09/10/2026
Bob and I became fast friends with Grant back in the Northern Grill days, back before he started working with us at Hat Head more than twenty-some years ago. We were surprised—and flattered—when he asked us for a job. This was before we even had an embroidery machine, where his true artistic talents would eventually shine.
We never really thought of Grant as an employee. He was our friend, our kid brother, working side by side (or head by shoulder) with us all these years.
A true artist, Grant thrived as he learned the art of embroidery. He was forever learning, tinkering, experimenting—and teaching us all along the way. He loved creating hats for the store, and for customers (especially those he liked) and watching their ideas come to life.
Over time, he quietly created his own culture at “Hats,” as he and others would affectionately call it. He designed his own “uniform,” hired his own friends, somehow made drinks, snacks and lunch magically appear, and, of course, set his 3 p.m. phone alarm to the sound of a crow ca-cawing—our cue for a parting shot of Bitters before he headed off to Barringer’s.
And just like a kid brother, Grant knew exactly how to push our buttons. He was punctually late every day. He played edgy store music with some obscure cultural relevance that only he knew about. He created artwork with clever file names that only he could find.
Grant was never one to read the room or appeal to the masses. In fact, he took tremendous joy in the opposite—finding that one person who understood his obscure choice of music, got the joke, or discovered and bought his Sportsball! hat he had created.
An old soul with a kid’s heart, Grant somehow seemed to remain ageless over the years as so many fellow employees passed through our doors. He connected with high school and college kids as easily as he did with people his own age. He had a kind and welcoming spirit that quickly made employees feel comfortable and then promptly found pathways to tease them just the right amount.
I loved working up front with him. We were like two kids in the back of the classroom, pushing the envelope, messing with the teacher, and seeing just how much we could get away with. We shared countless giggles, inside jokes, made up phrases, knowing glances.
Bob and I are inconsolably heartbroken over the unexpected loss of our friend, Grant. He was loved by so many, and we know there are so many people grieving alongside us right now. Our deepest sympathies to his troubadour of friends, his love Steph, his sister Val, and his mother, Rhea. Thank you for sharing your son’s bright light with this world.
We will miss his talent. We will miss his humor. We will miss his wrap around hugs. We will miss the mischief, the creativity, and all the little things that were uniquely Grant.
But most of all, we will miss our friend.
We love you, Grant.
