Forrest Hillman Grant

Forrest H. Grant

Bangor

Forrest Hillman Grant, 94, passed away peacefully April 2, 2026 with his loving wife and family by his side.

He was born in Bangor, May 14, 1931 the son of Judson M. Grant, Sr. and Florence (Hillman) Grant.

Forrest attended Bangor schools and graduated from Gould Academy, Bethel, class of 1949. He attended Ricker College, Houlton, and graduated from the University of Maine in 1954, with a degree in Business Administration. Forrest was a member of the Phi Eta Kappa Fraternity.

He was a well-known Bangor area business man and entrepreneur. Forrest's business career started with his father, Judson, and his brother Judson "Bud" Grant, Jr. at Grant Trailer Sales. He was the owner of one of Bangor's earliest motels, The Wedgewood Arms. Forrest was also the owner of the Brewer Motor Inn, The Village Green, The Whitcomb Motel, The Gateway Motel, Madawaska, Plymouth Motel, Fort Fairfield, Calais Motor Inn, Cedar Haven Mobile Home Park, Brewer, Forrest Park, The Mill Mall, Ellsworth, and The Mill Mall Furniture. Forrest was a partner in the Stable Inn of Brewer, the Holiday Inn, Bangor, and the Queen City Mobil Home Park. He owned various apartment complexes and commercial real estate. His last business, of which he was very proud, is 304 Stillwater Avenue Furniture.

Forrest was active in community affairs. He was a lifetime member of the Columbia Street Baptist Church, Rising Virtue Masonic Lodge #10, Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Bangor and Portland, Anah Shriners and a former member of the Shrine Band, Jaycees of Bangor, Greater Bangor Chamber of Commerce, Bangor Lions Club, Toastmasters International, the former Tarratine Club and the Penobscot Valley Country Club.

Forrest played the drums since childhood. He was a member of the dance band, The Notemakers, during his high school and college years playing Jazz and Big Band tunes. Forrest was a Jazz enthusiast throughout his life.

He enjoyed much of his young life at Lucerne Lake with his family.

In later years Forrest and his wife, Anne, traveled throughout the United States and Canada. They enjoyed their many years in West Palm Beach, Florida and their cherished life in southern Maine. Together they shared their love of music, dancing, biking, swimming, and sailing.

Forrest treasured his good friends at his faithful morning coffee socials. Forrest's favorite times were gatherings with family.

He is proud of his membership in AA and his 50 years of sobriety. In his own words, "his greatest accomplishment."

Forrest lived a life defined by integrity, quiet strength and dedication. Through his honesty, sound judgement and strong work ethic he was well respected in the business community. He approached every endeavor with purpose, principle, and enthusiasm.

Known for his steady optimism, Forrest had a way of uplifting those around him. His enduring spirit will be remembered always. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the values he upheld and his passionate love of life.

He was predeceased by his parents, and brother Bud Grant.

He is survived by his beloved wife Anne of 43 years.

His six daughters Terry Grant and partner, Sue Emmert, Laurie Crane and husband, Donnie, Rebecca Sinclair and husband, Bob, Betsy Grant and partner, Elaine Stevenson, Janet Howell and husband, Bill, Julie Reed and husband, David; grandchildren, Jennifer Coombs, Carrie Johnson, Jeremy Karam, Shannon Karam, Deanna Karam, Cody McInnis, Julianna Prentiss, Joey Howell; eight great grandchildren.

Anne's daughters, Christine Miller and husband, Harold, Katherine Rundlett, Elizabeth Elowitch and husband, Harvey; and grandchildren, Westley Tucker, Alana Elowitch, Michael Elowitch, Christopher O'Rourke, Thomas O'Rourke, William O'Rourke, Sarah Herrick; two great grandchildren.

His sister Mary Lee McIntosh; several nieces and nephews.

Heartful gratitude to his loyal and faithful friends and a special thank you for the exceptional care from Gentiva Hospice.

Relatives and friends are invited to call 4 pm to 6 pm Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor, where a funeral service will be held 11 am Thursday, April 16, 2026. Private interment will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Bangor. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St., Bangor, following the service.

Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.