Grant James Cullimore

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Grant James Cullimore "Coach" our dear Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather and Friend and mentor to so many, passed on peacefully in his sleep on May 29, 2012. If you were taught or coached by Grant over the years, he considered you one of his "boys" forever.

Grant loved life and was an incredible "people person." He was always interested in everyone he met and what was going on in their life. If you were a friend you were important to him.

Sports were a huge part of Grant''s life from the time he competed as an 11-year-old in the 1932 International Junior Olympics held in Los Angeles. Grant grew up in Garland, Utah, where he played all sports for Bear River High and was awarded a scholarship to play basketball at Utah State University. Simultaneously, he served as Senior Class President, ran with the track team, and was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity.

As an athlete at USU, Grant found great success on and off the field and court by winning all-conference for two years, prior to playing professional baseball for the Salt Lake City Bees.

Grant met his wife Louise, of Big Piney Wyoming, at Utah State and they married before he went to war. She waited for him writing him a letter every day for 3 years. When he returned they moved to Kaysville where Dad took a job teaching and coaching at Davis High School. He had the time of his life coaching and mentoring his "Boys" who never forgot him. He has attended ten 50th reunions and enjoyed seeing people from Davis High. When he began his coaching at Davis, in 1947 it was the only high school in the entire county so he had the opportunity to coach many young men over the years.

During this time he was appointed Davis County''s first full time Recreation Director, over all sports and related activities, a position he held for 12 years. The highlight of his service to the community was that he was instrumental in the purchase and development of the 208-acre Davis County Public Golf Course. Many of the 80,000 residents felt at that time (1960) that the purchase was a big mistake and the golf course only a dream. After all, the land was $1200 dollars an acre of rich farmland and potential housing development. Their decision to build the golf course was profitable, and has been enjoyed by countless people over the years.

Perhaps Dad''s greatest service was his service to his country in World War II. He served in Marine Reserves and with the National Guard. He belonged to the 6th Marine Division and was a second Lieutenant and forward observer in World War II during the battle of Okinawa, the last battle of World War II, and one of the bloodiest of the war.

Grant and Louise had three daughters: Virginia Evans, Barbara Jones (Fred), and Kaye Alexander (David). With eight grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, Grant and Louise enjoyed their extended family immensely, we have many memories of fun family sports in their big beautiful backyard in Layton.

Dad was still taking care of horses when he was 80 years old. He was a devoted caregiver to Mother for many years, during her long illnesses. They were always inseparable, and were married for 69 years until Mother passed away in February 2011. He is survived by a sister and brother, Elaine Ely and Ralph Cullimore.

Preceded in death by his parents William J. and Pearl Cullimore, brothers Jay Cullimore, Boyd Cullimore, and Phyllis Diderickson.

Funeral services will be held Monday, June 4, 2012 at 2 p.m. at Lindquist''s Layton Mortuary, 1867 N. Fairfield Rd. Friends may visit family on Sunday from 5-7 p.m. and Monday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. prior to services at the mortuary.

Interment, Kaysville City Cemetery where military honors will be accorded.

Many thanks to Keri, Stephanie, Judie and Berta, who were so helpful and kind to Dad. A special thank you to his daughter Kaye who cared for him with such love.