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FUNERAL HOME

Blake Lamb Funeral Home - Oak Lawn

4727 West 103rd Street

Oak Lawn, Illinois

William Grant Obituary

Grant, William F. decorated CFD, Truck 51, beloved husband of Sharon (nee Nair), devoted father of Kristin, Caroline and Daniel, cherished son of John F. (Ret. CFD) and Elizabeth (nee Faulkner), dear son-in-law of Vel and JoAnn Nair, loving brother of Rosemary Grant Higgins, Gayle (John) Martschinke, John (Jan), Kevin CFD (Carole), Tim (Mary) Lisa (Kevin CPD) Bahr and Thomas Grant, fond brother-in-law of Jim Higgins, Ret. Lt. CPD, dearest nephew of Mary (the late Carl) Rosenbaum, Frances (Rick) Counts and the late Cecelia Tilsley, also survived by many loving Grant, Higgins, Rosenbaum, Counts and Tilsley cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral Wednesday, 9:30 a.m., from Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 4727 W. 103rd St., Oak Lawn, to Christ the King Church, Mass 10:30 a.m. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Visitation Monday and Tuesday, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the William Grant Benefit Fund, c/o Prospect Federal Savings Bank will be appreciated. To celebrate Bill's life visit www.mem.com. For additional info. call 708-636-1193.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times from Mar. 25 to Mar. 27, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for William Grant

Not sure what to say?





March 24, 2008

March 24, 2008

March 24, 2008

Victoria Counts

June 28, 2007

Billy, Ilove you and I will miss you. Your cousin Victoria

Julie Gannon

May 8, 2007

I knew Billy in high school (Morgan Park)and recently came across my yearbook that he signed...it made me so sad & happy at the same time...happy that I was lucky enough to once know him but sad that we didn't keep in touch....boy, from what I've read did I miss out on a lot....makes you really think about the everyday things that we all should learn to appreciate in the everyday, ordinary & mundane (so we think) things....My love goes out to each & every one of you...and now, especially that I have a child of my own, to his wife & family....may God be with you and comfort you & know someday, in His great plan, you will all be together someday....You are in my prayers every single night...
With love,
Julie Gannon

Anne Gradolf

April 24, 2007

Billy will never be forgotten through all the happiness he brought and all the lives he touched.Billy was everyones friend, but he was your family , God bless you and help you through this.

April 16, 2007

Sacred Ground

Where they fall
is where their spirits rest.
Where they sacrificed all
is where they will remain.
From there they can see
and be with the ones
they love and care for.
This place should be
cherished forever,
as it is Sacred Ground
and will bring us peace
and understanding
when we need it the most.

~D.Christiana 2007

Though words can never take away the pain, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

David Christiana

mary lou olivo

April 6, 2007

my thoughts and prayers go out to the grant family , at this very sad time in your lifes.my god be with you all. god bless.

April 3, 2007

My continued prayers for Mrs. Grant, her 3 children and all of firefighter Grant's family. May God hold you close in these most difficult days.

April 3, 2007

I am sorry for your loss and hope you can take comfort in knowing that many people are praying for you during this most difficult time. Firefighter Grant was a true hero in every sense of the word. I was not lucky enough to have known him, but can see that he was a wonderful brother, son, husband, father and friend. We need more like him. He will never be forgotten.

April 3, 2007

I am sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers.

BERNADETTE WIEDER

March 31, 2007

DEAR JACKIE AND BETTY,AND FAMILY,SO SORRY FOR THE LOST OF YOUR SON. IT SOUNDS LIIKE HE WAS A GREAT GUY AND FAMILY MAN.JUST LIKE HIS DAD AND MOM.GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.LOVE COUSIN BERNADETTE AND DON AND FAMILY WIEDER

Loree McComb

March 31, 2007

My most sincere condolences to the Grant Family as well as the crew and fire family he was a part of - I to lost my husband on the same date in 1998 in a line of duty accident with LAFD - if Mrs. Grant or any of the Grant family would loke to talk I'm always available. It's going to be a long ride for them and I understand. Again, my most sincere condolences go out to you all.

