HAROLD WALKER GRANT

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HAROLD WALKER GRANT April 10, 1922 - August 1, 2002 It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather Harold Walker Grant. Hal peacefully left this world on August 1, 2002, after a long and courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by the love of his wife, all of his children and his eldest grandchild. Hals life revolved around his cherished family and for this, his family loves him deeply, will always treasure his memory and will continue to live by his example. Hal grew up through difficult times but even so, was able to summon the incredible characteristics that we were so fortunate to benefit and learn from. Hal will be lovingly remembered by his life partner of 56 years, Beth (nee Ritchie) their four children, Carole Grant of Winnipeg, Tannis (Tom) Smith of Los Angeles, Elaine (Ralph) Wall of Winnipeg and Buzz (Genevieve) Grant of Winnipeg; his adored grandchildren, Lisa (Rob) Huston, Kelly (Glen) Anderson, Katie Smith, Tommy Smith, Margaret Smith, Harrison Grant, Holly Grant, Heather Grant; and his cherished great-grandchildren Sam and Sydney Huston and one other great-grandchild soon to bless the family. He is also survived by his older brother Vic (Sheila) Grant and family. Hal had a deep bond with his only brother throughout life. Hal was born on April 10, 1922, and grew up in St. James, MB. As a child, Hal would lay on the grassy fields by his home on Winchester Street watching the airplanes flying in and out of Stevenson Field, dreaming one day of soaring through the skies. In 1941, at the age of 19, he volunteered for Second World War service with the RCAF, became a flight instructor and then joined active duty before D-Day as a fighter pilot with the RAF 209 Spitfire squadron. After D-Day he was a Flight Lieutenant with the RCAF 412 Spitfire squadron. He flew in combat from England and on the European continent from many airfields, some being the famed "wire mesh" fields that were laid in the direction of the wind. He spoke only occasionally, but with extreme reverence, of the horror he experienced while witnessing the liberation of Bergen-Belson concentration camp. After serving close to five years in the RCAF Hal returned to Winnipeg and met his life-long love and companion, Beth Ritchie. They were married on March 23, 1946 at St. Stephens Broadway United Church, started their cherished family in the following year and then moved in as residents of Veterans Village at the University of Manitoba where Hal earned his degree in Electrical Engineering in 1950. Hal rejoined the Air Force after graduation and served three more years before he resigned his permanent commission to join Standard Aero Engine Ltd. in 1953. He established the Engineering Department and thus started his 30-year career with the company. Hal was the executive responsible for bringing the gas turbine engine to Standard Aero Ltd. in the 1960s, his legacy to the company. Starting as Manager of Engineering and Contracts, Hal soon became Vice President of Engineering and Contracts, and later Vice President and General Manager. Hal worked hard through the years and in 1974 was promoted to President of Standard Aero Limited. Respected for his honesty and integrity, he enjoyed the years spent with the company and he cared immensely for his fellow workers. Hal was chairman of the Air Industries Association and received the Medal of Paris in 1967. He also served on numerous industry and government boards throughout the world. His "retirement" from SAL led him into new challenges that included his appointment by the Government of Manitoba as advisor and temporary President of the Assiniboia Downs; appointment by the Government of Manitoba as advisor and temporary President of McKenzie Seeds in Brandon; and appointment as Chairman of the Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation. Hal was also a founding member of Silver Heights United Church, served on the Board of the Winnipeg Symphony and was a founding board member of the St. James Assiniboia Seniors Centre operating out of Deer Lodge Centre. Hal worked many hours to provide a good life for his family and cherished family gatherings, vacations and milestones. The wonderful vacations at West Hawk Lake and later the coast-to-coast trips to experience the beauty of the country he so loved will forever be remembered. Hal did not place much importance in the material trappings of life; instead, he treasured the joys of a close and loving family and the gift of numerous life-long friendships. The family wishes to thank Susan, Tara, Ann and Maryanne of the WRHA (Home Care) for the gentle compassionate care they imparted to Hal. As well, we are extremely grateful for the tender care given by the St. Boniface Hospital Palliative Care professionals during Hals last days. A celebration of Hals life will be held at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 6. In remembering Hal we ask that you pay your respects by doing for others, by trying to understand the troubles and faults others may have and by not criticizing or judging unless you have walked in their shoes. In lieu of flowers we would ask that you send your donations to the St. Boniface General Hospital Palliative Care Unit, the Salvation Army Grace Hospice in care of the Grace General Hospital Foundation or the Winnipeg Humane Society. Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM 885-9715

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 06, 2002