Grant CLOSE Obituary

Dear Sandy and family
I am sorry to be so late to send my condolences on Grant’s passing I was so sad to hear this and have been thinking of you all.
I will always remember all the very welcome lovely and fun times with you both in Singapore. Grant did so many inspiring things in his life and sounds like (as I can well imagine) he was a fantastic father and family member.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you find your way with him in your hearts.

I remember meeting Grant over 20 years ago when I installed his brand new Riccarton Placemakers store. We very quickly became great friends and I miss his so much as each time I traveled to Christchurch from Hamilton we always had a great hug. I will miss that very much. Love to his whole family. Jim crain sr. Hamilton retired

Hi Sandra and family. A belated offering of condolences on the passing of Grant. I was shocked and saddened to hear the news.
I was privileged to have Grant as my Officer Commanding in Singapore and shared the experience of diving on the British warships in the South China Sea. He was a great Officer to serve under and inspired me to pursue a commission from the ranks. He had a truly authentic and approachable nature that engendered loyalty and commitment from those he lead.
My thoughts are with you and the family in this challenging time.
Toby Bach
Waikanae Beach

I am very shocked and saddened to hear of the news of Grant's passing. I knew him and Sandra from his time in the military, now a long time ago. He was a very talented person, businessman, and of course a loving husband, father and grandfather. He has been taken too soon. There is a Swahili saying - "Anokufa awachaye wana afurahi, haifi hayati, tawi hufa uhai hukaa.
The one who dies leaving children let that person rejoice! Life does not die; the branches die, life goes on." My heartfelt condolences to Sandra and her family. Ants (Kenya).

Such an unimaginable loss for you Sandra and for your family. We have so many happy memories from when we and our little girls were great friends at playgroup and kindy in Khandallah. We all had such fun times, always enjoying Grant's sense of humour and his ability to make the most of every moment and get the best out of life. Whenever we reconnected over the years it was like no time had passed since we last got together and there was never enough time. Rest in peace Grant, you were one of life's exceptional characters, we were lucky to have called you our friend.

Eternal Rest Grant. Memories of you when we were in the NZ Army together back in 1980 when you first came back from RMC Duntroon. Condolences to your wife and family

It was very upsetting to hear of Grants passing. I had the pleasure of meeting and working with him in business for many years. I always found Grant´s leadership enlightening and rewarding. He was a dedicated leader and an amazing mentor. The attitude and performance of his staff was a true reflection of his strength as a leader in his business and indeed the market. It was a real honour and privilege to get to know Grant through work and on a personal basis.
My sincere condolences go out to Sandra and all his family.
Andrew Paterson

Grant Close was a wonderful human being & always lead from the front. We have lost a great man & I'm a better man for having the honour & privilege of walking with him, whether it be in the bush, in the city, on the golf course, or in the vineyards. Sincere condolences to Sandy, Jessica, Emily, Edward & the Grand Kids. From John, Claire & the Walters Family.

So sad to hear about Grant. He was one of the most impressive leaders I met in all the years I spent running leadership development and strategic planning sessions. I so admired his drive, enthusiasm, questioning mind, sense of curiosity, supportive and encouraging style. He really stood out. My thoughts go out to family and friends. Gone too soon. Regards Sandy Hollis

So very sad to hear of the passing of Grant, one of our best men in our wedding party, in 1985. Fond memories of him burning rubber in the Ford Fairlane while we waited for the showers to clear during photos. Our deepest condolences to Sandy, Jessica, Emily and Edward.

I am very sad to hear of my dear friend's passing. I enjoyed his company and golf every time I visited from Hamilton. Rest in peace brother. love to all. jim crain sr. retired USAF retired

Shocked and saddened to hear of Grant's passing. I worked at PlaceMakers National Office for 10-years from 2007 and our paths crossed weekly through my national role there. Grant was always focused and passionate in everything he put his mind to. I particularly recalled his leadership and compassion through the earthquakes. A true inspiration to all. Condolences to Sandra and family.

Grant used to come into where I worked 2010-2014. After every earthquake, he would bring his colleagues/staff in for a coffee/debrief/meeting. While we were working really hard to make sure everyone was taken care of, with their food and Coffee orders, he would stop and take the time to look us in the eye and ask us how we were. I never forgot that. What a kind and considerate man. I´m so sorry to hear of his passing.

So very sorry to hear about Grant's passing my thoughts are with you Sandra and the family at this very sad time
Take care Regards
Ross Norton

My sincere condolences to you and the family at this very sad time, what a shock to us all and everyone that knew him he was a good man
Kind regards to you all Ross Norton

Deepest Sympathy. A kind & generous man whose company & hospitality we enjoyed when he first took over Placemakers on our many building business trips overseas. Kay & Peter Hood

Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Grant. Thoughts and love to Sandra, Kids and family. Grant was certainly a man that stood out in a crowd. A great leader, motivator and much more. Working at PM Riccarton was some of the best years. The knowledge I gained and personal development have always inspired me to be my best in customer service and life in general, thanks to Grant and what he made available with working at PM. Love and Hugs Juliet Hall aka Boo

I can clearly remember the day Grant arrived at PlaceMakers Riccarton..he immediately hit the ground running...and never stopped his the whirlwind of change.
Grant was one of the most intelligent men I have met. His inspiration and generosity and leadership were to behold.
Condolences to Sandra and Family.
Rest in Peace Grant.

Please accept the heart felt condolences of the Gray family. I worked with Grant while in a role at Placemakers and was fortunate during that time to meet Sandra and the kids. A very sad time for you all and one that has come far to soon. Rest in peace Grant.

Grant at 100mph. In all things where we had a connection he was so incredibly driven and passionate. Sometimes it was like being too close to the sun. And in hearing this terrible news I again feel touched by that energy and spirit. Sandy, we are so sorry for you and your family. We are blessed to have shared a little time with this truly one of a kind fellow. All our love. Andy and Leecia Burford

Sarndra and whanau, Grant was an amazing leader and nurturer of many people that he crossed paths with in his lifes journey , i was one of those blessed by having crossed his Path - he had an amazing ability to inspire and take you on a journey that you really wanted to be apart of. He was a man of great standing and could put you at ease with a few words. He inspired me to do things i never thought i would be able to do! He had Vision and he was a true Rangatira
"Kua hinga he totara i te wao nui a Tane"
"A totara has fallen in the forest of Tane"

be at peace now
sending aroha to you and your extended whanau at this terrible loss

Rest in peace Closie. Love ya mate

Dear Sandy and Family,

We are truly deeply saddened to hear about Grant. Our thoughts are with you through this extremely difficult times. We hold very fond memories of Grant and your family.

With all our love, Louise John George and Nathalie

Mark and I are deeply saddened to hear of Grants passing. He was an inspiration to all wishing the construction industry. Mark and Kim ex Independent Doors Limited