Christine McCormick

March 30, 2007

We were so sorry to hear about Billy. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all.

Christine Courtney McCormick

Mary Pat Podlasek

March 30, 2007

To the Grant Family,
My deepest symphathy for your loss. I pray for your strengh to endure such a loss of such a great man.
Mary Pat Podlasek

Tom Grant

March 30, 2007

On behalf of Bill Grant and our family I want to thank you all for your support. Billy was a fantastic and caring person who I am PROUD to call my big brother. We have lost a wonderful person and your support has been touching. Today is the first day we have had to reflect and I wanted to see some of the tributes to Bill. Thank you to our old friends, our new friends, and those with hearts big enough to care.

March 30, 2007

To the Grant Family,
My deepest sympathy on your tragic loss. I did not know Bill but I would like to thank him for his service to the City of Chicago. How very proud you must have been.
May God bless you and know that he is smiling down at you.

RITA THOMAS

March 30, 2007

Dear Grants: I am Carole Grant's cousin (*Dorie's niece) from Ohio. I apologize for not being able to attend the funeral for Billy. I watched it from work on my computer and sat here and cried just like I was with all of you. Billy was a wonderful person and a hero in his own right. You cannot be more proud of him for his accomplishments and giving of himself to others. He was a true hero to the City of Chicago and to everyone who knew him. I know his loss to all of you is so traumatic that it must seem unreal. I cannot express the extreme sympathy that we feel for you as you deal with your grief. I know you must miss him terribly already. He will always be looking over you and guiding you from above. I can still see him with all of his brothers laughing and joking at Carole's birthday party in November. I know you will all hold those memories close. He loved you all very much especially Sharon and the kids. God Bless you all. Stay strong for him! Sincerely, Rita Bates Thomas

Julie Carnithan

March 29, 2007

Billy you will be missed. You were a GREAT cousin!

March 29, 2007

I watched the funeral prosession down 111th yesterday and although I did not know the Grant family I did feel a sense of closeness, looking at all the fellow firefighters of the Bill Grant. May god bless you. Someone once told me after the death of my 4 year old nephew, "Please know that he is up there waiting for you and you to will be together again."

Mary Fitzgibbons

March 29, 2007

Dear Sharon,Kristin,Caroline,and Danny.I do not know you or Bill but as former parishoner of Christ the King I want to send my condolences to you on the tragic loss of your husband and father.As a member of C.K. for many years I know that the community will support your family in any way they can.I hope that soon you can take comfort in the fond memories you have shared with Bill. Mary Fitzgibbons

The Torkilsen Family

March 29, 2007

Dear Grant Family,
Our hearts are heavy for your loss. As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends - especially the firefighter family, it extends all the way into the suburbs where my husband is also a firefighter. We never know when it's the last kiss goodbye. God bless all of you in this time of sorrow.

Timothy Hansen

March 29, 2007

To the Grant family,
Attending was a great honor. I told my daughters, we lost a hero today. I'll remember Billy as always a great guy, and the Grant family is just terrific. We have been extremely fortunate to have been friends for years. We are praying for Sharon, the kids, Mr and Mrs Grant, Rosemary, Gail,Johnny, Kevin, Timmy, Lisa, and Tommy and their families. All our love, Tim Hansen and family,Mom Lois,Lynne Neil,Bob and their families.

Daniel Pruchnick

March 29, 2007

To the family and fellow firemen my deepest condolences from the father of an Carol Stream fireman and a Chicago fireman thats like a Step-son.

March 29, 2007

How much grief can this neighborhood shoulder with all the deaths of our young men who were taken while in-the-line-of-duty?

The clouds above cry tears of saddness throughout the Beverly and Mt. Greenwood area each time of our own is taken.

And I can only say with such authenticity that by the grace of God there goes our family.

We, too, have both police and fire in our family and all too often when you initially hear the news of a young man being killed, you hold your breath, praying, "Not mine, please, not mine."

