Robert William Grantham

Robert Grantham retired as Vice President of First Insurance Company of Hawaii in 1992. In 1984 he was the chairman of the Hawaii Insurance Guaranty Association when Hawaii experienced the first insolvency of a domestic insurer. Grantham guided the association in resolving some 5,000 unpaid claims of the 26,000 auto policyholders left high and dry. Working as a lobbyist for the insurance industry at the State legislature he was instrumental in the recodification of the Insurance Code in 1987 and the formation of the property insurance fair plan to provide coverage for homeowners on the big island as a result of damage from lava flows. After retiring he worked for attorneys as an expert witness in Insurance practices for 16 years. Runaway property taxes in 2006 and 2007 caused him to form a grassroots organization, PROPERTY TAX RELIEF NOW and he became known at City Council as a tax activist. Born and raised in Philadelphia he and his family came to Hawaii in 1978. Predeceased by wife June E. Grantham and son Robert W. Grantham Jr. He is survived by his children: Joy E. Berentes, Ruth M. O'Connell, and Carl J. Grantham, 13 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.

As some people journey through life, they leave footprints wherever they go.

Footprints of kindness and love, courage and compassion, humor and inspiration, joy and faith.

Even when they are gone, we can still look back and clearly see the trail they left behind.

The trail, bright with hope that invites us to follow.

Robert William Grantham was born on March 22nd, 1931 in Philadelphia, PA. He had

one brother and one sister.

Bob left school at the age of 14, so that he could work to help support his family.

Through self education and a strong work ethic, Bob earned a job as an adjuster for an insurance

company.

In 1953, he met June Hess. They married in 1954. They had four children named Joy,

Robert Jr., Ruth and Carl. Bob and June were married for over sixty years, until June’s death in

2015.

As Bob worked his way up the corporate ladder, June kept a home in order for the

children and her mother, MomMom. MomMom lived with June prior to their marriage, and Bob

agreed that she would always remain with June if she wanted a home with them.

In 1977, Bob made one last career move to Hawaii. When he retired from corporate

insurance he started his own expert witness business. His business success and Bob’s income

enabled him and June to enjoy many cruises. They travelled all over the world on the QEZ, QMZ

and other world class liners. They met new friends around the globe to add to lifelong friends

from all over the U.S.

One can hardly think of Bob, without June at his side. They are now reunited in Heaven,

dancing among the stars, smiling and laughing in the playful way we’ve all seen. We love you,

Rest in peace.