GRANDY, Jeffery S.
Jeffery Stewart Grandy, 47, passed away on Tuesday, December 4, 2012. Jeff was born in Helena, Montana on May 11, 1965.
Jeff was easily understood with simple answers to complicated questions. His answer to this would have been he had a mountain to climb or a lineman to meet. Jeff was the cement that held everything and everyone together. He built a foundation for all to follow in living an absolute life. So abundant and plentiful with his love, kindness and time for others that not a day went by when he wasn’t helping someone. Jeff set the bar extremely high. His character was honest and sincere and he always told you straight up. He believed in working hard and his passion was the trade and pride of that of a lineman. However, without a doubt and without fail, the top priorities in Jeff’s life were his two sons.
Jeff was a pillar of a man, so strong in every way possible with an enormous genuine heart. Jeff gave to so many, it’s impossible to count. You didn’t have to know Jeff for very long and you knew you had a lifelong friend and he called you by name. For all, his generosity was there for the taking. Knowing and being a part of Jeff’s life is the greatest gift any of us could ask for. He wouldn’t want anyone to feel sorrow because it ended, but rather happiness because he made the journey happen. Jeff wasn’t along for the ride. He was the ride.
Jeff loved hunting with Cody, skiing with Colten and hiking the hills with Gene. At any given time, he always had a wingman. Jeff’s entire life was an adventure and his destination has been reached.
Most recently, Jeff was the Assistant Director of Mountain States Line Contractors Apprenticeship and Training. Jeff was the mentor and wise advisor to numerous apprentices entering a distinguished profession. Prior to entering into his new life-changing career, Jeff began as an apprentice lineman with Williams Construction after graduating from the Lineman’s School of Trade in Jackson, Minnesota. Jeff went on to become a journeyman lineman with Northwestern Energy. Before moving back to Montana, he was an electrician for Hormel Foods in Austin, Minnesota. Jeff attended Montana State University and spent time in the US Navy.
Jeff is survived by his sons, Cody and Colten, wife, Rhonda, parents, Lonnie and Gene. Sisters and brother-in-laws, Becky and Colin Douglas, Nicole and Lee Rice and Heidi Renshaw. Brother and sister-in-law, Ryan and Magalie Belanger. Nieces and nephews Amanda, Rachel, Colby, Tyler and Ryan, Ali and Bastien.
Never forgotten in Jeff’s life are his like-brothers Matt Wendt, John Kennedy and Mike Glueckert.
One could never overlook his hundreds of brothers and sisters throughout Montana in the IBEW. He was honored to be a part of you.
He is preceded in death by his brother, Jerry.
A celebration of Jeff’s life will take place at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 12th, 2012 at the Gateway Center, 1710 National Ave. A reception will follow at the Gateway Center. In lieu of flowers, the family has established a trust fund for Cody and Colten at Rocky Mountain Credit Union, 3400 N. Montana Ave. Jeff says,
“Find your strength and carry on exactly where we left off.”
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m.
Wednesday December 12, 2012
The Gateway Center
1710 National Ave
Helena, MT 59601
Reception
Following the Celebration of His life.
Wednesday December 12, 2012
The Gateway Center
1710 National Ave
Helena, MT 59601
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Bonnie Isaak says
My Family. Words can’t express the sorrow I feel for you. Jeff was such a wonderful Man, a good Father and nephew. I always enjoyed the talks we had and his sense of humor. I will miss him. Jo
Mike Misowic says
Bonnie and I give our deepest sympothy to Jeff’s family. Since my return to Helena we have become great friends, he will be missed by many that have had the pleasure of knowing him.
Matt, Lenette, Andrew & Josh says
Our love and prayers are with you all. Jeff always brought a smile to our faces. He will be missed!
The DSPMT (Abbott) says
We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family through this difficult time. You will all be in our thoughts.
Susan Sabol says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Tina Tillo says
So deeply sorry for Jeff’s passing. He was a wonderful, kind man. He will be missed by so many.
My deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers will be with all of you.
Windy and Aaron Knutson says
I’m so sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing. He was always so much fun to talk to and listen to his stories! He’ll be missed greatly. Prayers and thoughts go out to Cody and Colton and Rhonda during this time.
Carrie Schell says
Jeff brought so many happy moments in everyone’s lives and left us with a treasure of memories. Jeff will never be forgotten. He was an amazing man, father and friend and had so much love for his boys and his family. He will be DEEPLY missed by all! I am praying for your family in this difficult time.
Melissa & Kasey says
Rhonda, Cody and Colton,
We are so sorry for your loss. Jeff was not only a great dad, but a dedicated husband who loved all of you very much. He was truly a blessing to you as well as others whose lives he touched. Our prayers go out to you all at this time. We will all miss him dearly. Remember the good times and hang on to the love that he so deeply shared. Please let us know how we might help. You have always been there for our family. Let us know how we might return the blessing of such great neighbors and friends.
Ryan Renshaw says
I am posting a letter from my son, Ryan, to his Uncle Jeff.
