John Richard Grady

I wish to express my sorrow for John's family. I had the opportunity to work with John during the design of the Visual and Performing Arts Center. I was the project architect from Burnidge Cassell and Associates who worked with the College's staff. John was a tremendous help and resource to make sure that his studio was designed to be the best that it could be. I will always remember John as a talented artist and dedicated teacher. We all have lost a special person, but I am sure that we...

Stunned does not even begin to explain my family and friends' reaction to the news of John's passing. What a great guy he was when I was growing up in the 80's -- funny and cool. He went out of his way to do nice things for his boys and their friends and was certainly not the kind of guy who comes along every day. I hope his family is hanging in there; he was something special. And Blayne, I know it's been a while, but I want you to realize that you and your dad and your family impacted...

I would like send my condolences to the Grady family. John was my photography teacher at ECC and I enjoyed every minute of it. I consider John to be one of the best teachers that I have had in my educational career. He always made me feel like my work was worth while, he always had the right words for me and all of his students and I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to know John. The art world is going to miss a very important person. I'll miss you John.

Sylvia and boys, I don't know if you remember me but I used to clean your home. John was always so kind to me treating me as a person and not as a hired cleaning lady. It was such a shock to me to read about John's death in the paper. He will truly be missed by a great many people. I am so very happy that I got the chance to meet him and your family. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you Sylvia and your boys. If I can ever be of any help to you at any time, please feel free to call me. ...

Dear Grady Family,
I, too, was a student of John's at ECC, and have just heard of your loss. I'm so sorry. He has touched many with his softness, heart, talents, and love of photography and of seeing things 'differently'.
A few years back, my son, who was 6 at the time, needed to come with me one day for class, and John just stepped right up and set him up at a computer to work on a fun art site, and the class flew by. When telling my son of John yesterday, he just said, "You...

Dear Grady Family,
My deepest sympathy goes out to you. Though I don't know that I have had the pleasure of meeting any of you, John will always be part of very special memories for me. In January of 1989, John and I had the pleasure of playing the Tournament Players Club at Sawgrass golf course in Florida together. I had followed John's car into the parking lot and was surprised to see that it had an Elgin license plate/sticker on it. When we got into the clubhouse, I asked him...

John Grady was truely one of the most phenominal teachers I have ever had. He gave us tools to learn with and the confidence to go out there and use those tools. He taught me to see the world in a whole different way. I went into his photography class hoping to learn to take better pictures, only to find that he saw a talent I didn't even know I had. He made me feel like I might be an artist. I think of him every time I pick up my camera. Thank you John for this valuable gift you have...

Dear John, thank you so much for helping me discover a passion for photography, that has shaped my life. You were a brilliant teacher, allowing us to be creative, without getting stuck on the technical side of things. It was also through your class that I met and still have one of the best friends in my world, Peggy. We mourn deeply. Over the years I have thought about you many many times, and mentally thanked you even more.. I only wish I could have done it personally.
John, Thank...

Dear Sylvia and family,

I am so sorry for your loss. I hope the stories of all the great influence John was on so many people will be of comfort.

There are some teachers in life that we only remember when someone reminds us of them. But John had a way of teaching "under your skin" so that his words would come back to you at very appropriate times. Times when I would be struggling with my art and wonder what John would say. Those words will stay with me always and I...