JOHN GRANT MCDONALD

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JOHN GRANT MCDONALD 1944 - 2006 Grant McDonald passed away Saturday, December 30, 2006 at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Grant was born July 15, 1944 in Bienfait, Saskatchewan and grew up in Virden, Manitoba. He was just 18 years of age when he was the innocent victim of a car accident which left him a quadriplegic and forever changed the course of his life. His family then moved to Winnipeg, so Grant could receive the medical care he required. With amazing parental love and support, Grant survived the initial years of learning to cope with his disability. He was a man with a remarkable strength of character. He showed a wonderful mental quickness and sense of humor and over time developed powers of endurance and patience. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in History from the University of Manitoba and went on to work for the Federal Government for 16 years. In 1975, Grant was one of Manitoba's first recipients of a motorized wheelchair fitted with a head control which enables him to move independently. Health Minister at the time, Larry Desjardins, said, Mr. McDonald has demonstrated outstanding courage and spirit and a strong will to overcome his disability. After living with his parents for several years, Grant eventually moved into 1010 Sinclair, which is a training facility to aid the disabled in their transition towards self-sufficiency. Initially, committee members had concerns as to whether Grant would make it at 1010 due to the extent of his disability; however, Scott Bentham, an electrical engineer at the Health Sciences Centre who was instrumental in the development of the TOSC technology, assisted in helping Grant achieve his independence. Scott spent many hours at Grant's setting something up, fixing it, or trying something new. When Grant moved into Fokus Two, this technology allowed him to operate everything necessary to live independently in his own suite. Grant sat on the Board of Directors and was involved in the Tenants' Association at 1010 Sinclair. He was very much the driving force and organizer on the Steering Committee for Fokus Two, which is now the Kennedy Street Housing Project. For over 20 years, he was very much the rock that held Fokus Two together and functioning as well as it did. Grant could always find a middle ground and smooth the waters. He was an avid sports fan and spent hours watching baseball and football. He loved music and the prairies with its clear blue sky and power puff clouds. He had no hesitation to head out alone and on a nice day would often be seen driving his wheelchair to The Forks or downtown to shop. Grant believed there would always be someone who would push the elevator button for him. Grant was predeceased by his very loving parents, Evalyne and Archie, and an infant brother, Dale. He is survived by an uncle, several cousins, and his good friends, Larry Crouse and Ian and Sam Bowman. Thanks to Kelly Webster and Kathy McGee and the Fokus staff members for their help and support. REST IN PEACE, GRANT. If friends so desire, donations may be made to: The Kennedy Street Housing Project, Inc., 1010 Sinclair Street., Winnipeg, MB R2V 3H7. Funeral services will be held at a later date. Kowalchuk's Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 10, 2007