Obituary of Grant Buehrig

Reston, VA - Grant Sanders Buehrig left us too soon on September 25, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. Oldest son to Dr. Milton and Eleanor Buehrig, he was born in Boston, MA on November 10, 1943.  Grant leaves behind his loving wife Aquina (nee Hinson). They shared over 50 wonderful years of marriage.  He also leaves behind his son Grant Jr,  daughter Erika and son-in-law Tim Carlson and their daughters Ella, Caroline, and Hannah as well as his siblings Bruce Buehrig, Mark Buehrig, and Anne Buehrig Orkney. Grant was very proud of his children and grandchildren

 

Grant graduated from high school in 1961 from Carlinville, Illinois with the American Citizenship Award and the values of a small midwest town. Grant lived by the Boy Scout oath which was reflected in his life commitments and served to guide his principles and values. In 1965 he graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.  After graduation, Grant joined the US Army to serve in Vietnam from 1968-1969 as a first Lieutenant with the 9th Infantry Division and MACV. Grant saw action in the 1968 Tet Offensive and May Offensive. Grant was awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star with V, and the Combat Infantry Badge among other military decorations. After returning home, he obtained his Masters of Arts in Economics from Southern Illinois University. While working on his doctorate in Economics from the University of Oklahoma (which he later completed in 1982), he met and married Aquina. They moved to Reston, where Grant had a successful career with the Central Intelligence Agency advising top officials and the executive branch as an economic analyst. He and Aquina devoted themselves to their family and community. Grant believed in his work and his country. 

 

Grant had an insatiable quest for knowledge and was committed to a life of learning and curiosity. His internal strive to be the best he could be was evident in his devotion to work, family, and sport. He was active physically and mentally. He was the best kind of perfectionist. He was friendly and courageous. People will remember him as loyal and courteous. 

 

He loved to be active, travel, engage with people, and spend time with his grandchildren. His favorite trips were with family and friends, including annual ski trips, class reunions, beach vacations, visiting family, and traveling overseas.  Grant had a passion for tennis and also enjoyed golfing, skiing, hiking, and mastering the game of chess with friends. 

 

In all aspects, he was cheerful and thrifty but spared no expense of attention or love for Aquina and the happiness of his family. Grant always gave back and helped others. He proudly volunteered for Honor Flight, honoring American Veterans and supported social justice organizations. He was an active member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.

 

Finally, once an Eagle Scout, always an Eagle Scout. For those that knew Grant, his commitment to the Scout oath never waned:

 

On my honor, I will do my best

To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law;

To help other people at all times;

To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.

 

 

With full military honors he will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery.

 

A special thank you to the staff of Beebe Medical Center in Lewes, DE for the care and compassion they provided to Grant and his family. 

 

The recitation of the Rosary for Grant will be held at St. John Neumann Catholic Church on Sunday, October 8th at 6:00pm.  

 

 The Rite of Christian Burial funeral mass for Grant will be at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Reston on Monday, October 9th at 10:30am with a reception at the church to follow.

 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.