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Grant Gittins Obituary
Grant William Gittins
Aug. 3, 1961-Jan. 17, 2010
Grant is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. L.W. Gittins of Bothell, WA; sisters, Mickey Gittins Stott of Fairfield, MT and Pat Gittins Walker, of Issaquah, WA; and loving companion, Erika; and numerous nephews and nieces.
Grant devoted his life to his art. He was an outstanding vocalist and masterful guitarist. He was a kind, loving soul whose life enriched his family, friends, students and co-workers.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, January 22, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 16500 124th Ave NE, Woodinville, WA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Grant Gittins
Sponsored by Erika Cailao.
Erika Cailao
August 3, 2025
Happy Birthday Grant. You would have been 64 years old today. Always missed. Always loved. Never forgotten.
I love this photo of you. It reflects your mischievious sense of fun and humor.
Erika Cailao
January 24, 2025
A Memory:
I had my wallet open at a store where I was making a purchase and the saleslady there thought it was a picture of David Lee Roth.
Erika Caikao
January 16, 2025
Still missing you and always will.
Erika
December 28, 2024
KZOK: Best of the Northwest 1983
Grant: guitar, keyboards, bass and vocals. Greg Miller on drums.
Erika Cailao
December 25, 2024
Thoughts of you at Christmas. Wishing you were here.
Erika
August 3, 2024
You would have been 63 years old today. Still missing you and always will.
Erika
June 3, 2024
Thoughts of you today.
I miss your smile and your laughter.
Erika
February 14, 2024
My last Valentine from Grant.
Love and peace through eternity.
Erika Caikao
January 18, 2024
Fourteen years ago I lost my beloved friend and companion of 8 years. He died on a Sunday at 1:15 PM in the hom he loved, surrounded by those who loved him. Please say a prayer for him.
Pat Gittins Walker
January 17, 2024
Still miss you.
Erika
January 17, 2024
Fourteen years and still missing you.
A friend of yours from Bothell High - Teresa- says they will be holding their school reunion next Fall and you will be spoken of fondly. I feel blessed to have shared your last school reunion with you.
One of my favorite memories: We were in a music store and at one point we were gazing into each other's eyes and shared a tender kiss. It was as though everyone else had disappeared and we were the only two people there. A feeling of love and bliss.
Erika Cailao
December 25, 2023
Merry Christmas Grant. Happy memories of past Christmases together. Sending my love your way.
Wearing the red pajamas you bought me one Christmas.
Erika Cailao
November 9, 2023
Grant bought this book for me on July 4th, 2004 - "My Life" by Bill Clinton. Clinton was one of Grant's favorite presidents. Re-reading portions of the book.
Erika Cailao
August 17, 2023
Still missing you.
Erika
August 6, 2023
He always was one step ahead of the current trends.
Erika
August 3, 2023
You would have been 62 today. You will always be loved and never forgotten.
Erika Cailao
May 25, 2023
Grant in his 20s. So beautiful.
Kim Nickolsen
April 16, 2023
I recently found out about Grant, I met him in the middle 80's when he was playing with driver. We saw each other a few times. He was very sweet and I enjoyed his company . I gave him a remote control car that I had won. He liked it. I really liked him. Rip my friend.
Erika Cailao
January 17, 2023
I have always loved your sense of humor and your intelligence. You made me laugh. You made me think.
Erika Cailao
January 14, 2023
You will never be forgotten. Love never dies.
Erika Cailao
January 1, 2023
You were a sensitive soul in a harsh world. I hope you are surrounded by light and love.
Erika Cailao
December 25, 2022
Missing you at Christmas. I'm glad we got to spend our last Christmas together. You will never be forgotten and always loved. - Erika
Erika Cailao
August 3, 2022
Happy Birthday Grant.
You came into the world 61 years ago. You were very much loved and cherished by your parents and your sisters. A great start in life.
You touched many lives and had a gift for friendship
I will always love you.
