GRANT, Robert

Of Needham, MA, passed away peacefully, January 8, 2023, after a long illness. He was the son of Robert and Evelyn Grant of Barrington, IL, who predeceased him. By his side were his devoted sister, Pat and his loving family.

He is survived by Pat and Bill Drake of Needham; niece, Stephanie Heinbeck and her husband, Jason; their children, Matilda and Sawyer of Jamaica Plain; nephew, Chris Drake and his wife,

Eliza; their children, Miles, Theo and Wesley, of Guilford, CT; as well as relatives and friends from New England and around the country whose lives he touched.

Born in Highland Park, IL, and raised in Barrington, IL, Bob attended college in Illinois and later worked as an inventory control manager for companies located in Chicago and Memphis. Bob was afflicted with childhood diabetes that would, over the years, damage his kidneys and pancreas and result in numerous medical complications that forced early retirement. After retirement, Bob relocated to Massachusetts to be closer to family.

Bob was a gentle, loving man who accepted misfortune as a challenge, determined to savor the beauty of the natural world and share tales of the pleasure he derived from his frequent adventures hiking, canoeing, camping and fishing.

His love of the outdoors began at the family cabin in the woods of Door County, WI, on the banks of Lake Michigan. He would return often. Later, he embarked on weeks-long canoeing trips on Lake of the Woods, Canada. When he relocated to Massachusetts, his adventures ranged from hikes in Acadia National Park to tours around Penobscot Bay on the schooner Isaac H. Evans with a group of friends. Over the years, Bob became an accomplished photographer, using the camera to record the beauty he experienced.

A ceremony for Bob will be held in Barrington, IL, in the spring. To honor Bob’s love of the outdoors, please consider a donation in his name to Massachusetts Audubon Society, 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773 or www.massaudubon.org