Although I didn’t get to see my uncle Jeff as much as I wanted to, the valuable time that I spent with him was not only extremely enjoyable, but unforgettable. My uncle was truthfully a great person, father, and man himself. Although I know he’s in a good place, I would love one last minute to talk to him. If I had known that last goodbye was the last id ever has I wouldn’t have left. I would have loved to take one last ride in the “Chick Magnet.” As Shing Xiong once said, “In the end, it’s not going to matter how many breaths you took, but how many moments took your breath away.” Jeff definitely had these moments. I will tell stories on to generations about him because he was such an extraordinary individual. Jeff definitely taught me life lessons that I will use my entire life. My uncle was such a comedian. Many referred to him as “Larry the Cable Guy” not only because he looked like him, he had a one of a kind humor. Whether it was blasting Lilly Allen down from my grandparents or just sitting down at the table telling us an unforgettable story because it was so hilarious. Although I am unable to make Jeff’s funeral, I know he is there with you spiritually. I was blessed to have such a great uncle. I and many will remember you. Before I step onto any court, field, or diamond, in your honor I will cross my heart and point up to the sky knowing you’ll be watching. Thank you for all the lessons, memories and everything. You will be missed greatly. Rest in peace Uncle Jeff.
To Colton and Cody- You should be proud of your father. He truly was a great man. You should know he’s in a great place with his dearly beloved brother Jerry. Right now though, he is probably sitting right next to you not wanting to let go because he loves you so much. Be proud of your dad. Stay strong, he would want you to be.
-Ryan
Crystal Ruybal says
My heart aches at the loss of such a great man. “Whether you realize it or not, as much as you are a part of our lives, you girls are a huge part of ours….”, You will remain a part of my life and great memories. My condolences to his family and friends. Rest In Peace, Jeff.
Shelley (Grant) Osborn says
I will always remember. Jeff’s great smile. I’ll never forget how Jeff & Jerry and Ryan all taught me how to ride a bike. It took all summer long but i got it down. Even all the fun we had at the cabin riding four wheeler. Or swimming at the creek and fishing too. Going to the firer work stand to get fire crackers. Playing in grandmas yard , camping out and telling stories under the stars. All miss Jeff. But always have memories of him and hold them closes to my hart. Know he can be with Jerry. To Cody and Colton – You had a very loving father. He will look down from the stars and smile on you . So just look up and you will see him in the night sky. With love your cousins Shelley,Joseph and Austin
Brad Bomar says
Jeff was a good friend and will be missed.
Linnaea Schroeer says
Dear Rhonda, Colton and Cody,
Please accept my families’ sympathy for your loss. I always appreciated Jeff’s kindness and humor, and I know Wolfgang did too.
We are thinking of you,
Linnaea
Anita Grant says
I remember the day he came home from the hospital. I was watching his big sister Becky. Was it really that long ago? Jeff had an almost insatiable curiosity. He would take things apart to see what made them “tick”. I don’t know if they always go put back together though.
He was definitely his own person and told it like it was. But he also had generous side, lending a hand when needed.
He also had a sense of humor and often matched wits with his uncle Tom getting the better of him.
He was a devoted father, son, brother, and friend. My heartfelt condolences to the family. I will miss my nephew.
Anita
Colin Douglas says
We miss you brother
It is with most regret to write in this manner of occasion. I did not want to miss the opportunity to express my deepest condolences towards the untimely passing of my brother in law and friend. Since our marriage, Jeff became much more than a brother/brother in law and uncle to our kids. He was a friend, mentor, confidant, advisor and gracious host to us whenever we needed him.
My first few visit to Montana during the early years of marring in to the Grandy Family, I was greeted with open arms by everyone. However after meeting Jeff most all my apprehensions were lifted. Jeff has a uncanny ability to appear outright intimidating yet assuring one of his uncompromising sincerity to you. Jeff open up his home to us whenever we visited and made us feel completely welcome.
Some of my fondest memories with Jeff are bicycling through the pastor by the old hunting cabins. Prior to this I was more in favor of riding lightweight rode bikes with skinny tires. I had no idea what was in store for me. On our first ride Jeff loan me his best mountain bike and we took off into the mountains. We rode through herds of cows, cow patties, bushes, and trees. I struggled to keep up but love every minute of this adventure. On another occasion Jeff loan us his brand new truck for a week to drive up to Yellowstone Park. He constantly encourage me to take his motorbike on long rides which I took him up on several occasions. Jeff took our sons hunting on several occasions. Jeff often indulge us in reminiscence of coming days we would live closer to Montana and our sons being even closer.
Jeff’s kindness and zest for life and appreciation for the great outdoors was infectious. I believe these are some of his best quality he receive from his parents and has passed on to our sons and daughter. This is why we all miss you brother.
Dave and Joan Morgan says
Gene, Lonnie and Family
Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you. We met Jeff one day when he was passing by our corral. We were having trouble helping one of our mother cows have her calf. Jeff stopped and jumped right in and helped pull the calf. Enjoyed so much meeting and visiting with him.
