St. George, Utah
–
Our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Grant Von Harrison, passed away on December 12, 2018 at the age of 81. He was surrounded by his wife, all seven of his children and several other close family members. Grant has fought a valiant battle for the last six years and endured all of his trials with patience and long suffering.
Grant was born in Payson, Utah on August 17, 1937 to Heber Karl Harrison and LaVaun Benson. He was raised in Cedar City with his older brother, Byron and his sister, Carla. Grant loved his summers in Pinto working with his dad on the ranch. As a young man, he was called to serve in the East Central States. He served under two mission presidents whom he admired and loved dearly, President M. Ross Richard and President Frank Brown. Following his mission, Grant returned to school and married Patricia Ann Urie on February 10, 1961 in the St. George Temple. He transferred to BYU and obtained a Bachelor's Degree in English. Grant and Pat enjoyed summers working at the Utah National Parks. They moved to Colorado, where Grant studied psychology at Adam State College and worked as an institute director. After completing his Master's Degree in Psychology, Grant and Pat moved to Los Angeles so that he could pursue a doctorate degree at UCLA. Grant completed his doctorate degree in Product Research in 1969. He accepted a position at BYU and they returned to Utah. Grant worked at BYU as a professor of Instructional Science for 32 years. He was passionate about learning and finding the most effective ways to teach. He loved his profession. Grant and Pat were able to serve several missions together after his retirement.
Grant's true loves were his family, the gospel and missionary work. He used his creative mind to influence everyone around him. He was a dedicated father and husband that used every minute of the day productively. He was deliberate in his parenting and ensured that his children understood his love of the gospel. He was a true minister and never forgot about "the one". Missionary work consumed his life.
Grant was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, and two grandchildren, KJ and Rhett. He is survived by his wife, Pat; his children: Ross (Joyce), Kreg (Brooke), Jan, Brett (Linda), Danielle (Todd), Thayne (Annie) and Kenon (Scott); 45 grandchildren; and 21 great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Monday, December 17, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Green Valley 8th Branch, 1282 West 500 South Circle (off Indian Hills Dr.), St. George, Utah. Visitations will be held Sunday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd and prior to service on Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in Tonaquint Cemetery.