Your beautiful music will endure.
I know we will meet again, surrounded by love and beauty.
Erika
Erika Cailao
April 22, 2022
Last Jam Session.
Erika Cailao
February 16, 2022
Grant, I will always cherish this beautiful guitar and remember how happy you were the day you bought it. Passing it on to my son when I'm gone and he can pass it on to his children.
Erika Cailao
January 17, 2022
I find you in my memories and in my heart. You will never be forgotten.
"Till stone is laid on stone
and though none can hear
and none can see
each sobs softly,
remember me, remember me"
Irvin D. Yalom
pat gittins walker
January 17, 2022
Love and miss you till we meet again.
Erika Cailao
December 25, 2021
Thinking of you this Christmas and sending my love across the universe wherever your spirit resides
Erika Cailao
October 8, 2021
George Eliot wrote these words: Our dead are never dead to us, until we have forgotten them." Grant, you will be in my heart forever. You changed my life and I will always cherish the memories we made together.
Erika Cailao
September 12, 2021
Your amazing music is on YouTube for all to hear.
Erika Cailao
August 5, 2021
I have shared some of the many photos I have of Grant. I welcome anyone on this site who has photos to share to feel free to post. It would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Pat Walker
August 3, 2021
Happy Birthday Grant!!!
Erika Cailao
August 3, 2021
Grant would have been 60 today. I miss him. I love him dearly. I always will. Not long after his cancer diagnosis, he wrote: "The bittersweet reality of life is that no matter how long we live, it is too short, and all too often we forget that. A significant reality reminder can really reinforce how amazing life can be. And most of all, how important our relationships are."
June G Schille
February 28, 2021
WOW! What a talent. From the moment I heard this young man's singing voice we became Friends in Song! When it came to musical instruments, there wasn't anything he couldn't play. His latest(that I knew of) was the Slide Guitar. When it came to intense Emotions, he had them all! He loved to laugh and could find humor in most things! He would tease his mom relentlessly at times. He would do a comical rendition of his dad that would make you giggle. Grant was & still is (in my memory) a beautiful, talented, damaged, intense, gorgeous human! I am a better person for knowing him. "Cry Me a River,Grant Gittins." Sincerely, JuneBug Schille
Erika Cailao
February 5, 2021
Pat Walker
January 17, 2021
Grant , I miss you terribly and hope that you are enjoying the sights and sounds of Heaven. Love you forever, Patsy
Erika Cailao
January 17, 2021
Dearest Grant,
Although it has been 11 years since you died, you are still with me - in my heart, in my thoughts and memories, and in my dreams. Love is stronger than death.
From a beautiful poem by John Donne's Holy Sonnets:
One short sleep past, we wake eternally,
And death shall be no more,
Death, though shalt die.
Pat Walker
October 21, 2020
poem by Sherman Ardoin that reminds me of Grant
DO not stand at my grave and weep: I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow: I am the diamond glint on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain: I am the gentle autumn's rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush, I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft star that shines at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry. I am not there: I did not die. Rather off in the distance a Waya (Wolf) yelps toward the moon, I'll be there, here, everywhere...I will not sleep...my spirit will travel these lands alongside my ancestors...EMENV (AMEN)
Erika Cailao
October 7, 2020
One of your guitar heroes is gone. Eddie Van Halen died yesterday of throat cancer. I hope you two get to jam up there. Thank you so much for taking me to so many concerts and introducing me to the music of many fine musicians. You loved to surprise me and wouldn't tell me why we were driving up to Portland, but when we got up there I was so happy. The Van Halan concert was amazing, with his son Wolfe on bass and with the addition of David Lee Roth, who had reunited with the band for that concert. A very memorable event.
Erika Cailao
September 29, 2020
He will be forever loved.
Walker Pat
August 4, 2020
Happy Birthday Grant, hope the music is heavenly.
