BUCKSPORT - Ralph Maurice Grant, 77, passed into the arms of Jesus, surrounded by family on September 26, 2017. He was born December 25, 1939, in Orono, the son of Maurice and Blanche (Craig) Grant.

Ralph attended Bangor High School where he graduated in 1958. On August 19, 1960, he married the love of his life, Charlene Getchell with whom he would spend the best 53 years of his life. In 1959, he started work at Eastern Fine Paper and then moved to the Bangor School Department where he enjoyed a 35-year career. Family first, Ralph was a loyal and loving husband and father. He loved the outdoors where he was in his element working in the woods with a team of horses or raising sweet strawberries in his garden. A man’s man, living life on his own terms, armed with a great sense of humor and a big heart. Most believed he had never met a stranger and was the kind of friend a friend would like to have. A legendary storyteller, always ready to entertain people and provided him a great source of pleasure.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his loving wife Charlene. He is survived by his son, Stephen Grant and wife Elizabeth of Bucksport; and four grandchildren, Nikki Bicknell, Melissa Thompson, Robert Rose, and Seth Rose. He will also be greatly missed by his sisters-in-law, Sandra Lindsay of St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada, and Linda Archer and husband, Raymond of Hampden, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to call 5-7 p.m., Saturday September 30, 2017, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor, where a memorial service will be held 10 a.m., Tuesday, October 3, 2017, with Rev. Matthew Shaw, pastor of the Brooks Pentecostal Church, officiating. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St., Bangor, immediately following the service Tuesday. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com