Orono - Charles Oscar Grant, Aka Charlie, Chaz, Daddy, Dad, Grampa, Gumpie, Bumpie by those who loved him, passed away February 7, 2023. He was born in Orrington, Maine on August 22, 1933, to Alma and Willis Grant.
Those who worked and studied at the University of Maine (Orono) from 1962-1996 knew him best as Dr. Charles Grant, where he served as a psychologist after earning his PhD with honors at SUNY Buffalo. Dr. Grant was instrumental in building the Mental Health Clinic into the fully accredited University Counseling Center, of which he was the director for many years. After retirement he continued counseling at various places well into his seventies. He especially enjoyed visiting Dirigo Pines, having long chats with residents.
Charlie lived life to its fullest, always with a contagious smile that lit up his face. He was rarely seen without the love of his life, Nancy, married just shy of 64 years! They were an amazing team, raising four children, enjoying 10 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, as well as being AFS host parents to a multitude of international students over the span of 43 years. He treated each like they were his own and was 85 when they hosted their last student! He and Nancy volunteered tirelessly with AFS and in 2019, won the NEWS CENTER Maine 2 Those Who Care Award.
They attended the Orono United Methodist Church and led the junior high MYF group for many years. Charlie also served on the board of the Methodist Conference Home.
Charlie's love of babies was unmatched and he was never happier than when surrounded by the chaos only small children create! He was a book reading, game playing, boo-boo soothing, floor pacing, rocking chair rocker, patient and loving parent and grandparent and we basked in his love.
In 1968 Charlie designed and built the family camp on the ocean where so many amazing hours have been spent boating, playing on the rocks, digging for clams and picking blueberries. A highlight of each summer was celebrating Charlie and Nancy's birthdays with a lobster feed.
Charlie had a passion for family and friends. He made the time to show up for everyone who reached out, always providing caring, trustworthy, and sound counsel. He simply wanted to brighten lives in his days on this earth and help anyone in need and that he surely did. Anyone who knew Charlie knew that he was the most loving husband, father, uncle, brother, and son a family could ask for. He shared this same love with his community of friends, professionals, and acquaintances around the globe. He will be missed tremendously by his wife, Nancy; children, Eric, Karen, Gretchen and Jennifer; spouses, Suzanne, Dan, Scott and Brian; grandchildren, Kaitlin, Justin, Brian, Nicholas, Jennie, Orion, Corey, Ryan, Shawn and Cam; and great-grandchildren, Alyx, Jude, Luca, Aly, Keller, Brylee, Brooke and Benjamin. His beloved siblings, James, Frank and Grace; and his many in-laws, nieces and nephews will also miss him.
We'd like to give a heartfelt thanks to our superheroes; Charlie and Nancy's helpers, Syerra (who began November, 2020), Maddie and Jessi. They all loved him and were irreplaceable. They became a beloved part of the family. We'd also like to thank all the staff at Woodlands Senior Living Center, (Brewer) and the Gentiva hospice nurses, Melissa and Pam for their wonderful care.
A joint celebration of life with his love Nancy will take place at a later date. In the next few days please say a prayer for Nancy and family, and take a moment to reflect on how Charlie touched your life. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.