I will pray, as I always do, for the children of these heroes.

Again, by the grace of God there goes our family.

Deepest sympathy,

Catherina

LaDonna Reynolds

March 29, 2007

To the Grant Family, Even though I didn't know Bill personally I want to offer my deepest sympathy. He was @ my father's funeral(Larry Reynolds, Mt. Greenwood Firestation,Dec.2005) & I just wanted to return the same respect. Thank you Bill for your love & support. From The Reynolds Family

bill reynolds

March 29, 2007

rosemary and john,i am so sorry for your loss,my deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family

Marilyn Sorensen

March 29, 2007

The GRANT FAMILY, So sorry t hear about your loss. I heard about the accident and had many parents and gymnasts talk about Bill during the last week.I knew him as the "dad" that was so involved in his children's lives. He would have all three of them with him to drop the girls off to gymnastics and upon picking them up he would always find a minute to converse about how they were doing.WHAT A GREAT DAD! My thoughts and prayers are with the GRANT Family,BLESS YOU ALL! Coach Marilyn(O L Park Dist-Gymnastics)

Sophie

March 29, 2007

I wish to express my deepest condolences to the family. Though we have never met, I want to thank this brave firefighter for his service. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends during this difficult time.

connie and water kelso

March 28, 2007

my mom and my stepfather belong to the salvation armyand they severd to the fireman when needed our prayers are with you and ur family at this time of mourning may you find comfart in ur hearts for bill and knowing he is up there watching you and the childern may god bless u and the kids

Beth Davis

March 28, 2007

I'm a dispatcher for police and fire in the area...I did not know "billy"...but I felt everything.....I watched his funeral through tears....and feel for his family..God bless

March 28, 2007

Grant Family:
A sudden death of a loved one is one of the hardest things we are faced with as human beings. May you find comfort and strength in the memories you have. Know that you are loved by this community especially your friends and neighbors of Christ the King Parish.

Pamela & George Ryback

March 28, 2007

As I watched Bill's funeral procession down 103rd Street today, and knowing my husband was at the church to pay him homage, you all should be so proud to have this hero and wonderful man so honored by the entire city today. As my husband goes off to duty tomorrow at Engine 29 I'll think of you and your family and pray I will never have to endure your pain and suffering you are going through now. God bless you all.

March 28, 2007

The Grant Family,
I was driving home Friday and heard
on the radio about the accident I was on 59th at the Ryan going west
home. I panic I didn't want to drive pass this accident area. Then someone told me to go on. I drove slowly pass sand,flowers,news media & a C.F.D. person yelling at drivers to slow down.
I then realized Bill Grant was there telling everyone.
Life is to short slow down.
Say Hello
Say Thank You
Hug Your Family

Look at everything and thank GOD we had the time to be here.
My prayers are with your Family.

Sandy McShane

March 28, 2007

Dear Grant Family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Capt. Scott McShane
Capt. John Colby
Capt. Lee Basile
Lt. Richard Colby (ret. 1990)
Lt. Daniel (Red) Hagan (ret.)
Lt. Rick Colby
Lt. Terry Mcshane (ret.)
Eng. John (Marty) Colby
FF. Gary Basile
FF. Craig McShane duty death 1981
These are my family member all of the Chicago Fire Derpartment. I have much pride, love and respect for the CFD.
Please accept my condolences.

March 28, 2007

To the Grant Family,
Our Condolences And Prayers are with you at this time.
Billy was a great husband,father,brother,& son.He also was a Great Fireman & family member of C.F.D.
We Lost a Good friend.
McCormick Place Security &
Fire Safety.

Bob & Mary Jurewicz

March 28, 2007

Being the parents of two Chicago Firefighters, we extend to you and your family our most sincere consolences. God grand you the courage you will need to live your lives without your beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend. We truly ache for your loss. But "if He brings you to it, He'll see your through it".

God bless you all and keep you in His loving care.