Erika Cailao
August 3, 2020
Happy Birthday Grant. You would have been 59 years old today. Gone too soon. I know you would have taken care of me if I was the one with cancer. You had so much love and empathy to give. I hold you in my heart and in my thoughts always.
Erika Cailao
May 18, 2020
Passed on the Fender bass guitar you gave me as a Birthday gift in 2002 to my son. He is passing on the love of music on to my two beautiful grandchildren, Luke and Natalie.
Michael Joachim
March 9, 2020
I was casually listening to music the other day, when a particularly intricate guitar solo came on and I immediately thought, "I wonder what Grant would think of this?" I was impressed with his personality - he was as thoughful and meticulous in his personal philosophy and values as he was with his guitar playing... he was kind, but didn't suffer fools gladly in music or in life. When I met his friends and loved ones, and heard their stories about him, I could see he made a positive and lasting impression in their lives - that's all we can really do during our short time in the world - be kind to one another. Grant did that well.
Grant at Bothell High School.
Erika Cailao
March 1, 2020
Scott Kube
January 17, 2020
Missing you and the conversations we had over the years as well as the great music you created and performed. We still have your music to listen to and the memories of time spent together and for that I am grateful.
Patricia Walker
January 17, 2020
silent tears falling
silent years passing
Patricia Walker
January 17, 2020
10 years of deeply missing you, my sweet little brother, still have no words worthy of expressing the loss.
Love is Eternal
January 17, 2020
Ten years gone but forever in my heart. As Emily Dickinson writes so eloquently-Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality.
Erika Cailao
December 25, 2019
Poem by one of my favorite poets:
I had no time to hate, because
The grave would hinder me,
And life was not so ample I
Could finish eternity.
Nor had I time to love; but since
Some industry must be,
The little toil of love, I thought,
Was large enough for me. Emily Dickinson
Taken on our "Spirit of Washington" Train Trip
Erika Cailao
December 25, 2019
Missing you at Christmas although you are only a memory away. I will always love you.
October 10, 2019
Thank you for sharing your gift of music! Thank you for ever kind word, deed, and thought!
Sing with the Angels!
Always Michelle
Erika Cailao
August 3, 2019
Happy Birthday Grant. You are forever loved and never forgotten. In your own words:"The bittersweet reality of life is that no matter how long we live, it is too short, and all too often we forget that. A significant mortality reminder can really reinforce how amazing life can be. And most importantly how important our relationships are."
We will meet again in a place where there is only Love.
Erika Cailao
April 12, 2019
My Birthday gift to you. Sketch made by a Seattle artist.
January 19, 2019
Pat Walker
January 17, 2019
Dear Grant, Missing you today and always. The tears still fall. Only hope is Jesus Christ who said to Lazarus "Come Forth" Looking forward to that day. Love Patsy
Erika Cailao
January 17, 2019
Today is the anniversary of Grant's passing. He died in the home he loved, on January 17, 2010, surrounded by family and friends I was by his side. It's so hard to let someone go that you love. He is forever in my heart. He was an excellent musician, always practicing, always perfecting his art. Music was his first love, but having a keen and perceptive mind, he had many other interests: He was a WW II buff, he loved astronomy, he advocated for the protection of the environment, he loved animals and daily fed the squirrels that surrounded the family one acre property, and he was always curious about life and people. He called himself an optimistic agnostic. I hope in my heart that if there is something after death that awaits us, we are all united with those whose lives touched ours with love and joy.
Erika Cailao
December 25, 2018
Remembering you this Christmas day and all the Christmases we shared together. You will always have a place in my heart.
November 26, 2018
Taken at Grant's 30thhigh school reunion. Happy that I got to share it with him. We both had a really good time.
Lori Halliday
November 20, 2018
I met you in the early nineties in Wenatchee when you were playing with Pranx. We became friends...I feel so blessed to have had you in my life and so very sad we lost touch. I still have the cassettes you made for me and will always cherish the memories. My heart goes out to your family and loved one Erika and please know Grant you will never be forgotten and always loved!
