James Grant Riddell

Grant was born in Lachute, QC on June 27, 1931. He was the sixth of Horace and Olive (nee Kerr) Riddell’s eight children, all boys. Grant graduated from Lachute High School where he was the starting goaltender for the hockey team.

Grant worked in Montreal following high school, but regularly returned home on his days off to visit friends and family, and play hockey. On one of his trips home Grant visited Kerr’s Farm in Lakefield, QC, where he met the love of his life, Frances Mary Taylor. In 1956 Grant and Fran wed, beginning their 66 years of marriage.

The following year Grant and Fran’s first child, Debra Lee (Debbie), was born in Montreal. At the time Grant was employed by Northern Electric Wire and Cable and would remain a company man for most of 40 years, until his retirement in August 1995.

Beginning in 1958, Grant and family began their gradual migration to the west coast. The first stop was Winnipeg where William Grant (Bill) joined the clan in 1961. That same year the family packed up and headed to Calgary for a five year layover, before moving on to Richmond, BC, in 1967. In Richmond, Grant and Fran enjoyed an active social life with their many friends at South Arm United Church as well as their Lucas Road neighbors.

In 1974, a job transfer for Grant took the family to Prince George, BC. Here Grant was able to rekindle his love for downhill skiing and the rest of the family attempted to match his impeccable style on the slopes. Grant and Fran also got active in the curling club in PG, and enjoyed the sport for many years.

In 1978, Grant and Fran relocated to Richmond and were happily reunited with their church family at South Arm United. The church choir was grateful to have Grant return as he possessed a rich baritone voice which benefitted several church choirs over many years. Grant also enjoyed being a member of the New Westminster based Amabilis Singers for two decades.

Grant and Fran enjoyed their retirement years in White Rock, BC beginning in 2003. Here they made many new friends, enjoyed time with family, and maintained old friendships. They were always available to help others whenever a need arose. As usual, Grant was actively involved in their church, Crescent United, and volunteered his time with the South Surrey Food Bank.

Grant leaves behind his loving wife, Fran (his “Frannie”), two children, Debbie (Roger) and Bill (Kim), and his granddaughters Katherine and Paige (Nick). He is also survived by sister-in-laws, Shirley, Bea, Pat and Jean, brother–in–laws, Winston and John, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Grant’s life will be held. Details will be forthcoming.

If so inclined, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer Society of British Columbia, or the Abbotsford Food Bank.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hendersonsabbotsfordfunerals.com for the Riddell family.