Grant Woodhouse Barnes
We announce with great sadness the passing of Grant Barnes, who was born on March 2, 2000, and tragically departed from this world a day before his 21st birthday on March 1, 2021, while in the care of Saint Francis Memorial Hospital in San Francisco. Grant was a charismatic young man with a brilliant mind and a heart as pure as it was kindly. His spirit, imbued with a unique blend of humor, love, and visionary zeal, made him an inspiration to all who had the good fortune of crossing his path.
Grant grew up in Tiburon on Apollo Road with his loving family including Mom Jennifer, late Dad Jeff (1967-2016), and younger siblings Jessica (now 20) and Gavin (now 15). He attended Strawberry preschool, Del Mar Middle School, and Redwood High School. Grant brilliantly portrayed Mr. Salt in the Del Mar production of “Willy Wonka” and Fritz in the Nutcracker Ballet, and was accomplished in piano with numerous performances. He was the kicker for the Redwood High School football team. He was also on the Redwood lacrosse and sailing teams. He played soccer and tennis with his friends and in the local recreation leagues, and reffed soccer as one of his first jobs.
Growing up, Grant played outside in the neighborhood with his many friends on bikes and foot, playing with Nerf and water guns. He became an expert at hitting his target with water balloons, especially when his cousin Sara was in town for a visit. He loved mountain biking and hiking in the Marin hills. Grant spent countless hours at Tiburon Peninsula Club with his family and friends, playing tennis, swimming, running around with his friends playing outside, and attending many family events throughout the years.
As a family, the Barnes enjoyed family trips to Costa Rica, where they surfed, swam, and toured the beautiful rainforests. They spent summers in Carmel, winters skiing in Tahoe and many spring vacations in Hawaii. Grant was in the Boy Scouts, attending many scouting events and camps with his beloved dad, Jeff Barnes. They also camped in Marin and on Catalina Island and backpacked in the Sierras. They attended Hillside Church of Marin, and Grant was active in the youth group, attending many camps and service trips, including to Mexico. The family often traveled to Florida to see Jennifer’s extended family. They stayed in Vero Beach and usually celebrated the Fourth of July or New Year’s Eve by shooting off fireworks.
Grant was not just a man of intelligence, but also a beacon of wisdom. He was passionate about entrepreneurship, investing, and the pursuit of dreams and passions. He showed his devotion to his family through his actions and words, imparting the lessons he learned through his ventures with warm-hearted generosity to his family and friends. His invaluable advice and enlightenment are just some of the many manifestations of his legacy that will continue to live within us.
His list of accomplishments is both extensive and inspiring. A diligent student, Grant was also often acknowledged as the top of his class. In addition, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to successfully start several businesses, including Peer Tutor, Tiburon Window Washing, Energize Media, and Growth Social Media. Grant was a world traveler, often in the company of other young, adventurous entrepreneurs. By the age of 20, Grant had traveled extensively in Europe and lived in many other countries including Bangkok in Thailand, Colombia, Cambodia, and the Philippines. While living in Puerto Rico, Grant obtained his Title 20 and 22 granting tax-exemption status for residents. Grant earned his Series 65 investment license a few weeks before he died and was looking for his first job in the investment industry with a promising career ahead of him.
The legacy that Grant leaves behind is much more than his entrepreneurial spirit and exceptional accomplishments. His undying love for his family, his faith in Jesus, his incredible smile that radiated warmth, his joyful and insightful sense of humor, and his love for his friends and siblings are all part of the irreplaceable void he leaves in our hearts.
We believe that Grant’s spirit is with us every day, watching over us and guiding us from where he now rests with his Dad. His memory continues to be a source of strength and comfort for our family.
For details on the Celebration of Life service to be held September 9th, 2023, and to contribute to the Memorial Fund in lieu of flowers, please visit:
This fund continues Grant’s commitment to lifelong learning and his desire to care for his siblings as they move into their own bright futures.
The family invites everyone who knew and loved Grant to attend the Celebration of Life and to share memories and photos on the website above. They would also like to give a heartfelt and appreciative thank you for all the friends in the community who encouraged and helped the family during their time of loss.
Grant Barnes, a man of unimaginable brilliance, charisma, and heart, will forever be remembered and missed.
Comments