Erika Cailao
September 14, 2018
A memory: Grant was one the most eloquent men I have ever known. His words could be lyrical and poetic, as well as humorous and witty, depending on the circumstance. One that I recall when we were having a conversation with his mom - I don't remember the topic - and Grant made the statement The cat's out of the bag and having kittens. Priceless.
August 12, 2018
Ahead if his time. No happiness can overcome life's pain, Except one love, and love give life again.
Pat Walker
August 3, 2018
Happy Birthday Beloved Grant, I have been remembering how delighted our whole Gittins clan was when you were born, happy memories of you as a darling child. Love and miss you forever.
August 3, 2018
Grant would have been 57 years old today. His last Birthday was August 3rd, 2008 when he turned 48. I hope that his friends will always keep his memory alive. He was a unique individual -- a kind soul, a gifted musician, a lover, a friend. Grant was very grateful for the family and friends who visited him in the hospital and in his home during the last months of his life. He felt loved and supported, and that gave him the strength to endure his suffering. When asked how he was feeling, his response was I'm trying. And he was. Life is a gift. Be grateful for each day of living. Be grateful for love. Nothing is guaranteed.
Erika Cailao
May 17, 2018
Saw Dennis DeYoung of Styx at a casino with a friend a few weekends ago. I thought of you and how much you loved their music. The world is a sadder place without you in it. Love you forever into eternity.
Erika Cailao
March 14, 2018
Providing care for a loved one in their own home is an experience that imprints on your heart and soul. I love you Grant and always will. Love is stronger than death.
One of the many bands Grant was in during the 80s
January 31, 2018
AT THE VEGAS STAR TREK EXHIBIT
January 25, 2018
Erika Cailao
January 24, 2018
You once made a statement to me, simple yet profound that we are only here because we were born. That is true, and it's up to us to figure out why. You touched many lives during the time you were here and have enriched mine.Now and again I get to see you in my dreams. Love always
Erika Cailao
January 17, 2018
Today, January 17, is the eighth anniversary of Grant's death. I feel forever grateful that such a man came into my life. I probably would never have met him if it were not for the Internet, as we met on a dating site. I fell for him even before I met him in person, which was not until several months later. He made me feel alive and there will never be another like him. One of my favorite memories was when we went to the Evergreen State Fair on a Saturday, August 31, 2002. Grant decided to enter the karaoke contest they had going that evening. He was amazing of course and easily won. Here's what the Eastside Journal had to say about him in their September 5, 2002 edition: Bothell's Grant Gittins stumbled upon a serial karaoke contest at the Evergreen State Fair and wound up winning the whole thing. This Microsoft certified systems engineer, who also played lead guitar, wowed the crowd with his progressive rock. I've been singing since I was five years old, he says.
His grand prize was a performance on the grandstand stage before the much-anticipated Ashanti concert. Ashanti, who is known for hip-hop and her opening act Souljahz, who are rappers, drew a crowd which Gittins thought would have no interest in him. I thought they'd be moderately hostile to me.
But again, he wowed them.People were cheering, he says. They were into it.
Grant in his 20s with multi-colored hair.
November 22, 2017
Missing you at this time of year. Forever in my heart, forever a part of me.
Gant in his 20s.
Erika Cailao
October 15, 2017
Grant - If I could speak to God I would thank him for lending me you to be in my life.You will always share a place in my heart.
Erika Cailao
October 14, 2017
My sweet Grant - I thought of you when I read this beautiful quote from Flavia - "If I could sit across the porch from God, I'd thank Him for lending me you."
Pat Walker
August 3, 2017
Beloved brother, I miss you terribly. Hope you meet all the great composers and get to make music with them. love always patsy
Erika Cailao
August 3, 2017
What is it to cease breathing but to free the breath from its restless tides that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered? Kahlil Gibran
With Jazz musician Stanley Clark at a club in downtown Seattle.
