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Carpenter, family man
Carl Oscar Grani, Jr., a Claremont resident since 1985, died on April 29, 2008 at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center. He was 69.
Born to Carl Oscar Grani, Sr. and Clara Peterson Grani in Bancroft, Iowa on November 27, 1938, Mr. Grani moved to Pomona as a small child and graduated from Pomona High School in 1957. From 1959 to 1963, he served in the US Air Force, stationed in Fairford, Gloucestershire, England. There, he met his bride- to-be, Brenda Godding, falling in love not only with Ms. Godding but also with England itself—it continued to be one his favorite places to travel throughout his lifetime.
“We spent all of our time in castles and churches and cathedrals,” said his wife. “People say ‘once you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all.’ Oh no, we always had to go the next one.”
After marrying in 1961, Ms. Grani and his wife made their home in Pomona and raised 2 sons. In 1985, they moved to Claremont.
“He was my heart and our rock,” his wife wrote in a remembrance.
Professionally, Mr. Grani worked in construction as a carpenter for 30 years and, most recently, operated his own company, Grani Drafting, for the past 14 years.
For many years, he was a devoted member of the Pomona Loyal Order of the Moose, for which he served as governor for a time. Due to increased costs and decreased membership, this particular Moose Lodge eventually closed down. In response, Mr. Grani worked tirelessly to rebuild the membership and secure a new lodge in Upland, personally overseeing its construction.
“He was very proud of the new lodge and enjoyed the fellowship of his fellow members,” shared his family.
Mr. Grani also attended Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Claremont and donated abundant time and talent to many church construction, improvement and repair projects, along with his brothers. Over the years, he continued to volunteer on the church’s Property Committee, keeping the church in “tip-top shape,” said his family.
Spending time with his family was of paramount importance and joy to Mr. Grani, and he especially loved time with his grandchildren. Whether any given day held a soccer match, a baseball game, karate practice, a school theater production or a different lively activity, Mr. Grani was there, watching and supporting his grandchildren.
“But his favorite time was when they’d climb up in his lap to watch TV—he’d happily switch the TV from his favorite show to theirs!” wrote the family in a remembrance.
Mr. Grani also took great pleasure in a daily trek to the park to play ball with his two adored and adoring dogs, Missy and Lucy.
Taking cruises and traveling to many countries over the years were among Mr. Grani’s favorite pastimes, with England being most near and dear to his heart. He also loved spending time on the golf course with his buddies Ray, Ken, Wes and Carl H., and these gentlemen shared in his excitement when he got a hole-in-one—twice!—in the last few years.
“But it wasn’t just the golf, it was the friendship,” his family shared. “He looked forward to their coffee klatch—coffee, donuts and friendship—after every round.”
Mr. Grani is survived by his wife of 46 years, Brenda Grani of Claremont; by his son and daughter-in-law, Darrell and Suzanne Grani of Alta Loma; by his son and daughter-in-law, Andrew and Brandes Grani of Claremont; by his grandchildren, Kirstyn, Justin, Hannah, Bailey, Skylar and Jake Grani; by his brother, Clifton Grani of Arizona; by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Iain and Leanne Scarr of Colorado; by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Victor and Angela Godding of England; by his sisters-in-law, Joanne Grani of La Verne and Ruth Grani Schidler of West Covina; and by numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; by his brothers, Oliver “O.P” Palmer, Oran and Donald; and by his mother-in-law, Phyllis Scarr.
Services were held on May 3, 2008 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Burial at Oak Park Cemetery and a reception immediately followed.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all of the dedicated doctors and nurses at PVHMC.
