Donald Grant

Donald Alton Grant

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Donald (Don) Alton Grant, November 7, 2020 in Ottawa at the Redwoods Retirement Residence in his 93rd year.  Don was born on July 12, 1927, to parents Eugene and Georgina Grant in Detroit, Michigan.  He grew up on a farm with his parents and two brothers, Malcolm, and Alan (predeceased) in Pictou, Nova Scotia.  He married Viola Helen Hanson on September 20, 1950 and they had three children, Bruce, Sylvia, and Leah.  Don had three grandchildren, Lana, Jayme and Karik.

Don attended Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia with a Masters in Geology.  He worked as a Research Scientist for the Department of National Defence.  His career gave him the opportunity to travel to many interesting places around the world.  He participated in Artic Military Maneuvers and Expeditions, and anti-submarine warfare exercises (to name a few) for strategic studies and operational research to protect our wonderful Country.  By gosh, he was a brilliant man and had such a strong work ethic.  While working on a top secret assignment, Don was in a plane crash off the coast of British Columbia bank in the 50’s.  Although 3 of the 19 persons aboard the RCAF Canso amphibian drowned, he and others were rescued by a fishing barge that luckily happened to be nearby.

Don loved to hike.  He was a member of the Rideau Trail Association and led several hikes, some as far as Ottawa to Kingston.  He loved to cross country ski in the Gatineau Hills every chance he had.  In his retirement years, he started painting and writing.  He had such a creative imagination, and it showed in his drawings and stories.  He loved nature and wildlife.  He inspired others to take pleasure in the simple thing’s life has to offer.

Don will be deeply missed by his family.  He was such kind and caring man, and we will miss his sense of humor, his giggles, his creative eye for photography, his unique perspective on the world and our long chats with cookies and tea.

At Don’s request, there will not be a Funeral service. The family will gather together sometime in the coming Spring to sprinkle his ashes at his favorite places, and raise a glass to this amazing husband, father, and grandfather.

"God saw you were getting tired, and a cure was not to be.
So he put His arms around you and whispered, 'Come to Me.'"

Please consider a donation in Don’s memory to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation at https://foundation.ottawaheart.ca/make-a-donation/ways-to-give/.