July 27, 1943 - November 12, 2021
In Loving Memory ~
John Steel Grant passed away peacefully at Merritt Hospital on November 12, 2021, at the age of 78 years. He is fondly remembered by his loving wife Mabel, daughters Rose (Jody) and Sharon (Ted), his sons, John Boy (Carmen) and Vince (Donita).
His grandchildren Michael (Kelsey), Theo, Alexis, Emma, Mackenzie (Corbin Marsden), Gregory, Rylee, Anna, Emme, Hayden and Hudson, and great grandchildren Abigail and Logan. Sisters Margie (Tommy), Sharon, and Gertie (Ches), and brothers Angus (Marg), Tommy and Blair (Mei), nieces, nephews as well as many friends and relatives.
He is predeceased by his daughter Candace, his parents Ma (Marie) and Thomas, and his brother Melvin.
John was a devout Catholic, who enjoyed a great game of crib or tarabish and getting coffee at A&W with his homies. He was passionate about Williams Lake where you were sure to receive a thorough tour of the town, he never missed a round trip at Scout Island.
You could find him every year crackin' eggs at the Williams Lake Stampede Knights of Columbus Breakfast. He was dedicated to the community where he enjoyed volunteering at the food bank and with the Church.
John was the ultimate road tripper, if you needed to get to Nova Scotia from BC in 3 days, you could be sure to count on him, just make sure you don't drink or eat anything. To those that knew John, knew he would never miss a Habs game.
John was born in New Waterford NS on July 27, 1943. He was the third born of eight kids to Marie and Thomas Grant. He lost his father at a young age. John started working in the coal mines in Cape Breton as a teenager.
John then travelled to BC where he eventually settled down in Williams Lake, where he met the love of his life, Mabel (they were married for 52 years). They had four wonderful kids together. John was so proud of each of them. He has never missed an important event in any of their children, grandkids or great-grand kids lives.
In 2003, John needed to have a kidney transplant. All his kids were tested and John Boy won the lottery. We were all so grateful that this was possible. We would have missed out on so much. We are grateful to the Kidney Transplant team and John would encourage everyone to consider being an organ donor.
In the past year, he and Mabel sold their house in Williams Lake and moved in with their daughter Rose and her family in Merritt. Both were so happy as they were now closer to their children and more importantly their grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He quickly made friends even during COVID (who knew it could be that easy). It speaks to his character and shows how he could touch so many lives in his 78 years. When he was in Williams Lake, he could be seen watching the WL Stampeders hockey and since moving to Merritt, he enjoyed watching the Merritt Centennials.
John was a friend of Bill W for 36 years, he was proud to show his coin to his grandkids. His grandkids will forever be grateful that their papa followed them across Canada to watch them play hockey and lacrosse. He was always their #1 fan along with gramma Mabel.
You are so very missed John, dad, papa, uncle and friend, Rest in Peace.
A funeral service was held on Saturday, November 20th, 2021 with Father Vernantius Ononiwu officiating. Should friends desire donations may be made to the Kidney Transplant Foundation in John's memory. His cremated remains will be placed in Williams Lake graveyard with his daughter Candace in the spring/summer of 2022.