OBITUARY

Name:   Grant James Galusha

From:  The Herald, Everett, Washington
Date:  May 6, 2004

Grant James Galusha, age 53, passed away at home after a long courageous battle with lung cancer. He truly believed the disease was a formidable challenge but not invincible.

He was born in Orange, CA to Max and Hazel Galusha. He grew up in Orange County close to the beach, involved in competitive swimming and little league baseball. At age eight he started surfing and continued this avidly through his teenage years. He graduated from Villa Park High School in 1968 and was attending Orange Coast Community College when at the age of 19 he was drafted into the army. He served in the Vietnam War, Special Forces 1971-1972.

On July 4, 1978 in Santa Ana, CA he met his future wife, Jane. They married three years later in 1981. They had their first child, Tadd, in 1985 and later that year relocated to Washington. In 1986 they moved to their present home in Arlington, WA. In 1990 their daughter, Morgan, was born.

Grant started working for the postal service in 1983 in California, transferred to Washington in 1985 and worked at the Everett Processing & Distribution Facility as a mail handler.

Grant was a very involved father, coaching little league baseball and umpiring when Tadd was younger. At age 50, he finally got his wish - a ski boat. He was an avid sports fan whether by remote, fantasy football or attending his kids' wrestling and soccer events. He also loved to water and snow ski and fish.

Grant had a great love and enthusiasm for life, his family, his faithful dog, fireworks and Christmas. He was our "program director" and always everyone's entertainment.

Grant is survived by his wife Jane; children, Tadd and Morgan; sister Steph (Marty) White of Fairfield, CA; nephew Norm White of Fairfield, CA; aunt Shirley (George) Carmack of Glendale, CA; and several cousins.

There are so many people to thank for all their support, flexibility, love, prayers, encouraging words and cards. Special thanks to Grant's caregivers/friends: Andy and Mike Molsee, Judy and Al Camp, Kim and Kathy Hammond, and one of Grant's closest friends, Larry Schleiger. The family would also like to thank Dr. Lyn Tonelli for her honesty, compassion and efficiency and Cascade Valley Oncology.

A celebration of Grant's life will be held Monday, May 10, 2004 at 11:00am at Lord Hill Farms with a reception to follow.  Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home, 1825 E. College Way, Mount Vernon.