Philip Rae Grant

1933-2026

Sitting high on the scarred leather of a well-used saddle, riding across a vast plain beneath the majestic Mission Mountains, his smile pure joy. A sweat-stained cowboy hat worn for protection, not show.

Philip Rae Grant liked nothing better than being on a horse, taking in the view, and embracing life’s natural beauty. His life was built around family, humanity and a strong moral compass.

Born at home in Jordan, Mont., on April 15, 1933, he arrived as part of the Grant and Billing homesteading families. From that spring day, he would live a life built on integrity, truth, hard work, loyalty, and a sense of hope that inspired everyone he knew.

Never one to showboat or brag, Phil treated all people with respect. He shared his final moments surrounded by his family on Feb. 8, 2026. Ever calm, he offered reassurances to those he loved, even at the end. That was his way. His style. His amazing strength.

Phil spent his early years between Charlo and Round Butte, taking a short detour to Randle, Wash., before landing in Ronan. He lived with his grandparents, Frank and Mabel Grant on their place at the base of the mountains, along the ditch bank, developing skills that would serve him his entire life.

At Ronan High School, he found success, serving as the basketball team captain, a Boys State Delegate, class president, and salutatorian.

He is the true embodiment of the old story told about walking a mile through the snow to get to school. Only in his case, it was seven miles to be part of the basketball team.

As a senior, his high school yearbook profile stated, “It isn’t a halo, it’s just the sun shining on his blond hair.” Dad’s magnetism, charm, wit and warmth generated respect and admiration, even as a young man.

Following high school, he enlisted in the Navy, eventually having a tour on the USS Coral Sea through the Mediterranean, with unforgettable stops in places like Spain, Portugal and Turkey. Recalling this adventure, he said, “the bullfights were exciting, the people welcoming, and everyone in the Navy called us the Med Cruise.”

Upon leaving the military, Phil headed home, hitchhiking from Jacksonville, Fla., to Ronan. When describing this journey, he would be quite nonchalant, as if everyone could make such a simple 2,500-mile trek.

Upon his return he worked odd jobs, as he decided his next steps. That was when a childhood neighbor, Diane Allard, re-entered the picture.

The girl next door captivated the dashing seaman, and they decided to tie the knot on May 3, 1957, in Libby. They moved to Seattle, where Phil worked for Grinnell Pipe and Plumbing. Soon after they welcomed their daughter, Dawn Renae into the world.

Phil then decided to take advantage of the GI Bill, relocating to Bozeman to attend Montana State. A lifetime Bobcat, Phil completed his Industrial Engineering degree, receiving a Coldwater Scholarship and serving as the president of the Engineering Society.

He and Diane decided Dawn shouldn’t be alone, finding time to add to their family with the birth of their son, Dana.

Upon graduation, Phil was hired to work at Norton Air Force Base, and they moved to San Bernardino, Calif. After a few years in the sun, they headed north for the blue skies and misty days of Washington, briefly taking up residence in Bremerton before settling in across the water in Port Orchard.

Phil started at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, moving after three years to work for the NUWC Division at Key Port Naval Station in 1967, where he remained for 17 years.

While in Washington, the family expanded with the arrival of Allison and Joelfre’. During this time, they formed lifelong friendships, explored the waterways and forests, embraced local traditions, took an active role in the community, and lived a beautiful life in the big yellow house on Melcher Street.

Missing their family and the place they loved the most, Phil and Diane returned to Ronan, with Allison and Joelfre’ in 1984 upon his retirement. Back in their favorite spot, they supported their parents, took up ranching, and became involved in community activities.

During this time, Allison and Joelfre’ graduated from Ronan High School, Dana graduated from college, Dawn married Romie and started her family, Diane worked with young families, and Phil became a rural mail carrier, serving in that capacity until retirement number two.

Everyone knows, those who work on the land never really retire. This was true of Phil, who continued tending the ranch and fields into his 80s. From his education, experience and natural abilities, Phil could jerry-rig almost anything. The original McGyver before anyone even knew the name.

