Jeffery Stewart Grandy, 47, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2012. Jeff was born in Helena, Mont., on May 11, 1965.

Jeff was easily understood with simple answers to complicated questions. His answer to this would have been he had a mountain to climb or a lineman to meet. Jeff was the cement that held everything and everyone together. He built a foundation for all to follow in living an absolute life. So abundant and plentiful with his love, kindness and time for others that not a day went by when he wasn’t helping someone. Jeff set the bar extremely high. His character was honest and sincere and he always told you straight up. He believed in working hard and his passion was the trade and pride of that of a lineman. However, without a doubt and without fail, the top priorities in Jeff’s life were his two sons.

Jeff was a pillar of a man, so strong in every way possible with an enormous, genuine heart. Jeff gave to so many, it’s impossible to count. You didn’t have to know Jeff for very long and you knew you had a lifelong friend and he called you by name. For all, his generosity was there for the taking. Knowing and being a part of Jeff’s life is the greatest gift any of us could ask for. He wouldn’t want anyone to feel sorrow because it ended, but rather happiness because he made the journey happen. Jeff wasn’t along for the ride. He was the ride.

Jeff loved hunting with Cody, skiing with Colten and hiking the hills with Gene. At any given time, he always had a wingman. Jeff’s entire life was an adventure and his destination has been reached.

Most recently, Jeff was the assistant director of Mountain States Line Contractors Apprenticeship and Training.  Jeff was the mentor and wise advisor to numerous apprentices entering a distinguished profession. Prior to entering into his new life-changing career, Jeff began as an apprentice lineman with Williams Construction after graduating from the Lineman’s School of Trade in Jackson, Minnesota. Jeff went on to become a journeyman lineman with Northwestern Energy. Before moving back to Montana, he was an electrician for Hormel Foods in Austin, Minnesota. Jeff attended Montana State University and spent time in the US Navy.

Jeff is survived by his sons, Cody and Colten, wife, Rhonda, parents, Lonnie and Gene. Sisters and brother-in-laws, Becky and Colin Douglas, Nicole and Lee Rice and Heidi Renshaw. Brother and sister-in-law, Ryan and Magalie Belanger. Nieces and nephews Amanda, Rachel, Colby, Tyler and Ryan, Ali and Bastien.

Never forgotten in Jeff’s life are his like-brothers Matt Wendt, John Kennedy and Mike Glueckert.

One could never overlook his hundreds of brothers and sisters throughout Montana in the IBEW. He was honored to be a part of you.

He is preceded in death by his brother, Jerry.

A celebration of Jeff’s life will take place at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012, at the Gateway Center, 1710 National Ave. A reception will follow at the Gateway Center.  In lieu of flowers, the family has established a trust fund for Cody and Colten at Rocky Mountain Credit Union, 3400 N. Montana Ave.  Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family condolences or share a memory of Jeff.

Jeff says, “Find your strength and carry on exactly where we left off.”