George R. Grant Jr.

George R. Grant, Jr. George Roland Grant, Jr. of Rupert died suddenly Sunday morning Sept. 30. He was 56 years young. George was born on Dec. 24, 1950 in Hartner, Kan. to George and Ellen Grant. The little blond boy lived in Kansas for the first five years of his life until his father moved the family to a potato farm north of Rupert. George spent his childhood on the north side of Rupert helping the family tend the farm. As a young boy, George could be seen working alongside his Dad - farming was in his blood. George took up wrestling in high school and at one point won second place at the State Wrestling Championship- weighing in at 148 pounds. By 1969, George graduated from Minico High School and headed to Boise State University on a full-ride wrestling scholarship. After two years of college, George decided to become a sailor. He and a close friend built a sailboat, named it The Grunge and set sail down the Columbia River. The Grunge made it all the way to the Pacific Ocean only to be met by a terrible storm and a very seasick Captain George. The two sailors, trapped at sea in their homemade vessel, were eventually rescued by the Coast Guard and ultimately made their way to safety. This may have helped in his decision to stick with farming as a career. Shortly after the shipwreck, George moved back to Rupert and began farming with his father. On June 7, 1974 George married Jackie Arstein. The young couple lived near the farm where they began their family of four. In 1985, George recognized a need for growers to obtain a legal means of acquiring a dependable and legal workforce. He took action by bull-headedly approaching the problem; he investigated the alternatives, then organized and created a practical solution. He has continued to serve as President of Snake River Farmer's Association for over 22 years. In 1993-94 he served as Western Vice President for the National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) where he continued to advocate for reasonable and fair solutions to agricultural labor issues. Throughout his life George continually sought out new challenges. In 1980, one such challenge George undertook was building Idaho's first successful ethanol producing plant. He was innovative throughout his farming career and his opinions were well respected from many in his community. George enjoyed skiing, gardening, golfing, swimming, flying, traveling and spending time with his family. Those who knew George knew him as a great family man, a loyal friend, a farmer, an activist and the originator of many "big ideas." He was at the very least a charming person and at most an inspiration to many. George was always incredibly proud of all of his children - his two sons, Jordan (Holly) and Andrew (Julie) and his two girlie girls, Ivy and Sydney. In recent years he was never to be seen without his small farm dog, Chewie. George is survived by his loving wife Jackie, their four children, his mother Ellen, his sister Michaelene Rowe (Dan), his brothers Leonard, Bill and Dan Grant as well as numerous family members who looked up to him as a leader and patron of the family. Like many things in his life, George accomplished things before their time. He left his family too early and will leave a huge void in his family and community. A viewing will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 3 at the Hansen Mortuary in Rupert. Funeral services will take place at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 4 at The United Methodist Church in Rupert. All friends and family are welcome to join.