<p><em>Grant Arthur Schaefer</em>, the son of Edwin E. and Barbara J. Schaefer, was born in Saginaw, MI on September 12, 1938. Grant graduated from Arthur Hill High School in Saginaw before leaving for U.S. Military Academy. His father’s service in World War II (retired lieutenant colonel) had predisposed Grant toward West Point, and so receiving his appointment was a dream come true.<br />West Point Years: During his time at the Academy, Grant maintained a high academic standing (in the top third) while at the same time serving in cadet leadership positions and competing on the track team. His selection during his First Class (senior) year for a battalion staff position spoke highly of his leadership potential. Grant was also selected by his cadet peers as Company F-2’s representative on the Honor Committee, the committee that administers the honor system that lies at the heart of the West Point experience. Arthur (Joe) Dean (F-2) had this to say, “… there are a great many wonderful adjectives to describe Grant but there is one honor that describes Grant to me and that is that our company selected Grant to be our representative on the cadet Honor Committee. To me that says it all. He was the epitome of all that West Point stands for.”<br />Grant was a valuable member of the West Point Track Team. He was a premier quarter-miler and would often fill in for the mile and two-mile relays. Grant contributed to West Point victories on the track, but his most valuable contribution took place in practice sessions. As teammate Dick Healy (E-2) put it, “Grant pushed each of us to try to do better. There were many nights at practice when the coach would have us run eight to ten repetitions of the 440 at full tilt, and Grant was always there pushing each of us to keep up with him if we could. His competitive nature and quiet leadership were always there to encourage the rest of us to do our best. He was a valued contributor to our two years of indoor dual meet victories, as well as the 1959 Indoor Heptagonal Championship.”<br />Bill Hanne (F-2) wrote that, “Grant appeared to be a natural on the Track Team, and to learn that he did not run in high school was a complete surprise … his competitive nature and overall bearing were those of an experienced athlete. … I always found him to be in good spirits and positive in his outlook … I would say in summary … Grant was well respected as an athlete and a friend.”<br />And as John Schneider (F-2) recalled: “He was a natural athlete, a good friend and great company. He had a laid-back leadership style that got results … He had a great appearance. My daughter, now 50, always said he was the best-looking guy in F-2. When I told Grant this, he didn’t dispute it.” <br />Active Duty: After graduating in June 1960, Grant attended Ranger, Airborne and Basic Artillery Officer schools and joined the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, KY. Over the next two years, he served in all the officer positions including battery commander of D Battery, 319th Artillery. On April 22, 1961, Grant Schaefer and Janice Vitito were married at First Presbyterian Church in Saginaw. Assisting in the military wedding were classmates Linc German, Jack Hixon, and Jim Pearl.<br />Civilian life: In 1963, Grant left military service and returned to Saginaw to join the family business. Schaefer Technologies produced water treatment products and chemical products for boilers and cooling-tower systems. In 1982 Grant became company President and CEO. During his 41-year career, he obtained a Michigan Professional Engineer’s license. Janice joined the business and worked with Grant for more than 20 years. In 2004 Grant and Janice sold the business so that they could retire to Sanibel Island, FL, fish and golf, and spend time with their grandchildren. Sadly, Janice passed away in 2008.<br />Community service: Grant believed that part of the education we experience in our working life comes from the people with whom we associate. In this regard he was lucky enough to service the board of Heritage Federal Savings Bank and as treasurer of the Association of Water Technologies.<br />Grant was very active in the Saginaw community and had the privilege of working with other volunteers on the boards of several non-profit organizations. Some of these included serving as chairman of the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce, president of the Saginaw Valley Manufacturers Association, the United Way board and chairman of the 1993 campaign, as chairman of the public/private economic development group Saginaw Future, and as chairman of the Business Education Partnership.<br />The later years: Looking back, in 2009, Grant said, “I have received far more from West Point than I could ever give back. What success I have had in my life I credit to my four years on the Hudson.” Grant spent his last years living near his middle daughter, Kristin Boutell, and her family in Grosse Pointe Woods, MI. He passed away on July 23, 2017 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. In August, during the eclipse of the Sun, a memorial service and boat parade was held in Grant’s honor. His ashes were then scattered in some of his favorite fishing spots on beautiful Torch River. Grant leaves behind daughters Laura Mudry, Kristin Boutell, and Caralee Schaefer; grandchildren Natalie and Avery Boutell and Grant and Grayson Schaefer; and siblings Richard Schaefer, Kathleen Schaefer Maxfield, and Cecilia Schaefer.</p>