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Obituaries

January 31, 1945 to February 20, 2023
 
Jeff Grainger aged 78 of Tucson, Arizona, passed away suddenly on February 20, 2023, in San Diego, California. Jeff was preceded in death by his parents Harry & Kay Grainger; and his dear niece, Georgina Gorman (Bowden).
 
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Pat; his much loved daughters, Maria (John) and Katy (Mike); his 2 grandchildren, Linc and Creo of whom he was so very proud; brother, Martin Grainger; and sister, Sue Bowden.
 
Jeff loved being a parent and liked nothing better than an evening playing with his girls, especially those long summer evenings. He probably complained more than the girls when bedtime was announced. Before bed, though, were the many World War II re-enactments in the bathtub, complete with boats and planes and lots of water on the floor.
 
For the past 25 years Jeff ran his own business refurbishing, servicing and maintaining laser machine tools. He started his career in the Laser Industry in 1974, when he was hired by JK Lasers Inc. in Rugby, England. Through his business Jeff met many other small business owners and many became life long friends.
 
Jeff loved to mend things and he also loved people. If you had something that was broken, he would happily mend it for you, but would probably keep you chatting while doing the repair. His girls were always helping by bringing home their friend’s broken toys. Unfortunately, he tended to be a little untidy and often left tools out- you cannot imagine the havoc a 4-year old can wreak with a couple of found screw drivers, but he did find out.
 
Jeff also loved to travel. Over the years he and Pat had the privilege of visiting many parts of the world, as well as many trips back to England to visit family; especially visits to Millers Ark, a therapeutic farm in the south of England run by his cousins. He loved especially visiting for Christmas festivities and taking part in their live nativities-he loved being king for an hour.
 
He loved birds, all kinds of birds, but especially hummingbirds and spent many hours cleaning and refilling his many hummingbird feeders to attract hummingbirds to the garden. He and Pat spent many early morning and evening hours watching them come to feed. They became quite tame and would sit on his arm or his head.
 
Jeff was also a supporter of Broadway in Tucson and the Tucson Symphony Orchestra which led to many enjoyable date nights with his wife.
 
A Celebration of Life will be held for Jeff at Newburg United Methodist Church, 36500 Ann Arbor Trail, Livonia, MI 48150, on Saturday, April 29th. Visitation will begin at 10:30 and the service at 11 am.  All are welcome to join us for a luncheon at the church following the ceremony, where we will continue to celebrate Jeff’s extraordinary life. 
 
A second Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, June 28, 3:00 p.m. at Millers Ark Farm, Blackstocks Ln., Hook G27 9PH, United Kingdom.
 
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Miller’s Ark. Go Fund Me link here. You can find more information about this amazing farm that Jeff was so passionate about at their website: https://millersark.co.uk/. They are currently raising funds to add two very special horses to the farm. 
 
 

 
You may use the form below to share a memory or leave a message for Jeff's family.  Please allow up to 24 hours for us to review and post your comments. 
 

Comments  

#9 Eric McAllister 2023-06-08 01:32
My deepest condolences to all of Jeff's family. Jeff was a mentor to me when we worked together. We both had English blood and I enjoyed his jokes. All fond memories. He was truly a shining example of kindness. Always planned to drop by his place in AZ ( my birthplace ) to tell him how much of an impact he had and thank him. Will be truly missed. Till we meet again. Eric McAllister - Plymouth Michigan.
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#8 Sandy Volentine 2023-04-28 19:32
Jeff and Pat opened their home to me when I was between apartments, drove me all over Tucson to look at places to live. Jeff was a gracious host, made my stay like one at a posh bed and breakfast. Jeff was kind, compassionate, smart, and entertaining with stories of trips to fix lasers around the world. I watched him work around their home trying to outsmart the woodpeckers hammering holes around window ledges. I wish I had the chance to know him longer. With sympathy to Pat and his family.
"I was a stranger and you welcomed me." Thank you Jeff. Vaya con Dios y los Angeles
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#7 Doug Marbry 2023-04-25 12:04
My deepest condolences to all of Jeff's family I was fortunate enough to work with him on laser systems for more than 12 years. I was always amazed by the knowledge he possessed. He will be missed by all that knew him. I am honored and blessed to have called him friend. I am a better person for being mentored by the professor of Kaduna Polytechnic.
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#6 Steve Leitner 2023-04-23 17:00
I have so enjoyed our friendship over the last 35 years. I will miss Jeff immensely. I could always count on Jeff to share his wealth of information regarding lasers and how to fix them. I will miss our long chats on the phone and his sense of humor and outlook on life. He was a great man and a great friend. Absent from the body, present with the Lord, until we meet again.
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#5 Michael R Lynch 2023-04-21 10:45
Jeff was a special person and a mentor to me.
Jeff & his wife Pat always made my wife Chris and I welcomed.
His attributes and knowledge to the Laser community will be severely missed.
Rest in peace my friend until we meet again.
Mike & Chris Lynch/Laser Advantage
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#4 Russell Hale 2023-04-20 15:27
Jeff has come to the company I work, Exotic Metals in Kent, Washington a couple of times to work on our lasers. Very knowledgeable and very willing to help troubleshoot the lasers. Losing Jeff will cut pretty deep because of laser knowledge base. He was a good friend and an outstanding tech. He will be truly missed.
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#3 Randy Goddard 2023-04-19 07:28
What a great guy, I only knew him as he helped at our Poormanprops events, but he was always a fun time. Loved our conversations about the auto industry and anything else we could bring up. I am so sorry for your loss. He will be greatly missed.
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#2 Elizabeth Miller 2023-04-18 19:10
Goodbye to a very special man.
Kindness itself, warmth and humour ...and ever happy to help or support.
Thank you Jeff for all the memories of love and laughter
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#1 Richard Post 2023-04-18 17:36
I have always wanted to meet Jeff in person. He has helped me countless times over the phone and through emails with Laser systems. I have learned so much from him over the last 20 years or so. I always left a conversation with him much smarter than I was before talking with him. he is one of the most patient and kind people I have ever worked with. He was a true mentor, teacher and friend. My condolences to his family. We will all truly miss him.
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