Delbert William Grainger

Delbert William ("D.W./Bill") Grainger, our Papa, passed away October 23, 2015. He was born the eldest child to Margaret Brown and Delbert Grainger on August 24, 1925, in Salt Lake City, Utah. After graduating from high school, he joined the Navy in 1942 and test-flew airplanes during WWII. He spoke fondly of his days in the Navy and later considered himself fortunate to be able to fly his own Cessna 182. He was married to the love of his life, Gayle Hodge, for 54 years until her passing in 2004. Following his graduation from the University of Utah School of Law, he lead a distinguished career as a civil defense lawyer. He tried hundreds of cases for the Lewis and Roca law firm before he retired in 1987. He spent many post-retirement hours playing and watching golf, and defeating his daily crossword puzzle. He enjoyed few things more than Sunday dinner with his family and fresh Dungeness crab.

He will be remembered for his honesty and integrity. Papa was kind, generous, meticulous, always punctual and had incredible work ethic. His striking blue eyes were unforgettable. Above all, he placed his family first. In his 90 years, he was the beloved center of his family and he will be greatly missed every day.

He is survived by his children: William (Victoria) Grainger and Karen (Michael) Tellez; his siblings: Lyle (Suzanne) Grainger, Janet (Robert) Bennett and Richard (Janet) Grainger; his close extended family, including Terri Lujan and Chris (Jennifer) Grainger; his grandchildren: Lindsay (Andrew) Ortiz, Amanda (Eric) Biesbroeck, Sarah (Anthony) Cali, Ashley (Matthew) Machado, Alexis Grainger, Katerina Grainger and Joseph Tellez; and his great-grandchildren: Madison, Dominic, Zoey, Rose, Natalie, Miles, Alexander and Evangeline.