In memory of Grant Dyer, 1955-2020
JYM regretfully announces that alum Grant Dyer (JYM 1975-76), passed away unexpectedly at the age of 64 from a long battle with a heart condition last April.
Grant graduated from Simpson College with a degree in German and always looked back fondly on his time in Germany as a JYM student in 1975-76 and again as Frau Dr. Riegler's assistant in 1978-79. Grant went on to become a very successful stained-glass artist and owner of a small business, Glass Dragon, for over 25 years.
His classmate Susan Henriksen Thompson (JYM 1975-76) writes the following: "I am sending my deepest sympathy to Grant's other friends and especially precious family. I traveled with Grant during our 1975-76 Junior Year in Munich - to Germany, Switzerland, Luxembourg, France, England, Holland, Scotland and more. He was fun, thoughtful, smart, kind and clearly an all-around pleasant person if we could travel as a three-some for several months together! All the picnics we shared to save money. All the train stations in which we sat waiting. The games, the singing, the laughs and the patience we all showed toward each other. God rest his beautiful soul and I'm so thankful for the truly life-changing memories we had together, exploring his (and mine too) favorite countries.
Once, when our little group was a bit tired and down from all the hiking and cold (it was March in England!), Grant completely and delightfully surprised us with tickets to Godspell, the songs from which we would sing as we hiked anyway. "Oh bless the Lord [Grant's] soul!"
We met again when I passed the torch to him to be Frau Dr. Riegler's assistant in 1978. Then again after becoming friends on Facebook. We agreed that our JYM year was so priceless and life-changing. He definitely knew stained glass extremely well! He caught on my photos a fraudulent one claiming to be authentic! My deepest condolences to his entire family."
Grant Dyer was an active member of the JYM Facebook alumni group, who regularly interacted and posted interesting articles and information of interest to the group. JYM and his classmates will miss him very much!
To make a gift in his memory, please consider giving to the Junior Year in Munich program. View Grant's obituary.