Donald Grant

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Donald Harvey Grant, on May 29, 2023, at Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie after a brief illness. Donald Grant will be sadly missed by Joyce Grant (nee Caldwell), his beloved wife of  61 years. He will be fondly remembered by his sister Joan McEachern (nee Grant) and husband Donald McEachern, brother-in-law Alan Caldwell, his nieces Judi Dunbar(Ken), Elizabeth McEachern, Shelley McEachern, grandnieces Amanda, Meaghan, Katelyn, Jessica, Lindsay, and grandnephew Ryan. Donald ”Don” Grant was predeceased by his parents, Harvey and Cora (nee McEwen), his niece Heather Devine (Pat), and his beloved daughter, Jennifer, the mother of his grandchildren Echo-Lyn Grant-Ramsay, and Carson Grant-Ramsay. 

Donald Harvey Grant was born June 11, 1934, in Englehart, Ontario, where he soon learned a love for the outdoors. As a young man, Don enjoyed playing hockey and baseball. He was also known to be a good dancer and would join in with square dancing. He had a great sense of humour and an infectious laugh. He didn’t mind telling a good joke. Don graduated from Teacher’s College in North Bay, Ontario and began his first teaching job at Niagara On the Lake. He also taught in Trenton, Ontario, Simcoe County and several different Schools in the Barrie, Ontario area. He met the love of his life, Joyce Caldwell, also a teacher and soon both school bells and the wedding bells rang on July 14, 1962. 

Don was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also liked building things. His love of the outdoors and keenness for creating was evident when he drew up the plans for his most heartfelt project: … “The Cottage.” As the years went by, soon there were docks, decks, stairs and chairs. When the building subsided, there was plenty of time for boating and sailing. These were some of his most creative and happiest moments. 

Don’s school days took a permanent recess after 45 years in front of the blackboard. If you ever wanted to look him up, you would likely find him at “the cottage.” The saddest moment of his life was losing their only daughter Jennifer to cancer in 2015, which took the wind out of his sails. He also missed the Hiranos, who were long-time friends at the cottage. Don will be forever in the hearts of his family, many friends, students and fellow cottagers on Lake Joseph. 

Special thanks to Doctor Poonja and the nursing staff with the Integrated Stroke Rehab Floor, 3 North B of  Royal Victoria Hospital, Barrie. Special thanks to long-time friends, The Spearins and Sylvia Dufresne. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.