To the Editor:

I am a funeral director. I have spent a lifetime dealing with death, loss, and grief. Those who work in this profession; the fields of health services, law enforcement, and fire/rescue service know very well the stress, and toll that goes along with each. When a death comes to the ones we work with and love, we have to balance our supportive efforts to the grievers; at the same time finding a way to face our own loss: no small task unto itself.

On November 18, 2015 my family, with Sam and Natalie (Brett's children), Lori Smith and her family, and Robert and Dorothy Grandaw and their family, suffered a great loss. Our beloved Brett David Grandaw: fireman, funeral director, and family man answered his final call to alarm. Brett's entire life was about serving others. From his entry into the Canton Volunteer Fire Dept. at age 18, he stood alongside his father and many other dedicated men and women serving their community, often placing their own lives in danger to help others.

That theme carried on in his 23 year career in professional fire service with the Hyannis, MA fire dept. Add the double duties of an EMT, paramedic, underwater recovery rescue diver, FEMA Disaster Relief Team member, and you get the picture of a man that simply gave all he had for the benefit of others.

Retiring from full time fire service he took up a career in funeral service. For me it was more than fate that brought Brett to our door in 2006. After a momentary interview I knew he was the right fit for our family. We all adopted Brett, and he adopted us.

It was not long and his lifetime passion drew him to join the Pierrepont Volunteer Fire Dept. Taking a further step he took his vast experience to a higher level and joined the NYS Fire Instructors Association. He loved to teach the younger firefighters. Few knew about his background experiences. His humorous and humble nature caused him to shy from notoriety.

I do not wish to upstage his family with this note of thanks, but I find myself compelled to acknowledge to the world some folks that helped support me and my family as we sought to console Brett's family. In the days leading up to his death the nursing staff, Dr. Atkinson, Dr. Spence, PA Tonya Seymour, at the ICU at Potsdam Hospital all gave your best to try to save Brett. It showed!

Second, the endless line of fire and rescue volunteers, from so many departments, I lost count, that filled our funeral home, and St. Mary's Church in Canton, and the massive procession of emergency apparatus showed overwhelming support to the Grandaw family. Chief Zach Cole and the Pierrepont Fire Dept., Working the St. Lawrence County Emergency Services staff, with help in co-ordination from Bob White and Bobby Crow of Potsdam F.D. (both personal friends of Brett), and the members of Canton Fire Dept. who's names I know not, helped to honor this very good man.

Many of my colleagues in the St. Lawrence County Funeral Directors Association came to the calling hours, sent floral designs and cards, provided support help, or phoned. Michael Frary of Frary Funeral Home, Ogdensburg; Barry Walsh, Canton College Mortuary Science Dept. Kathy, Roberta, Jerry and the staff of Witherbee & Whalen, in Canton; Joel Barr, Keith Bassett, June Wood, St. Law. County Coroner; Russell Lawrence, Island View Funeral Home, Morristown; and David Frary, Phillips Memorial Home, Massena; Brendon Hardy and Bruce Bombard of Donaldson Funeral Home in Massena, and Hugh Storms, my old friend who often came to my aid in years past, all came to offer their support, and to honor their colleague Brett Grandaw

I would like to acknowledge a special thank you to John and Brian Plonka from Buck Funeral Homes, Norwood/Colton/Norfolk; Witherbee & Whalen, Canton, Paul Makay and Sharon Lawrence from Lawrence Funeral Home, Canton; Steven Carey from O'Leary Funeral Home, Canton; Myke Leonard (my would be brother) from Spaulding Funeral Home, Malone; for their help in the preparation and presentation of the services to the Grandaw family. Last but not least I am indebted to my friend Chad Green, Donaldson Funeral Home in Massena for your expertise, and unparalleled support above all expectations. You all cared for me and mine, so we could care for Lori, Sam and Natalie, and the Grandaws. On behalf of my entire family I wish blessings to you all.

We are all richer for having had him in our lives.

Glenn L. Seymour

Seymour Funeral Home, Potsdam