March 28, 2007

When your father dies
your sun shifts forever,
and you walk in his light...

We pray for Firefighter Bill
and his family.

Mary McCool

March 28, 2007

Hi, I wanted to send my sympathy to you and your family! I wasn't able to make the services. I'm the granddaugther of Frances Roche, my mom is MaryAnn McCool. We will keep you in our prays. Take care! and God Bless

Shannon Conley

March 28, 2007

To the families and friends of William Grant,
Our paths may never cross, but as we are all related as human beings, your loss is felt by those whom you've never met. Please know that you are in my prayers. May you find strength and healing.

(F/F-EMT) Christopher Williams (CSFPD & PFD)

March 28, 2007

Dear Grant Family, Friends and CFD Family,
I just wanted to send my DEEPEST RESPECT & SYMPATHY to You ALL!

Bless You One and ALL!

Dorothy & (Ret. CFD) Raymond Raddatz

March 28, 2007

We just wanted to send our deepest Sympathy to William's Family and Our Fellow CFD Family!

Michael Rathberger

March 28, 2007

Very sorry to hear the news. I had not seen Bill in years. PLease accept my condolences and best wishes to his family.

Linda Kemph

March 28, 2007

May God and his Angels be with you and help you through this time of grief

Mike Drayer

March 28, 2007

My condolences to the Grant family and Truck 51. Mike Drayer, Chicago City-Wide Program - Class of 1991; trained with Eng. 22, Amb. 43 and Eng. 117, Amb. 15.

Chicago North Emergency Medical Service Systems /Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center

March 28, 2007

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Kathleen Steinberg

March 28, 2007

To my Dearest Rosemary, and the entire Grant clan,
My heart goes out to all of you at this most difficult of all times. When God calls us home, those of us left behind are left to fill the gap with memories of joy and laughter. Let not the darkness of this time erase all the light and love that filled his life and all of your family. May God Bless you and keep you, and hold all in the palm of His Hand.
With Deepest Sympathy, your friend and neighbor,
Kathleen Downey Steinberg

Bud Stillman Eng. 84 Ret.

March 28, 2007

To the Grant Family,

Bill & I worked together for 4 years. He was good natured, loved his job and fellow workers.
"Another Good Guy in Heaven.

Jan Hull

March 28, 2007

To the Grant family and Chicago
Fire Dept. family: My thoughts and
prayers go out to you in this time of your great loss. Losing someone
who is so loved and respected is never easy. In your sorrow and pain
know that Billy is forever with you
in your heart(s). It is my joy and
privilege to be a friend of so many
Chicago firefighters through so many years and they truly are my
family, so I can relate to that
close tight-knit feeling that brings
the "family" together at such a sad
time. God give you peace, and rest
assured, Billy is up there regaling
all with his stories.
Jan Hull, "Den Mother",Eng.Co.55
H&L Co.44,Batt.5

Margaret Hubbard, Frank Cicero CFD Engine 65

March 28, 2007

To the Grant Family and the Brothers of the Chicago Fire Department.
Our deepest Condolences. May memories of Billy help you through this difficult time.

March 28, 2007

The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief.

Engine 34 Tower Ladder 54 Ambulance 21

March 28, 2007

Our hearts and prayers are with you. May God bless you and your family

Rich & Bernie Manak

March 28, 2007

Deepest sympathy to the entire family. Tim, sorry about your brother. Jack and Elizabeth most difficult thing a parent can do. The nightmare of every parent. God will help, you are a great family.

