My daughters and I are very touched by your continuous support and incredible comments about Skip.  He was our hero and our hearts hurt in a way I never could have imagined but, at the same time, we rejoice that his battle has been won and he is residing with the Lord.  I like to think that he is pitching on the Field of Dreams in Heaven.

It was very nice of you to share news of his passing with so many as he had a great many friends spanning the years you noted.  I would be very pleased to provide you with the details of the "celebration of joy" that we have planned for him.  His wake will be held on Tuesday, April 20th, at Meadows Funeral Home, 3615 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows from 3:00 - 9:00 p.m.  His funeral service will follow on Wednesday, April 21st, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 100 S. School Street in Mt. Prospect.  His obituary will be in the Daily Herald on Monday and Tuesday of next week.

As I know you are aware, Skip has spent all except about 30 days of this year as an inpatient at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago and our goal of getting him home before he passed away was precarious as he slipped away from us so quickly.  We arrived by ambulance at our home at 2:30 p.m. yesterday and he fell asleep in the Lord at approximately 11:05 p.m.  An interesting and actually somewhat comforting thing...his father passed away on the same exact date 14 years earlier.  By the time Hospice arrived to pronounce him it was Saturday, the 17th, but we all know that in actuality it was the same day as his dad.  Now they are celebrating in Heaven together.  His passing was peaceful.  The girls, their guys, my sister, niece and I were at his bedside and knew that his labored breathing couldn't continue much longer.  I asked that my daughter's boyfriend Patrick go to my car and get our Michael Card CD as his music is very dear to Skip and me.  As the music began to play Elshadai (sp?) I sang the song to Skip.  He opened his eyes, which he hadn't done in hours, looked at me and peacefully went to sleep.  I absolutely believe God allowed his life to end at that moment in that way to provide Peace to me.  Gary, I hurt so badly as I miss him so much already but I rejoice in his victory and the end of his battle.  No one could have endured what he did for so long with more courage and patience and we thanked Him everyday for the Grace that enabled us to continue from day to day.  Our God is an Awesome God and His mercies are new to us each and every day. 

Thank you again for your friendship, love and concern for all of us.

 Sincerely and with gratitude,

 Sharon, Kelly and Kris Grandt