Grant Michael Dawd

It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Grant Michael Dawd on January 9, 2021 after a sudden courageous battle with cancer at the age of 59 with his devoted advocate mother holding his hand at St. Joseph’s Hospice.

Grant was born on November 21, 1961, in Fort William, ON. He spent his childhood summers at One Island Lake where he would enjoy time with family and friends participating in various activities such as swimming, fishing, building forts, and anything else that kept him moving. After graduating from FWCI high school, Grant worked at the Abitibi Paper Mill.

At the age of 19 Grant was a passenger in a serious car accident, leaving him with an acquired brain injury and physical limitations. Despite this set back, and being wheel chair bound, Grant remained extremely resilient and positive; spending the rest of his life working hard to rehabilitate. Grant lived a happy and fulfilled life which included multiple trips to Florida and a spectacular trip to Minneapolis with his nephew David to watch his favorite hockey team; the Philadelphia Flyers. His love of road trips took him to Fort Frances to see his longtime friend Gord, and another to Toronto with his mom, nephew, Michael, and friend, Tanice.

Grant’s community passions included concerts, coffee dates, and working out at Movati three times a week. Saturday night dinners at his mom’s house capped off Grant’s busy week. This is where an abundance of memories were made. Grant was generally a quiet man who would just listen, storing it up for the opportune moment. When you weren’t expecting it, Grant would come up with a witty remark causing an uproar of laughter. He was extremely positive and never complained. Grant took things in stride and seemed to be grateful for each day despite the many challenges that life handed him. Grant may have struggled with his short-term memory but his long-term memory was still intact. One of Grant’s favourite memories was going to Alaska at the age of 18 to pan for gold.

Grant will be greatly missed by his loving Mother Bernice Dawd (Step father Roy Sved); Brother Don (Denise) Dawd; Nephews Michael, David (Haley) and Mark Dawd; Niece Sarah (Bryan) Fresco; Great nephew Bautista Fresco; step brother Dave Sved; dedicated best friend Tanice Marcella.
Grant’s family would like to thank the staff of Options Northwest for all their loving care and support over the years.

Grant’s voice, laughter, and eye contact will always be missed by all. He made a difference.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Thunder Bay Humane Society or Hospice Northwest are greatly appreciated. Due to Covid, a Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.