Linda Kemph

March 28, 2007

Dear Grant Family, my son in law is a fireman paramedic,my Grand dad was a fire chief along time ago , I know Firefighter Mr. Grant loved what he did, he will always be our hero, I know it is hard to lose him but we all will never forget him, I never knew him but when it comes to firefighters we can never forget the job they do for all of us, everyday, he will forever be in our heart and memories, so I will keep you all in my prayers and ask God and his Angels to help comfort you and your family. Thank you Firefigter Grant for being there for us, rest with the Angels and in the palm of God's hand, my prayers are with your family. God;s Blessings for you all

Anna Renee Ross

March 27, 2007

Dear Sharon,

Many years ago we knew one another (OPRFHS '84). Today I am reminded of how precious life is and how quickly our destiny can change. My prayers are with you and your family. May your memories help your family heal and celebrate your husband's journey through this life. Deepest Sympathy, Anna Renee

nancy polzin

March 27, 2007

My deepest sympathy to you Sharon and your family in your loss. Sincerely Nancy Polzin

james bragiel

March 27, 2007

Hammond Firefighters Local 556 deepest sympathy regards to the Grant family

Jim Fuller

March 27, 2007

To the entire Grant family my deepest sympathy.I worked with Bills dad and once and a while one or more of the family would stop in the firehouse to visit they all were good polite kids that anyone would like. John would often tell us tales of their accomplishments or mischief but Imost enjoyed the overnites and the fun they had being with their dad .Bill achieved much but to read the accolades of his crew at the firehouse it makes you realize just how much he had my condolences Jim Fuller ret.

Michael O'Boyle - Truck 51

March 27, 2007

We'll miss ya Billy.

Keith Vanselow

March 27, 2007

My Deepest Sympathy the Grant Family.
My Family were neighbors of Bill's Aunt Fran when she lived at 83rd and Wolcott. I remember when Bill was a small boy, and when he use to visit his Aunt, with his Mother and Dad and Sisters .
My thoughts and prayers are with you and Bill's Parents and family.

March 27, 2007

Higgo, All of CTA join me in expressing our deepest sympathy to you and your family from your work family the Security Services Dept.

Fred Wheat

March 27, 2007

Higgo, you are in our prayers as well as your family. Your friends at CTA

Fred Wheat

March 27, 2007

You have our deepest sympathy, your extended family Chicago Transit Authority. Security Department

ED & EILEEN CALLAGHAN

March 27, 2007

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time.--(RET. LOCAL 399 ENG.)

Brothers at Frankfort Firefighters Local #4338

March 27, 2007

To The Family of our Fallen Brother Bill Grant. You will
be remembered in our hearts doing the job you loved best and to the Grant Family we extend our deepest
sympathy.

Chicago Police Memorial Foundation

March 27, 2007

The Grant Family and The Chicago Fire Department,
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Our saying is "It's not how he died that made him a Hero, but how he lived" and from what we hear, Bill lived a good but short life with a loving family. He's one of Chicago's Bravest and he WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
God Bless!

Engine 117, Tower Ladder 14, Ambulance 15, 4-5-4

March 27, 2007

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. We, the men and women of Chicago Fire Department, are honored to have worked alongside you.

Patricia Donoghue

March 27, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mike Donoghue (Ret. CFD)

Michael Donoghue

March 27, 2007

We're so sorry we can't be with you at this time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Uncle Dick, Aunt Pat and Family

Karen Ferguson

March 27, 2007

Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly. Bless you Billy, in your heaven with your God. You have left a hole that will never be filled. Our prayers are with you and all those who loved you.
Dan & Karen Ferguson

Sandra Rivera

March 27, 2007

I didn't know Bill or the family but it is clear that he was a wonderful man,father and husband.May God comfort you and give you strength. Please God watch over his wife and children. You'll continue to be in our prayers.

BRIAN JOHNSON

March 27, 2007

WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY , RESPECT AND ADMIRATION.
MR AND MRS BRIAN AND DEBORAH-LOVING JOHNSON

FF/EMT Greg Sowl

March 27, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

OakPark Firefighter Association

March 27, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May you find strength in all his memories

Carol Pasinski

March 27, 2007

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Grant Family. I use to baby sit the children for Betty when they lived on 57th and Peoria and for awhile on Longwood. Betty I will keep Bill and your family in my prayers always.

Loretta Ciesielski

March 27, 2007

Dear Grant Family:
My deepest sympathy on the tragic loss of William. Know that my prayers are with you durning this time of sorrow. My Dad was a City Firefighter for 34 years at Engine 18. He was injured once in an accident on the way to a fire. May our Compassionate God embrace all of your family with love and strength.

