Henry Grant Theis ’42

Grant, a pioneer in college radio, died July 7, 2005, in Los Angeles from complications of pneumonia.

In 1940, while majoring in modern languages, Grant started WPRB, which was headquartered in Pyne Hall. WPRB (originally WPRU) was one of only a few college radio stations in the nation and used the University's electrical wiring systems to deliver news and music.

In January 1942 Grant enlisted in the Navy. During World War II, he helped build and direct the first Armed Forces Radio station in the Pacific, broadcasting out of the Aleutian Islands in Alaska and then later out of Peleliu in the South Pacific.

Discharged as a lieutenant junior grade, he joined CBS Television and rose to become director of West Coast operations during Television City's heyday in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Grant applied uncommon finesse, diligence, and enthusiasm to all his pursuits, whether it was fly fishing, raising orchids, or finishing furniture. He was a vestryman and member of the board at St. Matthew's Parish School in Pacific Palisades, and was past president of the Santa Monica Beach Club.

He loved his family: Jacquette, his wife of more than 50 years, their four children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. To them, the class extends deepest condolences.

The Class of 1942