Keith Nish Grant, a faithful, thoughtful, and inspirational man, graced the world with his presence for 89 years. On December 16, 2023, he passed away doing one of the things he loved, feeding the cows on the ranch. He has left behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.

Born September 19, 1934, in Paso Robles, California, Keith was raised in the Bitterwater Valley of Cholame, California. His early years were marked by his time growing up on his family's sheep and cattle ranch. It was during these formative years that Keith learned the value of getting up early, hard physical work, and an appreciation for the cowboy way of life. He loved the open spaces and all aspects of ranching. Keith attended a one-room grammar school in Choice Valley and graduated from Shandon High School. At age sixteen he dedicated his life to God, believing and living the gospel of Jesus, and remaining faithful to this commitment until his death.

In 1955 Keith embarked on a new chapter in his life when, at a church convention, his path crossed with Betty Jean Stip. He knew he had met the "perfect woman" and they were married in June of that year. Their love story was a testament to mutual respect, shared values, and enduring love. Together they raised their three sons: Bruce, Greg (Jeanne), and Mark (Suzanne). They were blessed with 6 grandchildren: Anya, Shanda, Ryan, Cody, Madeleine, and Lauren; and twelve great-grandchildren: Brynleigh, Mackoy, Laiken, Tace, Taelyn, Brixton, Kash, Asher, Bowen, Blake, Dayton, and Taya.

Keith studied Soil Science and received his bachelor's degree from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. He began his career working at the Riverside Agricultural Experiment Station while pursuing a single-subject teaching credential in Mathematics at the University of Redlands. His first three years of teaching were at Perris High School in Perris, California. When his father passed away, Keith and his family returned to the Central Valley to assume managing responsibilities of the family ranch. In 1967 he became a math and chemistry teacher at Wasco High School and in addition, taught adult ESL and Driver's Education after school hours. He continued to be a weekend cowboy despite his busy teaching responsibilities. In 2001 he retired from teaching at Wasco High School after 34 years and became a full-time rancher. He was the recipient of Kern County Cattleman Association's 'Cattleman of the Year' in 2015.

His commitment and unwavering dedication earned him numerous accolades and respect from his peers. He was motivated by the growth and success he saw in his students and in the understanding that he could play a part in shaping their future lives. Many of his students have kept in touch with "Mr. Grant" throughout the years; he was always happy to see a former student as he went about his routine business in the Wasco community. One of his favorite pastimes was to acquaint himself with friends or strangers as it was easy for Keith to start a conversation, because he truly had an interest and concern for others.

But his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were his pride and joy. Moments spent with them out at the ranch, during family celebrations, and just simply being at home, created lasting memories. He loved to quiz the children about math and science, and he often shared with others his knowledge of ranching and the "proper technique to crease a hat".

He showed remarkable patience and love when faced with the illness and subsequent loss of Betty, the "love of his life", who died from Parkinson's in 2019. In addition, he was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Vikki; and his siblings, Robert Grant, Ellen Donaldson, and Douglas Grant.

A memorial service will be held on December 28th at 10:00 AM at the SMBC, 400 Kern Street, Shafter, CA.

There will also be a visitation at Peters Funeral Home, 844 East Lerdo Hwy. in Shafter, on Wednesday, Dec 27th, from 5-8 PM.