Frank Roger Grenfell, 61, died suddenly at his home in Missoula on January 16, 2014.
Roger was born to Frank and Dorothy Grenfell on December 29, 1952, the second youngest of six kids. Roger grew up in the Three Mile area in Stevensville, where as a child, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping with his father and brothers. Roger helped with the family farm which later in life became his hobby. Roger felt most comfortable with his land and his cows.
Roger went to school in Lone Rock School and high school in Stevensville. In high school, he enjoyed being a manager to the Stevensville Yellowjacket basketball team coached by John Snyder. From that point forward, he developed a love for the game.
In high school, he met Janice Clevidence. Roger graduated in 1971 and went to college at Montana State for a short time. Roger and Janice later married on June 16, 1973 and were blessed with three children, Dana Michelle, Christopher Brian, and Stacy Lynn.
Roger worked for his sister and brother-in-law, Sylvia and Delos Dickerson, at the Stevensville Hardware store where they taught him the ropes. Roger started his own business, Garden City Paint and Glass, in 1986.
Roger worked hard to grow his business into Missoula’s premier paint and glass company, but he never swayed from focusing on his family. He attended every basketball, soccer, football and volleyball game, track meet, choir concert, prom, and any other event his kids were involved with, and still made time to take his kids fishing, hunting, and camping. He helped his dad on the farm and still managed to find time to work on his own place.
Roger was president of the Stevensville Booster Club while his kids were in school and he helped make the Creamery Picnic a success.
Roger and Jan divorced after their kids were grown and Roger soon moved to Missoula, but never slowed down. Being a Shriner, he loved knowing he was helping kids with his volunteer work. He was a member of the U of M GSA and was a season ticket holder for the Grizzly basketball and football teams. His passion became his grandchildren and their events and he focused on taking them hunting, fishing, and camping.
Roger was a very successful man, both professionally and personally. He accomplished what he set his mind to but still remained humble. Dad had a passion for the outdoors whether it was hunting with his brother or fishing with his family. Dad lived life to the fullest and his time with us will be dearly missed. Thank you, Dad, for all of the values and the life lessons. We won’t forget them and will pass them on.
Roger is survived by three sisters and two brothers: Rose McNett of Federal Way, WA, Sylvia (Delos) Dickerson of Stevensville, MT, James (Joy) Grenfell of Sumner, WA, Gwen Grenfell of Missoula, MT, and Ross (Paula) Grenfell of Missoula, MT; three children: Dana (Steve) Jenkins, Christopher Grenfell of Boise, ID, and Stacy (Ryan) Barry of Harrisville, UT; nine grandchildren: Bridger Wilson, Hunter Megan, Denver Reese, Logan Christopher, Hudson Wyatt, Andrew Scott, Alivia Marie, Isabella Lynn, and Ryker Harley. He also leaves behind his best friend, Guy Trenary.
A Memorial Service was held at Garden City Funeral Home in Missoula on Thursday, January 23, 2014, followed by a reception in the Community Room.
May the trout waters be kind to you in heaven. We will join you soon enough.