Phil was a brilliant person, who reflected humility and kindness wherever he went. Sharing a conversation about the current cattle market or pasture predictions or solving a tractor issue was enough. He didn’t need fancy or expensive or pretention to find happiness.

Coffee flowed constantly, from dawn to midnight, even on days when he had to be on the go by 6. For Phil, it was fuel and he enjoyed it right up to the end. Add some chocolate or lemon pie and the world was right.

He was a man of few words, but when he spoke, his intelligence and thoughtfulness were clear. Along with coffee, cattle, horses, family and Diane, Phil’s love of pinochle was legendary. He could spin a 350-point hand out of nothing, smiling slyly the whole time.

Over the years, he made great friends at the card table, sharing special times with the crew from the Mission Valley Senior Center. And those “mad” skills applied to nearly every game he played. He was a winner and probably missed a calling as a competitive gambler.

He was never as plotting as the infamous Victor of the Young and Restless, but he could appreciate the antics of Genoa City’s residents and found a reason to laugh at least once in every episode. Rarely did he miss Jeopardy or the chance to watch all levels of basketball and football.

As a dedicated Ronan Booster, he followed the teams through the decades. A committed fan who saw the possibility rather than focusing on the losses. Over the years, his crew could be found sitting in their section, sporting orange and black, while rooting for the Chiefs and Maidens.

For six decades, Phil cheered for the Montana State Bobcats, often surrounded by those pesky University of Montana Grizzlies. But this year, the Bobcat meow was a massive roar, as they travelled to the top, winning the national football championship. Dad didn’t gloat about the win, though his pride was evident.

No matter what path his children and grandchildren chose, he supported them. Always affirming their choices, hopes and ambitions. Traveling near and far, a positive, healthy role model; mentoring them with loving guidance. He valued education but never forced his beliefs on others.

For decades, at all the graduations, competitions, performances, community events, and career pursuits he was present, interested and committed: Dawn is moving and needs us there. Let’s go to New York to see Joel’s performance. Dana wants us to attend this program. Time to travel to Louisiana for Scarlett’s graduation and marriage. Hurry to the college, Allison is hosting an event. Of course, it’s time for Caroline and Johnny’s wedding. If Victoria is crossing the stage, we can’t miss it. Char will be singing tonight.

When they stumbled, he picked them up with truth and compassion. Helping them achieve their dreams, wherever they went, no matter the situation. He set the standard for being a parent and grandparent, one that few could ever hope to achieve.

Through all the adventures, success, challenges and laughter, Phil’s attention never waivered from his true love and lifetime partner, Diane. Together, they were a team who could do it all.

Sharing life as a unit that was strong and supportive, Phil and Diane faced tough times and found great joy, always there for one another. When it comes to finding that person, they scored the winning ticket. Everyday of their life together they made a point of saying “I Love You”. That adds up to over 25,000 times in their relationship, which is an excellent reminder of the power of love, and what it means to care deeply about one’s partner. Love is real and together, Phil and Diane’s bond showed that fairytales do come true.

Phil is survived by his wife of 68 years, Diane; daughter Dawn (Romie) Pedersen of Mariposa, Calif.; sons Dana, Allison and Joelfre’ of Ronan; daughter Charlotte Kammer of Milwaukee, Ore.; grandchildren Scarlett (Hunter) Sims of Florence, S.C., Caroline (Johnny) Cotta of Los Osos, Calif., and Victoria (Philip) White of Ronan; and great-grandchildren Sadie, Ilum, Veya, Patrick, Bella and Abby.

He is also survived by siblings Curtis Grant, Edla Grant, Alfred (Jeannine) Grant, Don (Karen) Grant, Ron (Alison) Grant, and Bruce (Jennifer) Grant of Texas, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Edith Grant, sisters Julia Alstad and Alice Church, and brothers Frank and Charles Grant.

Please join in celebrating and remembering Phil at the Mission Valley United Methodist Church on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, at 11 a.m. Memorial donations can be made to the Phil Grant Ronan High School Scholarship or to the Mission Valley Senior Citizen Center.