Erika Cailao
August 3, 2017
You came into this world 56 years ago today. You left too soon. You will never be forgotten and forever loved for I carry your heart with me, I carry it in my heart, I am never without it. You will forever be a part of me.
With Jazz musician Stanley Clark at a club in downtown Seattle.
Erika Cailao
August 3, 2017
Outdoor Jam Session
Erika Cailao
May 15, 2017
May 7, 2017
We will meet again my love.
Missing you.
Erika Cailao
May 7, 2017
Erika Cailao
April 12, 2017
Dan Stott
April 7, 2017
I wish I knew you better aka had more time with you. It was fun to visit you a few days when I was like 14 years old and my parents were visiting my Grandparents. I will always remember your studio and music. Was fun!
A Very Handsome Dude!
Erika Cailao
March 20, 2017
Craig's tribute to Grant on how Grant has touched his life. He wrote this several years ago in a letter to me and I am just now posting it. It is beautiful and heartfelt.
When I first met Grant I had gone with Brad over to his house to meet this new kid that Brad had met and we knew right away that this would be a lasting friendship! The common denominator, of course Music! From that point on, we/I would frequently visit the Gittins residence. Grant taught me many things about music that have helped contribute to the musician I am today. Because I am a natural player in other words I don't read or write music I simply feel it. I believe that the truest forms of music are those that come from the heart and soul. Making the connection between one's soul and the instrument is very important. I give Grant a lot of credit here because he really had a way of pointing out detail and all the nuances of a given song or piece of music. I always keep my ears open as they are my most valuable tool when it comes to playing music.
Aside from all of that, Grant was a very loyal friend. I could always count on him for humor which God knows we all need. I could also talk to him about anything and he would listen and try to offer solutions. He was and always will be a great friend and I miss him dearly.
I drove near his home the other day as I was listening to some Asia and I couldn't help but reflect back to the day working that music out and playing it. It was current at the time. Thinking about all our hopes and dreams. I could almost see ghosts! I could feel his spirit. It made me cry.
So Young.
March 16, 2017
Sweet Memories
Erika Cailao
February 23, 2017
Erika Cailao
January 17, 2017
Your good friends are also thinking of you today and as one said to me "The memory grows as the sorrow fades." And my memories of you comfort me. You were blessed with friends that loved you unconditionally. And you gave the gift of music to your students who also have fond memories of you. You will always be missed.
Scott Kube
January 17, 2017
Thinking of and missing you.
My sweet Grant: Thinking of you on the anniversary of your passing. I know you are in the luminous light and surrounded by unconditional love. As Dyla
Erika Cailao
January 17, 2017
pat walker
January 16, 2017
Dearest Grant, miss you deeply. Seven years tomorrow you went home to the fountain of life and the designer of music. God be with you till we meet again at Jesus feet.
Love you always, miss you always. love patsy
New Year's Eve 2007
Erika Cailao
December 31, 2016
Pat Walker
December 27, 2016
Nearing the anniversary of your passing has not lessened the sorrow. Miss you forever my sweet, darling brother.
December 26, 2016
The holidays bring back memories of you and the final days we spent together. I know you would have been there for me if the situation had been reversed. You had a kind and loving heart. You will never be forgotten - love is stronger than death.
Merry Christmas Grant. I love this photo of you. Taken on a Christmas day when you gave your father a gag gift of a bucket. He had just opened the pac
December 25, 2016
Thinking of you.
November 11, 2016
August 10, 2016
Grant, missed your birthday in Great Falls by a couple of days. Always hope to spend your birthday in town of your birth, Great falls, Montana. Love you forever!
Erika Cailao
August 7, 2016
Love is eternal.
Erika Cailao
August 4, 2016
Erika Cailao
August 3, 2016
Happy Birthday Grant. You would have been 55 today. Know that you will always be loved and remembered.
Erika Cailao
May 18, 2016
Still missing you and always will.
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