Our beloved, Larry Jackson Grant, Kich’xaakw of Galyax Eagle clan has gone on to glory. He is survived by his wife Mary Lou (Ca-Ja-Hain’), daughters; Larina (Derek) Baringer, grandaughter’s Arayla and Xhoria (newborn whom he adored) and Crystal (deceased). Sister’s; Mary (Dave) Mcconkey, Hilda (Alan) Macdonald, Ruth Baz, and Darlene (deceased), brother’s; Mike, Ernest and Al Jr (deceased). Nephew Stephen (Maryann) Littlefield and nieces Marge Baguya and Jeannette White of Anchorage. His grandfather was Frank Samuel Dick, mother Lillian (Joe) Lopez and father Alfred Grant Sr (both deceased). Larry’s large extended family will be too numerous to mention but we do acknowledge his numerous Hawaiian relatives of Prince of Wales where I’m sure he inherited his curly black hair. He eventually did want to move to Hawaii. Larry had many friends whom he grew up with in the Indian Village whom he remained friends with throughout his life.
Larry had a great understanding of the bible. His favorite book was Psalms. We were faithful members of the United Pentecostal church where he was baptized in Jesus name and filled with the Holy Ghost. I never heard him badmouth anyone. He was hardworking and a good provider. Larry had significant and many amazing talents and skills. He graduated with a business degree so in his field he was skilled at and enjoyed writing policies, reports, evaluations, analyzing and doing research. He was tech savvy and naturally wanted all the latest gadgets and even the electric car. He had amazing photography skills. His scenic pictures are far more interesting than anything you would ever see on Firestick.
Larry had a strong and special love of family that could only have come from God. Larry’s sister said he had a strong protective streak from the time he was young. He regaled me and should have written a book on the true Alaskan tales of spending that summer on Indian Island. He remembered his sister’s listening to Casy Kasem’s Top 40 and other stories that could only happen in Alaska. Larry loved spending time with family so we have many great memories of taking elders and the kids for coffee and rides after church. The kids say they remember the fun picnics he took us on.
One of Larry’s best friends said Larry was extremely intelligent and sometimes felt even couldn’t talk to him. He was a person who really listened to and considered words people said. He was sharp as a whip and good with numbers and words. I knew Larry to be kind and generous even to strangers. He loved to laugh and have fun with his friends. Things came easily to Larry. Larry had a good personality and good sense of humor. He had a spirit of excellence and stayed true to himself till the very end. It showed in the quality and elegance of the beautiful diverse collections he liked to collect.
The last time I talked to Larry, we were both in critical care and the nurses let us talk through pad. At the end of our talk, Larry yelled, I love you Mary Lou! The nurses were absolutely amazed and delighted and asked if I heard it. I said no because I felt so sick but then he was always saying this to me! I love you too Larry and we will see each other again, ok?!
Larry will be in the niche at the mortuary. We will have a celebration of his life this summer at a Sandy Beach picnic because he loved picnics so much. You are so beautiful!!!
Published by Juneau Empire from Mar. 20 to Apr. 19, 2022.
