Joseph Gratton

Last summer, 2023, we celebrated our 60th class reunion. Many of us are gone now, but memories live on. Joe was a friend to all of us.

The class of EHS '63 had their 55th class reunion in October 2018. Joe's name was on our list of students who had left us. Just want to repeat what a fine person he was. I play the piano at our little church in Ola and Sunday I'm going to play a song in his memory "Mansion over the HIlltop" and "Precious Memories".

Sorry to hear of Joe's passing. He was my track coach when I was a freshman. His enthusiasm and knowledge of track was way above most coaches in those days. I was really bummed when he left Emmett for Boise. I ran into him a few times at larger meets and he was always grinning and offering congratulations.

I was so sorry to hear of Joe's passing.
We attended EHS together, graduating in '63. It had been a long time since I
had seen him. He was a very special person, and a friend to all. Judie (McKinney) McCaulou, Ola, ID

Dear Cheryl and Family, Although it has been a long time since we first were friends and able to see more of each other than in more recent years--you've always held a special place in my heart. And I have fond memories of time spent with you and Joe and your children. I was saddened to hear of Joe's death and thought the spirit of the obituary was was so loving and kind; and the sadness you're feeling in your heart touched me deeply. My love and sympathy to you and others in your family. ...

Cheryl and family,
Joe was the epitome of that classic line from the film It's a Wonderful Life: "Each man's life touches so many other lives." I'm glad he touched mine. We were cousins, then we were friends. I liked the friends part better. I miss those times. Joe's presence made the world a better place.

Cheryl and family, this loss breaks my heart. I pray for you daily and wish that your empty spaces would be filled with his spirit. He was always the heart of kindness to me.