Ward Grant, 75; publicist represented comedian Bob Hope and his family

Ward Grant, 75, longtime publicist for comedian Bob Hope, died Thursday of congestive heart failure at his Burbank home, according to his daughter, Tracy Grant Rubin.

Grant had served as director of media and public relations for Hope Enterprises Inc. since 1973, coordinating the comedian’s public appearances and TV work, and accompanying him on hundreds of appearances every year.

“They met, and it was instant kismet,” publicist Harlan Boll said Friday.

Grant also helped write and edit books for Hope and continued to represent the family after the entertainer’s death at age 100 in 2003.

Born and raised in Denver, Grant served in the U.S. Navy and received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado. He did public relations work for others, including Dorothy Lamour, Fess Parker, Eva Gabor and Phyllis Diller, before signing with Hope.