Grant L. and Mary Merrell Valentine papers, 1913-2005

Grant L. Valentine was born 11 September 1912 in Brigham City, Utah, to Rachel Hansen and Joseph W. Valentine. He attended public school, where he met his future wife, Mary Merrell (born 7 March 1912), daughter of Mary Rees and Charles William Merrell. The couple married on 1 September 1933 when Grant was attending the University of Utah. A member of the ROTC program, his unit was activated and he was shipped to the Pacific Theater where he served until 1945. He was discharged with the rank Lt. Colonel and served in the Army Reserve until 1972. He received a master's degree in Social Work from the University of Utah in 1952. He worked as a social worker and teacher prior to establishing a business in the oil and gas field. Grant and Mary were the parents of two daughters, Nancy and Christina. They enjoyed traveling, especially on freighters, and spent many happy months at sea. In later life the couple divided their time between Salt Lake City and Laguna Beach, California, where they were active in the Laguna Beach Lawn Bowling Club. Mary died in Salt Lake City in 2002. Grant died in Laguna Beach in 2005.