I told my daughter Ann about Grant just leaving us, she cried. When Ann was a young kid, I always took her to ZNA NorCal or any koi event, Ann always stands by Grant to listen and learn, each time we met, the first thing Grant asked was "how is Ann". I can tell how much he loves Ann. Hers is a picture of Grant and my daughter Ann. Grant is not just our koi teacher, who loved to teach and share his knowledge, but we are good friends.

Grant in action! Doing one of his favorite things to do...

A great friend and mentor. We shared the love for koi, passionate discussions about koi appreciate koi industry etc. and life itself. RIP my friend

A more recent photo of Grant and my daughter Jessica, still joined at the soul.

Grant was very much part of the Pan Intercorp Burkard/Schmidt family from way-back-when.
Here he is at the very first Koi Fest which was the precursor to the Nozomi Young Koi Show.
Standing next to him is my daughter Jessica, who absolutely adored him. Grant played an important part in instilling and cultivating the appreciation and understanding of the subtlety and elegance of Japanese culture, not only in my daughter, but in everyone that came into contact with him.

My Dear Friend, Grant, missing all the gatherings and enjoying good food with you and good friends.

Master Grant, Thank you for sharing all your knowledge to all of us. You will be missed.

I will miss our conversations!

As his hearing loss advanced, Pan Intercorp staff resorted to the written word to convey the koi show attendee's sentiments for the koi judge that gave so freely of his time and knowledge.

Grant explains a finer point of koi appreciation at the Nozomi Young Koi Show

Grant Judged the Nozomi Young Koi Show at Pan Intercorp almost every year.

So glad that I was able to visit with Grant recently. Grant, ganko oyaji, who was one of my dearest friends.

One more!

Grant was like a Grandfather to me. I learned so much from him and he always made me feel like family. I am so privileged to have had him in my life. Love you G!