David Kinnell Grant

‘Deacon’

September 20, 1922 – October 18, 2012

Sadly but peacefully, David Kinnell Grant passed away on October 18th at the West Park Manor, surrounded by family. He was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba September 20, 1922 and proudly resided there for the entire 90 years of his life.

Dave grew up in St. James, attending Strathmillan School and St. John’s College. He initially pursued becoming a chartered accountant however World War II changed this pursuit and he joined the Royal Canadian Navy. Upon leaving the Navy his passion for sport led him to the sporting goods industry. Dave began his career with Groff Agencies in the early fifties as a manufacturer’s agent and eventually moved to Cooper-Weeks Ltd (Cooper Canada) where he worked for the remainder of his career. He retired as Western Sales Manager in 1987.

Dave was known as “the Deacon” to his many friends and was a man of great integrity. He had a strong sense of tradition and took great pride in supporting the community. He was President of the Kiwanis Club of Winnipeg, a member of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Executive Committee, a member of the organizing committee for the 1967 Pan Am Games (baseball), a founding member of PASSWA, a member of the management support for Canada’s 1982 World Championship Hockey team that competed in Sweden, an active member of the Winnipeg Canoe Club and Winnipeg Ski Club and a long time executive board member of the Fort Whyte Centre.

“Deke” had an incredible love for Victoria Beach and spent most of his summers there. His father and mother James (Jim) and Mary Grant were among the first summer residents to build in the area. To this day the beloved Grant cottage at 126 Birch Ave. remains a hub of activity during the summer months. Dave loved to cruise the shores of Lake Winnipeg in the yellow Thompson with many a barbeque enjoyed on Elk Island with family and friends. After years of playing horseshoes on Sunday morning, the VB “boys” purchased a couple of Enterprise sailboats and the Victoria Beach yacht club grew from there.

Dave will be laid to rest in the Victoria Beach Cemetery the day after his memorial service.

Dave is survived by his wife of 61 years, Robina (Bobbie), son Jamie and daughter in law Sheila, grandchildren Victoria (Tori) and Macleod (Cloudy) of Calgary as well as daughter Susan, son in law Mark and grandchildren Callum and Tiegan of Auckland, New Zealand.

A memorial service will be held at Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivary Blvd on Thursday, October 25, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. A reception will follow the service.

We would like to extend a very special thank you to all staff at the West Park Manor for the wonderful and compassionate care provided to Dave, especially during these last few weeks.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fort Whyte Centre, 1961 McCreary Road, Winnipeg, MB R3P 2K9 or to the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba, #10-120 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4G2.

‘Lang May Yer Lum Reek’