Thomas Carlson

March 27, 2007

Sorry for your loss. Billy always brought spirit to the crowd. He will be deeply missed.

Tom Ging

March 27, 2007

My deepest of sympathy to both of billy's families. I was a "fire fan" on truck 51 for close to 8 yrs and met bill in 1987.He always laughed at the fact I drove 4hrs from Indy to ride, after awhile we developed a close bond,being close to the same age.He was a very hardworking fireman and friend.
Tom Ging(Indianapolis fire dept.Engine 3)

The Crowe Family

March 27, 2007

We are all so very sorry for your loss. We all knew Billy well and will always cherish the memories!

The Crowe Family
(Lynn, Kevin, Patty, Jean and John)

March 27, 2007

Johnny, Kevin and family, My deepest sympathy for the loss of your brother. I am saying prayers that your memories, and the beautiful tribute he is getting will help you through this very difficult time. I live in Hickory Hills now, and they even had a sign outside the Fire Department there honoring Billy. Such a great loss! Take care, Love, Carol Hermanson

William,Mickey and Kelsey Chigas

March 27, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Ann & Eddie Ligue

March 27, 2007

May the road rise up to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
And the rains fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

We are so sorry for your loss, your family is in our thoughts & prayers.

Patricia Clarke

March 27, 2007

To the Grant Family and the Chicago Fire Department.
My deepest Condolences to you.
I'm sorry I never had the chance to meet Billy, from everything I've read and heard about him he must have been a really Great guy.
I know the pain you are feeling but you must remember he will always be with you and watch over you.
I lost my brother in a squad car accident, and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about him, only now it's with smiles and at times even laughter.
Also, you don't have to listen to people that tell you it gets better in time, because it never gets better, it just gets different.
You are all in my prayers.
God Bless You and Billy.
Respectfully,
Patty Clarke (Ret. C.P.D.)
C.P.D. Gold Star Family Member

VICTOR WELTER

March 27, 2007

DEAR GRANT FAMILY, MY DAD'S ONLY BROTHER WAS A CFD CHIEF. I KNOW THE COURAGE AND HEROISM THAT IT TAKES TO BE A CITY OF CHICAGO FIREFIGHTER.MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND IF YOU BELIEVE THAT JESUS MADE A WAY FOR US TO BE RECONCILED TO GOD, THEN YOU KNOW THAT YOU WILL SEE BILL AGAIN. WORDS CAN'T EXPRESS THE LOVE THAT ONLY JESUS CAN BRING TO YOU AT A TIME LIKE THIS.I'M SENDING ALL OF YOU ALL THE LOVE IN MY HEART THAT I FEEL FOR YOU AND I PRAY THAT IT HELPS ALL OF YOU.MUCH LOVE, VICTOR WELTER,NEPHEW OF ERNEST WELTER CHICAGO FIRE CHIEF (RETIRED) AND NOW IN GLORY WITH THE LORD AND BILL!!!

Kate Walsh

March 27, 2007

Dear Sharon and children, We are very sorry for your loss. We want you to know that we are keeping you and the entire family in our prayers. May God give you the strength you need. Bill and Kate Walsh (Anne Noonan's parents)

Peggy Mulcahy

March 27, 2007

To the Grant Family;

On behalf of the Administration, Residents and Staff of the Smith Village Retirement Community of Beverly, please accept our prayers and deepest sympathy.

May the fondest of memories be your consolation during this difficult time. May the Lord hold Bill Grant, in the palm of his hand, until we all meet again.

And, Lord please watch over and protect Firefighter Grant's wife and children, now and forever.

Tim & Marilyn Cullinan

March 27, 2007

Dear Rosemary, Our deepest sympathy to you and your entire family. Billy was truly a hero to all the citizens of Chicago. Our prayers are with Billy and the Grant Family.

