Grant Leroy Phillips

On December 4, 2023, Grant Leroy Phillips peacefully passed away in Greeley Colorado alongside his life partner of 60 years, Mary Kay. Grant Phillips meant a lot of things to a lot of different people. Through his thoughts and actions he considered the wishes of his faith, his family, the community, friends and employees. Grant led his life with faith, kindness, humility and humor, he loved to be a jokester. Grant was born in Nebraska to Leonard Phillips and Florella McManigal Phillips. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Gay Holcomb, Glee Wilson, Charles and Lenny Phillips. He began working at 14 hopping stakes for his father. He continued working construction throughout his school years. He joined the US Army and served in the reserves from 1958-1964. After that, he studied industrial arts and business at UNC and met his wife, Mary Kay McKinley. In 1966, he went into the bar business and owned The Library, Mother's and Kelker Junction Concert Hall. After that, he sold real estate and purchased Gordon's Liquor Mart. He and his son Tad ran Gordon's until he reluctantly retired at the age of 75. They then moved to Estes Park where the family enjoyed the mountains and dear friends for 20 years. Grant and Mary Kay enjoyed traveling the world, seeing the sights and meeting locals along the way. Grant and Mary Kay returned to Greeley in 2020 to be close to family. Grant was active in many service organizations including the Rotary, Greeley. Independence Stampede, Ducks Unlimited, and was President of the Greeley Visitor and Convention Bureau. Grant loved his family and his community and was loved by everyone who met him. He had an extraordinary way of showing respect and kindness to all and always rooting for the under dog. He lived a full, joyful life. Grant is survived by his loving family wife, Mary Kay, his daughter, Tara Lea, his son, Tad Dwayne (Nicole) and was "Papa" to his grandsons Blake Aaron, Garrett Lee, and Connor Grant, sister-in-law Korki Phillips and a large extended family. A wake will be held Sunday, December 10th between 1:00- 4:00 at the Poudre Learning Center at 8313 West F Street. Drop by to share memories and toast a life well lived.