Grant Webb, 85

Grant Richard Webb was born in Los Angeles, Calif., on Dec. 27, 1940, the only child of Fred and Hyrel Webb. It was known that his greatest wish was to have a sibling, stating, “There isn't much I wouldn't have given for a sibling.” Instead, he filled his world with dogs, choosing them as his loyal companions throughout his life, and inspiring that same love of dogs in his children.

Grant was raised on the beaches of Hermosa, Redondo, and Manhattan, learning to body surf, exploring with his dogs, and making lifelong friendships with Jerry Cecil and Dave Powell.

As a teenager, Grant worked at the local liquor store and developed a lasting passion for cars. Of the many he owned throughout his life, his 1957 Chevrolet held a special place in his heart. His oldest son, Dan, later spent over 20 years restoring it to its original glory.

After graduating from Mira Costa High School in 1959, Grant enlisted in the Navy, where he scored high enough on his aptitude tests to be given his choice of assignment. His first choice was to become a fighter pilot, but because his eyesight fell short of the 20/20 requirement, he trained instead in aircraft electrical and mechanical work, working on A-4D aircraft fire control systems. At a dance in the city of Lemoore, Calif., where a new naval air base was being established, he met Sonja Sparks, known to everyone as Sunny, and the two soon married. When his years in the Navy concluded, he worked as a mechanic for Air Cal and settled his family in Mission Viejo. Over the years, he worked for several airlines in a managerial capacity before eventually taking a position as an FAA Inspector, work he truly loved. Together, he and Sunny had six children, more than making up for the loneliness of his childhood years.

In the 1970s, Grant and Sunny moved their family to Eagle Point, Ore., where they purchased 10 acres of undeveloped land and built a life there. They stayed there for nearly 20 years before returning to Los Angeles. In 1997, he and Sunny relocated to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, where he continued working as an FAA Inspector at the Spokane Airport until his retirement in 2008, finally settling in for good, surrounded by the family they had built together.

Grant was known for saying, “We can handle it,” his own personal tagline. A quiet man, he was admired by family and friends for his comic wit, his sharp mind, and his safety-first way of operating. He took great joy in his family and his dogs, working on cars, going on long drives, and piloting his own airplane. He enjoyed listening to The Beach Boys, Johnny Cash, ABBA, and the Beatles, and had a soft spot for the classic tough-guy characters of John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, and Charles Bronson. His most coveted daily activity was driving his truck around Coeur d'Alene with his dogs, Chloe and Dixie, by his side, after a good cup of coffee and reading his morning paper. He also loved a Winchell's doughnut, Denny's breakfasts, and Mexican food, and he never turned down a glass of Concord grape Manischewitz wine, watered down, of course.

More than anything, Grant made a point of becoming best friends with each of his children. He called them often, stayed engaged in their lives, and he was the one who kept family news traveling and current. He was always there for the people he loved and was known as a great listener. He once told one of his daughters, “The greatest gift you can give someone is to really listen to them.”

Grant is survived by Sunny, his wife of 63 years; his six children, Dan Webb, Zack Webb, Tina Messex, Juanita Webb, Holly Wilde, and Monica Newell; 18 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. 

So long, Dad. We will miss you forever …