Grant Hansen Southwick M.D.

Grant Hansen Southwick, esteemed physician and surgeon, died at home on September 12 of congestive heart failure.  He was born on January 26, 1926 in Salt Lake City to Mary Hansen  and George Merlin Southwick.  He was the second of six children raised in a close and loving family full of laughter and a commitment to serving others.

He married Janet Patterson Ellis in 1963.  She died in 1979. He enjoyed helping raise her children, Butch Ellis and Darcie (Gary) Sandberg.  Grant is survived by his beloved wife and companion of 30 years, Betty Nice Southwick.  They shared many joyous years boating, swimming and water skiing on Lake Powell with wonderful friends from surrounding Western states at the Bullfrog Marina.  He skied like Stein Eriksen, loved a delightful 18 holes of golf and, of course, enjoyed travel.   Grant loved a good joke, loved the weekly bridge game and told stories that left all roaring with laughter.  He was an avid handball player and generally the life of the party.  Grant had a wonderful smile and an infectious laugh.  He was enthusiastic and competitive in all his endeavors.

Grant attended Stewart Elementary, Roosevelt Junior High and East High schools. He attended the University of Utah prior to serving in the U.S. Navy during WW II, returning to complete his pre-med studies while also enjoying membership in the Sigma Chi fraternity.

Grant completed his M.D, degree at Temple University in June 1951 followed by an internship at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City.  He then completed his surgical training under the legendary surgeon George Crile II at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.  The practice of surgery at the Holy Cross Hospital (now Salt Lake Regional) and warm relationships with his many patients and colleagues fulfilled an incredible, rewarding career until his retirement in 1991.  His life was characterized by a strong sense of honor, integrity and superb intellectual abilities along with a powerful moral code that guided his life.

This distinguished surgeon and compassionate physician served on the medical staff at the Holy Cross Hospital in Salt Lake City from 1961 until his retirement in 1991.  He served as Chief of Staff at Holy Cross during 1973-74.  Grant was a member of the Ogden Surgical Society and the Salt Lake Surgical Society, serving a term as President of the latter organization.

Grant was preceded in death by his first wife, Janet; his sisters Mary Mitchell (Clark)  and Laura Jean, the latter at age four.  Survived by wife Betty; her daughter Machelle Sandhu and granddaughter Gabi Boyce, both of London, Ontario, Canada; brothers Paul (Blanche) and Dick (Sherrie) both of Ogden and sister Margaret Schwartz of Sunnyvale, California.  In addition there are many loving nieces and nephews who remember him fondly.

Grant chose to donate his body to the University of Utah College of Medicine.  At a later date, following cremation, his ashes will be spread over Lake Powell.   A celebration of his wonderful and exciting life will be held on Monday, September 24th from 5 to 7 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East in Salt Lake City.

Special thanks to his brother-in-law, Richard Nice and his daughter Machelle, for their support and assistance.  The family is deeply appreciative for the compassionate care given by the folks at Summit Home Health Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the charity of your choice.