“She never had a bad word to say about anyone.”

“She was a glowing light.”

“She inspired children.”

These are just some of the direct quotes people have used to describe late, longtime local oboist, Stacey Grant. But those who knew her well would argue these quotes don’t do her justice.

Stacey passed away suddenly at a recent orchestra rehearsal.

She was only 49 years old and was a beloved member of the Kamloops Brandenburg Orchestra and the Thompson Valley Orchestra.

“It’s so unfair she was taken so soon. She had so much more to give,” said Vivian Grant, Stacey’s mom. “She had her struggles, but she pulled herself together and she was living a good life. She worked way too hard. I don’t know how she did it. She loved music. Her and her son had a great relationship. She loved him with all her heart. She loved life.

“[Music] was really important, like I said, she really went through some tough times. She was bipolar. When she didn’t take her meds, the music would get her through. That was her salvation, the music.”

Steve Powrie, Musical Director of Thompson Valley Orchestra and Stacey’s longtime friend also had some warm memories of Stacey.

“I taught her music way back when she was in elementary school and I started her on the oboe … well, she basically started herself on the oboe,” said Powrie. “It was the one instrument she wanted to play. I suggest she play clarinet for a year, but she didn’t want anything to do with that. Most kids don’t’ start oboe that young. It showed her independent spirit. Within two months, she was teaching me. She was a great pianist as well.

“[She was] a very caring person. In all the years I knew her, she never said anything bad about anyone,” said Powrie. “I think the legacy that carries on is her passion and love of music because in all her years of teaching, all the young people who picked up on her love of music.

“Her passion for music was everything. She had quite an impact on the community.”

This past Sunday, June 1, the Kamloops Brandenburg Orchestra had a concert A Bite of Opera. As a tribute, the KBO dedicated the concert to Stacey.

A celebration of life for Stacey is being held at the Delta Hotels Kamloops on June 22, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.