Basil Upton Grant Obituary (1937 - 2022)

BASIL UPTON GRANT (May 5, 1937 - September 15, 2022)Waterville-Basil Upton Grant passed away of age related illnesses peacefully at home on September 15, 2022 at the age of 85.Basil was born in Houlton, Maine to Basil F. Grant and Audrey Upton Grant. Basil, and was the grandson of Dr. and Mrs. George Upton of Sherman, Maine. Basil married Susan Bradbury Grant on October 4, 1964 in Bridgewater, Maine, spending 57 years together as husband and wife.Basil was affectionately known as "Sonny" to his family and friends growing up because he was such a happy child.Basil graduated Houlton High School in 1955 and attended Ricker College and then the University of Maine, getting his degree in Education in 1959. In 1959 Basil commenced his passion for teaching at Bridgewater Classical Academy. In 1966 Basil obtained his Master's Degree in Education (Biology) from the University of Oregon. In September 1966 Basil was hired as an educator at the Waterville Senior High School where he worked until his retirement in 1998.In 1972 Basil was recognized as the Maine Outstanding Biology Teacher of the Year by the National Association of Biology Teachers and the Fourth Maine Environmental Congress at Bowdoin College.Basil gave countless hours of his time to his students, especially enjoying teaching his Advance Placement students genetics with fruit fly experiments.In the community Basil was a 50 year member of the Waterville Kiwanis service organization. In 1972 Basil organized and created the local Key Club Chapter, associated with the Kiwanis Club and Waterville Senior High School. In 1986 he was recognized as the Key Club New England Advisor of the Year, an accomplishment made possible by the nomination from his son Steve, the New England Key Club Lieutenant Governor.Basil's family was everything to him. Basil enjoyed attending his grandchildren's events from everything from soccer, to dance, to gymnastics. His real love was traveling with his wife, children, grandchildren and friends. Basil loved going to London and Hawaii and everywhere in between.Basil will be missed by many. He is survived by his wife Susan Grant, his children Brad Grant and wife Laurel of Winslow, Steve Grant and his wife Stephanie of Keller, Texas; 5 grandchildren David Grant, Susan Grant, Colton Grant, Lauren Grant and Taylor Grant. Basil is also survived by his niece Robbie Myers and her husband Gary, great niece Trina Morris and her daughter Sophia.Susan Grant wants to thank everyone who was so kind with their love, support and help over the years, especially from Judy Cabana, Bill and Terry Violette, Bob and Darlene Grass, David Moran, Paul and Marie MacDonald, Boyd and Charlene Bradbury, the Sanderson family and neighbors. A special thanks to the wonderful people at Hospice Care who provided more help than anyone could ever expect.A celebration of life will take place in the future.Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memory shared at www.gallantfh.comIn lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Waterville Kiwanis Club by contacting Bart Stevens at barton@c21nason.com.