In Memory of Brian Granstrom
In Memory of Brian Granstrom
Brian Granstrom
Spouse: Chieko Granstrom
Children: Leon, Julia, Eileen, Irvin, Miyuki, Issac
Birthdate: September 11, 1956
Blessing: July 1, 1982
Ascension Date: November 27, 2021
Seonghwa Ceremony: December 11, 2021
Brian Tracy Granstrom was a loving husband, devoted father, and (his favorite) a goofy grandpa. He was born on September 11th, 1956 in Seattle, WA to Catherine and William Granstrom. He was the fifth son in a family of seven children. While growing up in Seattle, WA, Brian was an inquisitive child; he loved exploring the outdoors and marshes, learning to ride his bike on the newly paved and unopened I-5. He discovered the guitar and then proceeded to bring the instrument and his voice with him everywhere he went.
After he finished high school, Brian took his adventurous spirit on the road as he shrimp-fished in Sequim, WA, lived with his sister in Hawaii, and, deterred from going abroad by the Iran Hostage Situation, he landed in San Francisco where Brian joined the Unification Church in January 1980. He was asked to join the German CARP band, Blue Tuna, working with Tiger Park in 1981. He would then live in Germany for the next 11 years where he performed at hundreds of concerts on college campuses, parks, Irish pubs, and the Berlin Wall. He also attended international CARP conventions in Korea, Japan, Thailand, England, France, and the US. Brian ensured Hyo Jin Nim had the equipment needed for his convention performances and often joined him on stage.
Brian was Blessed and married to Chieko on July 1st, 1982 in Madison Square Garden with his parents in attendance. He and Chieko had six children: Leon, Julia, Eileen, Irvin, Miyuki, and Issac. His parents and brothers visited them several times and also attended Divine Principle workshops.
Once the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, Blue Tuna toured in Poland and Eastern European countries. Brian and his family were also sent on missionary trips for a month at a time to the previously closed country of Czechoslovakia. Brian returned to his hometown of Seattle in December 1992. To provide for his growing family, Brian began working at Shining Ocean. Brian and Chieko then had Irvin, Miyuki, and Issac.
Brian would say his long-standing gig was at the Seattle Family Church, where he served as Music Director for 30 years. He performed, ran the sound system, wrote, and put together the church bulletin, cheerfully convincing both his children and friends to contribute. He was always the first one to arrive on Sunday and the last one to leave.
Brian lived a life of public service. Nearly every event: speech, summer camp, choir performance, Christmas party, holy ground prayer, he was there offering his time and service through song and sound system. He loved music, but he served because he loved God and the people in the community more.
When Brian became a grandfather, he found two new loves in life, Aika and Juna. In the fabric of such a rich life, he most enjoyed playing with his granddaughters, whether that meant making silly faces, going for a walk around the block, or taking a ferry ride.
Doing the right thing was the guiding principle of Brian’s life. Brian was a man of conviction and faith: he always worked hard to do what he thought was right and did it in the best way he knew how. He lived a prayerful life and when faced with any decision consulted scripture for direction. His thoughts were constantly occupied with asking how he can best serve God and True Parents.
Seonghwa Ceremony
The Seonghwa Ceremony will be on December 11, 2021 at the Seattle Family Church. In-person participation is by invitation only due to COVID-19 safety protocol.
Online participation will be available via Zoom and Facebook live. Links will be posted in our Seattle Family Church Facebook page and the Seattle Family Church website.
Donations can be made by GoFundMe at: https://gofund.me/a2ba72ca
Viewing will be on December 9 & 10 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Ballard Church
Flowers can be sent to the following address from December 9
For Morning Delivery, deliver to 7012 26th Avenue NW, Seattle WA 98117
For Delivery after 2:30 PM to 7:00 PM, deliver to church address: 7000 26th Avenue NW, Seattle WA 98117
Suggested Flower Shop: Ballard Blossom: 1111 NW 85th St, Seattle WA 98117
Email: customerservice@ballardblossom.com
Phone: 206-782-4213
Please make flower orders by Tuesday, December 7, 2021 if possible and mention that it is for Brian Granstrom's funeral service.
Wonjeon (Burial) Ceremony will be on December 11 at 2:00 PM
The address will be Bonney Watson Funeral Homes: 16445 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA 98188
