William Hayes "Bill" Grow

William Hayes “Bill” Grow, age 100, of Grants Pass, died Sunday, October 4, 2009 at Oaklane Retirement.

Recent birthday celebrations were held. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

Memorial donations may be made to National Braille Association, 95 Allens Creek Road, Bldg 1, Suite 202, Rochester NY 14618.

Bill was born August 29, 1909 in Glenns Ferry, Idaho to James & Muad Grow. At the age of six his family moved to Ogallala, Nebraska. He graduated from High School in 1928 where he was active in three sports, football, basketball and track. He was a very decorated sports star with many awards and ribbons. Over the years he worked as a machinist and for the railroad and finally the job of his choice, farming. In the 1930’s he moved to Alaska with his brothers, Jim and David where they purchased over 100 acres and a homestead. He farmed and grew everything. That was his passion. He met the love of his life that became his wife, Delia. They retired and moved to Grants Pass in 1977 where he gardened and cared for fruit trees. After Delia died he remarried in the 1980’s to Arlene. At the age of 86 he became involved and very dedicated with the 12 step program. He had many friends at Oaklane Retirement.

His hobbies included working in his workshop and spoiling his grandchildren, which he did best. His sense of humor and wit is what he will be most remembered for. Bill was an unbelievable, generous man and always donated to many charities.

His hobbies included gardening, canning, traveling to Yuma, Arizona for the winter and watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow.

Survivors include grandchildren, Nikole Connors (Patrick) and Kerry Burleson (Mark); great-grandchildren, Tyson, Taya, Tally and Tegan Connors and Jake and Paige Burleson, whom he adored and loved hearing about all their sporting events and his good friend, Bob.

Preceding him in death was a son, parents, two wives, one sister and three brothers.