Susan Proul says
My heartfelt prayers and thoughts are with Jeff’s family at this very difficult time. Jeff was an awesome person and I am thankful to have called him my friend. Rest in peace Jeff, you will be truly missed.
Colten Grandy says
Dad was such a wonderful man. He had the biggest heart. He always made sure me and Cody were on the right track with everything. It was really hard to say goodbye. He was my best friend. I could tell him anything; whether is was with school, or problems with friends, I knew i could come to him. He was the best dad ever… I love you dad. Always…
Lee J. Rice says
There are very few men in this world like Jeff. The loss of this man deeply pains us.
“Special Ed” is truly special and anyone who met Jeff was won by his genuine charm.
My grand father used to say, “Shake the hand that shook the world, the hand that shook the world.” Jeff Grandy was that kind of man and when you shook his hand you knew it. Jeff was a friend for life and we are all better men having met this special man.
God Bless you Jeff, and God Bless your family and friends.
tracy,heather,jacob,hanah,amber schmit says
There are only a few people in your life time that you meet that you can truely call a friend. Jeff happened to be one of them. Never judgemental and always willing to go the extra mile to help or reassure you. I remember the last time we spoke (3hrs. on the phone) we couldnt believe how lucky we both were to have such great kids and that they actually liked to hang out with us. He loved you boys so much! We will see you later, uncle gopher.
Reen Alves says
My deepest and sincerest sympathies goes out to you and your family. I met Jeff when he was married to my girlfriend, Rhonda. Right off, Jeff was easy to talk to. It was as if we had known him for the longest time! He told you straight and was a friend for life. I missed them when they moved to Montana so long ago, but enjoyed the short visits when they came to Austin. The boys grew so fast! Cody and Colton, it is very hard to lose a parent, but remember that your Dad was very proud of you and loved you so much! I won’t say that the heartache will go away, but it will lessen in time. You have your Mom and family and friends to help you, and you can help them to get through this sorrow together. Don’t forget all the great times you had with your Dad! Reen Alves
Travis Heger says
I didn’t know Jeff all that well because I was one of his new first year apprentices. The short time I got to know him I really enjoyed going to his classes and got allot out of them. He took his job seriously in building us up to be the best we can in our trade and to have pride in what we do and who we are. Jeff was very well liked and respected among all of us. I think I can speak for the rest of the boys when I say that we looked forward to his class and that we will all miss him very much. God Bless You Jeff.
Tina Crum (Lucht) says
Rhonda, Cody and Colten –
I am so, so sorry. Jeff was a great man. He always had a smile for everyone. He was one of the kindest people I have ever met. I loved to hear his stories. He always had a way of making everyone in the room laugh. If you guys need anything at all, please don’t hesitate to ask. Also, you have a great neighbor that is always there for you all. May the Lord Bless You and keep you close during this difficult time. Jeff’s smile will never be forgotten.
Colby Douglas says
I will miss my uncle Jeff. Although I did not get to spend as much time as I wanted with my uncle Jeff, the times I did spend were memorable. I will miss the truck rides and camping trips we used to have. One of my favorite memories was the hunting trip we took last thanksgiving break. Even though we did not get anything, I enjoyed the time I spent with him. He will always hold a special place in my heart.
-Colby Douglas
Eldon Lindstrom says
I knew Jeff when he was in grade school and high school when he would hang around with my son Carl and Pat. He was like another part of our family enjoying the many outdoor activities Montana had to offer young people who didn’t have the inter-net, smart phones, and other technical advantages young people have today, but rather hunting or fishing down by prickley pear creek, or fishing and boating at our cabin at Canyon Ferry Lake. Jeff was the real deal when it came to caring about others and making sure he had your back in difficult times. I always knew he would be a success in life because he always gave to others first. He will surely be missed and I send my condolences to his family.
Amanda Rice says
I do not think I could fully express in words how much I loved my uncle. Jeff was the only person in my family that could make any situation more awkward and hilarious. He always had an inappropriate joke to tell that would shock every one. No matter how long we knew Jeff, the things that came out of his mouth always surprised us. I always admired Jeff because he was so kind and he always stood his ground on things that he believed in. He was a wonderful uncle and a great role model to me and my sister growing up. My favorite memory of him was his “Special Ed” impersonation. I can still picture him pretending to lick the windows of a short bus. I wish that I could have spent more time with Jeff after we moved away from Montana, but I am deeply grateful for all of the memories I have of him. I wish I could make it to the funeral but I am grateful that I can make it to Montana on Friday. I cannot imagine how my mother, grandmother, grandfather, cousins, and Rhonda are feeling right now. To Uncle Jerry, you better take care of Jeff up there. The good lord only knows what you two are talking about up there. I love and miss you always Uncle.
Michelle Pollard-Pena says
Jeff and his family used to live just 3 houses down the street from us when we were in middle and high school, and was in the same grade as me. I am sad to hear of his passing. What I remember most about him is his SMILE. Hope you are enjoying Heaven with your little brother and may God bless your grieving family here on earth. All my love to the Grandy Family! Thank you for being in my life in East Helena!