Grant G Gard Jr.

Grant G. Gard, Jr., 91, of Arvada, Colorado died peacefully at his home on June 22, 2019 following the lengthy decline of Alzheimer's. His loving wife of 45 years, Anita, was at his side. He was born to Grant G. Gard, Sr., and Myrtle (Morton) Gard on July 5, 1927 in Overton, Nebraska. Following graduation from Over-ton High School, he briefly attended Kearney State College in Kearney, Nebraska, and went into the US Navy just as World War II was ending. Upon returning home, he followed in his father's footsteps and began his career with the Union Pacific Railroad. There he held several positions, but the one he enjoyed most was conducting tours throughout the western states. He became interested in public speaking and self-improvement, and joined the Dale Carnegie courses as an instructor and territory manager. He loved helping people further their skills, and in addition to his work, spent many volunteer hours working to rehab inmates at the Colorado State Penitentiary, where he met and became friends with the boxer, Ron Lyle. In 1974 he married Anita and moved to Omaha. He struck out on his own and travelled the US and Canada doing motivational speaking and conducting sales and management seminars. He is the author of three published books on public speaking and personal development. He loved to entertain friends and family with stories of his many unique travel experiences. Grant retired from the speaking business and moved to Colorado in 1992. But retirement never worked for him, so he went back to class and obtained a series seven broker's license to manage investments, which he did with his usual enthusiasm until his health failed. Grant loved boating and spent many afternoons on the Missouri River near Omaha as a volunteer for the Coast Guard Auxiliary teaching boating safety classes and rescuing stranded boaters. He always loved to travel. He was a 33 rd degree Mason and a lifetime member of the Shrine. Grant was preceded in death by his mother and father, his son Greg, his sister Maxine and his brother Gerald. He is survived by his wife, Anita, and his sons David (Lisa) of Scottsdale, AZ and Alan (Heidi) of Oceanside, CA; daughter Kristie (Monte) McKitterick of Colorado Springs, CO, and two stepsons, Michael (Sandi) Stauffer of Riverside, CA and Kevin (Christin) Stauffer of Aliso Viejo, CA as well as 19 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. At his request, no services will be held. Memorials can be sent to the Shriner's Hospitals for Children at 2900 N Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607.