Douglas Alan Granner

GRANNER

Posted By: Tara (email)
Date: 11/27/2012 at 15:36:17

Douglas Alan Granner passed away on November 24, 2012 at his residence in Bickford Cottage in Iowa City. The cause of death was the accumulation of long-term effects of a brain tumor, and its treatment, which he dealt with for 53 years.

Doug was born on April 12, 1945 in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He spent his early years in Gilmore City then, in 1957, moved with his parents to Rockwell City where he graduated from high school in 1963. Doug was awarded a B.A .degree from Buena Vista College. He worked in social services for several years in Pocahontas, Sioux City, Creston and Kansas City. Medical issues forced a phased, early retirement in the 1980s. He then moved to Iowa City, where he resided for the rest of his life.

Doug's life course was tragically altered in 1959, at age 14, with the diagnosis of a brain tumor. He courageously endured a life-long series of surgical, radiation and medical treatments. His remarkable personality was manifest during this ordeal-he never once was heard to lament his fate. Rather, he was always cheerful, friendly and appreciative of the same behavior in return. His independent nature allowed him to live by himself to the end.

Doug enjoyed travel, and with life-long friends Don Laing and Scott Railsback, he toured Southeast Asia, the Middle East, England, Continental Europe and much of the United States. His favorite places were Petra in Jordan and Hawaii. As a talented photographer, these trips are well-documented. Another lifelong hobby was astronomy. It is quite likely that he would've enjoyed a career as an astronomer/physicist had he not been afflicted by such a serious illness at such a young age. After his first illness Doug considered a career in music, perhaps as a conductor, but this was derailed by the reoccurance of his tumor a few years later.

Doug’s remarkably long survival from a brain tumor amazed all of the medical team who cared for him. It is due to the good fortune of having received excellent medical care from several departments at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, including neurosurgery, neurology and general internal medicine. He enjoyed his residential time at Walden Place and Bickford Cottage. The family is very grateful to Tami Kray and the rest of the staff at Bickford Cottage, along with those at Hospice Compassus, who together provided comforting, high quality, end-of-life care for Doug.

Doug is survived by his son Nathan of Kansas City, his brothers Daryl (Nancy) of North Liberty and Steve (Bonnie) of Indianapolis, by his nephews and nieces Mark, Nikki, Ryan and Cara, and by great nephews and nieces Alex, Katie, Adeline and Nate. He has many cherished cousins. Lifelong friends Don Laing and Scott Railsback were always there to support Doug.

Memorial gifts should be directed to the Holden Cancer Center at the University of Iowa.