CFD Ambulance Co 29

March 27, 2007

Please accept our deepest sympathies. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

THERESA SCHRIEBER

March 26, 2007

PLEASE EXCEPT MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY ON THIS GREAT LOSS'THESE WONDERFUL FIRE FIGHTERS PUT THERE LIFE ON THE LINE EVERYDAY FOR US' MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU ALL.EVEN THO I DID NOT KNOW HIM' HE IS A HERO TO ME.

Mike Whealan

March 26, 2007

The entire neighborhood grieves the loss of Billy. Everyone knows the Grant family and especially him because he lived his life to the fullest and then some. He was such a storyteller that his legacy will live on forever because we'll never run out of things to tell his children for the rest of our lives. We owe him that. We owe his kids all those memories. I was lucky enough to have spent the last couple Monday mornings with him because his son Danny and my daughter were enrolled in swimming lessons together at Ridge Park. While the kids were in the pool, he never stopped talking! Constantly filling me with advice and cracking me up and it was absolutely wonderful. He was just flat out a great guy.

Young Bill Grant, proud new fireman 1986.

March 26, 2007

Melissa Harlow

March 26, 2007

Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. May you have the strength and love to deal with this traumatic loss. We are truly sorry and send our love during this sad time.

Christine Schuzer

March 26, 2007

Dear Grant Family:

Please accept my deepest heartfelt sympathy in the untimely tragic loss of your beloved Bill. I know all to well what it is like to lose a fire fighter in the line of duty. My father, Lt. Robert A. Augustyn. of the Cicero, Il Fire Department was killed in the line of duty on September 7th, 2001. He was crushed by his engine. Please know I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. Feel free to contact me any time if you'd like to talk. I've been in your shoes and know what you are going through. Take care.

Please accept my deepest condolences,
Christine Schuzer

David Henninger

March 26, 2007

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Beth Freeman

March 26, 2007

As the daughter of a fire chief, you have my deepest sympathies. The ability to risk one's life to protect anothers' is a quality like no other. While I never had the pleasure of meeting him, know that you now have a wonderful guardian angel.

Jack Bracewell

March 26, 2007

Kristen, I'm sorry for your loss of your dad, the 1st graders at CK are keeping you close to our hearts.

Kristie Calvino

March 26, 2007

As a Mother of a FireFighter/EMT and a long family line of Several CPD's and (Retired) CFD's members, I would like to send my deepest Sympathy To all fo William's family members including the Family of Truck 51! In time may you find peace, love and comfort in all your memories! May God Bless You All!

Sheila Trinley-Kopplin

March 26, 2007

Dear Grant Family,
I met Billy back in high school and from the minute I met him, it was obvious that he was a very special and unique person. I went through an old photo album over the weekend and found some pictures of Billy at June Jam that reminded me of what a kind, considerate, funny and fun person he was. I ran into him recently after having not seen him for many years. We spent only about 10 minutes catching up and every second of that 10 minutes he spent talking about Sharon and the kids. He spoke with tremendous love and enthusiasm - he was so very proud! I know that his spirit will live on forever both here and in heaven.

My Deepest Condolences to you all.
Sheila Trinley-Kopplin

Michael Bolan

March 26, 2007

Dear Rosemary, I just learned today that Bill Grant was your brother. Please accept my sympathies and condolences and extend them to your entire family. It seems that your brother had all those qualities that we admire in a man goodness,kindness,courageous and fun loving. As it happens so often with the good ones, he was taken from his family while acting in the line of duty to help some other person in need. That is why we call them heroes. Sincerely, Judge Michael B. Bolan(Ret.)

John Kraeger

March 26, 2007

To the grant family and extended family.I'm sorry for your loss. Billy was a friend of mine and the last time I saw him was at the local hardware store. He was truly a great guy,I will miss him.

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Memorial Events
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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Blake Lamb Funeral Home - Oak Lawn

4727 West 103rd Street, Oak Lawn, IL 60453

How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

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Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

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The Five Stages of Grief

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Ways to honor William Grant's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

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