and spread them through the generations to come. May you look back on them and smile from within.

Linda Cotham

June 3, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Brenden and Catherine Rapp

June 3, 2010

I am so very sorry for your loss. Your families are surrounded by all the love and strength of so many; may that love help you through this tragedy.

Linda Sharp

June 3, 2010

Jean Pierre and Barbara,
I am so sorry for your loss of your beloved grandson. I know he held a very special place in your hearts. You will be in my prayers. May all your good memories help fill the void you now feel.

Lisa Simonds

June 3, 2010

I am so, so sorry for such an immeasurable loss. Your family lives passionately and it seems Henry thrived on that. I remember reading Tuesdays with Morrie and he said "death ends a life, not a relationship", and please know this is true. Henry will always be with, and in you. Always.

Kevin Crothers

June 3, 2010

Katie, Jon, and family,

We send you our deepest sympathies and greatest hopes for justice and peace.

~Spiney, Clem, and the girls

Rebecca Mills

June 3, 2010

What a beautiful memoriam - it brought me to tears. I'm so sorry for the loss of your beautiful son. I know you will make sure his death was not in vain as you work to help other families and raise the public's consciousness of this dreaded disease.

Aimee Veros

June 3, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you Katie and your entire family during this time. RIP Beautiful Boy, Henry

Earle Wright

June 3, 2010

Chris and Melissa,

I, too, lost a son. When you feel that you can, contact me on Friday evening at Westminster. Knowing what you are going through, I can help you in dealing with the future. I am deeply saddened by this news, and I pray for God to strengthen you for the coming journey.

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