Grant was Hope's right hand man

Publicist dies at age 75

By ASSOCIATED PRESS

Ward Grant, the longtime publicist of Bob Hope who pushed to have Burbank Airport renamed after his late boss, died Thursday of congestive heart failure in Burbank, Calif. He was 75.

Grant was the director of media and public relations for Bob Hope and Hope Enterprises for 33 years.

Grant was the moving force behind the entertainer's whirlwind schedule of appearances, TV specials and books during his later life. He also worked to preserve Hope's legacy after his death at age 100 in 2003.

"He was also such a workhorse," said Phyllis Diller, a friend and occasional client of Grant. "He took care of his client, my dear Bob Hope, like he was his guardian angel."

A native of Denver and a U.S. Navy veteran, Grant graduated from the University of Colorado. He became an independent publicist working for personalities including Dorothy Lamour, Fess Parker, Eva Gabor and Ned Beatty.

When he signed on with Hope, he became a fixture at the comedian's side during his travels and public appearances. He co-authored Hope books like "Dear Prez, I Wanna Tell Ya."

"Ward was our go-to man," said Hope's daughter, Linda. "He was the most conscientious, warm person and always filled with good humor and good will, a great asset to my dad and the Hope family."

He is survived by a daughter.