Donald Grant

The only child of James (Jimmy) and Ethel (Ruthie) Grant. Don grew up in Toronto and Winnipeg.

Keen hockey player, often the captain, lover of dogs, cribbage with his Grandad Pamp, and VROOM.

Don parlayed his love of cars to a career. He attended The General Motors Institute, graduating in 1958. Then he took a position at the Toronto Truck Branch in the service department. While working at the “Branch” Don met switchboard operator Gladys McCune, marrying in 1964. In ‘67 GM transferred Don to Brandon where they welcomed their first child, Lori Dawn. At that time Don was traveling the wilds of Manitoba (with a trunk full of candles, sleeping bags, coats, in case...) visiting dealerships. In 1969, Erin Ruth came along in their new home of Winnipeg. Then James Jason in 1972 back in Brandon.

Back in Winnipeg, on Voyageur Ave, the family spent weekends camping at Morden’s Meadows. Running in between the black flies and mosquitoes with the Borsas and the Days. “Superstition” on the 8 track out of Don’s car, doors wide open. A marshmallow was, or never could be, so correct as in the 70’s with Stevie.

1976 the Grants are in Calgary, Don with GM.

After a lot of moving, the couple decide that Don’s touring days were over and he took a job with the Carter Group, heading up the Service Department. Don had a successful and prosperous run with the management team at Carter’s. He made many friendships and connections that still exist today.

Don and Gladys decide, now that the kids are disbursing, it is time to find out what real graft is about quit their jobs and sell their entire world to buy a motel in 1991.

The Lido is a motel that accommodates about 30 with 10 fully functioning kitchens, in Radium B.C. With loads of culturally required flowers and a giant side yard. They do this on their own, handling everything from the books to bed changing. Adopt a puppy, Hershey: child number 4. Don called his children (and Gladys) Hershey first before correcting himself for the rest of his life. We did not mind.

They sell off the Lido to a lovely German couple and move back to Calgary to attempt retirement Don and Gladys find a bungalow in Midnapore in 2000 to grow vegetables and bask in deserved parental and societal desserts. This wee house held many joyous occasions, the marriage of Jamie and Ashley in 2013, the marriage of Lori and James in 2016 and most importantly welcoming granddaughter Ella McCune in 2014. D&G make genuine friendships with the neighbours (and their dogs).

Eventually they move into United Active Living, where Don plays pool and fixes other residents' vehicles in the parking garage. Hosting friends and family in the dining room. They make yet more friends.

Don passed on Monday, July 24, 2023. He is having a beverage with BB, Etta, John Lee, and wee Erin. We miss him deeply, our sorrow only outweighed by our gratitude for having him as a husband, father, grampa, and friend.

A Celebration of Life will be held for family and friends on Sunday, August 27, 2023 from 1:00pm - 4:00pm at Carter Cadillac, 649 Heritage Dr S.E.

In lieu of flowers, donations to The Mustard Seed, are much appreciated.