<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><head><meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=us-ascii"><meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)"><style><!--
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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#467886" vlink="#96607D" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>For those of you who knew and loved Grant, here is an excerpt from a recent post from<span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Segoe Script";mso-ligatures:none'> Gina E. Ouellette,</span> superintendent of the California School for the Blind, including a tribute from current President of CTEBVI, <span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Tracy Gaines</span>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Bill…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Dear Braille-N-Teach Community,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Many of you may have heard about the recent and unexpected passing of Grant Horrocks, current Executive Director and former President of CTEBVI. Grant had a positive impact on so many VI professionals, students, and families, and his passing is a major loss for the VI community. Tracy Gaines, current CTEBVI President, wrote the following beautiful message regarding Grant’s passing:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>***<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>For those who have not heard, last week, the B/VI field was devastated by the loss of Grant Horrocks. His passing has left an immense void in the heart of the CTEBVI community. For over a decade, Grant's passionate leadership and unwavering dedication shaped CTEBVI into the successful organization it is today. As Executive Director, Grant worked tirelessly behind the scenes, pouring his brilliant mind and warm spirit into making each conference a resounding success. Grant's impact extended far beyond his official roles. His mentorship and friendship enriched the lives of all who knew him, leaving us better for having worked alongside this remarkable man. Though measured and soft-spoken, Grant had the ability to connect with everyone--from CTEBVI members to hotel staff to his cherished piano students. Grant's legacy of service will live on.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>The board members and conference staff, though heavy-hearted, are more motivated than ever to deliver a spectacular 64th conference that honors Grant's memory. His spirit will surely be felt throughout the conference. While the CTEBVI community continues mourning this tremendous loss, all can find solace in the rich legacy Grant leaves behind. His indelible impact will never be forgotten. Thank you to Suzan, Grant’s wonderful wife, and his children, for sharing him with us for so many years.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>There will be a tribute to Grant during the conference banquet.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>***<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>We do not currently have information regarding memorial services, but we will share with the BNT community once we hear more.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div></body></html>