It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Richard Wayne Grant on July 4, 2017 at the age of 68 after a short battle with cancer. Richard was born on June 21, 1949 and so began his main hobby, fishing, for the next 30 years. As a teen, he became invovled in the running of St. Agnes' youth club. Along with his buddies, Wayne and Brian, they grew the club to 250 strong. Richard worked for Great Lakes Paper ending up Warehouse Foreman in the Waferboard. After the Waferboard closed due to slumping markets, Richard took a job at Berglund Industrial eventually ending up in the custodial department for the Lakehead School Board.
For many years, Richard enjoyed getting together with his best friend Wayne Caruso and their families at many different lakes to BBQ, fish and enjoy the summers. Richard would park his trailer at Lake Marie Lousie with his boys and spend the summer climbing the Sleeping Giant, exploring trails and fishing. Richard had a great love for dirt track racing and for many years followed the local late model drivers around the midwest circuit to cheer them on. Many a July 1st weekend would be spent at Cedar Lake Speedway for the late model Labour Day Shootout. When winter came, Richard could be found at Sibley or Kamview cross-country skiing. Richard's favourite hobbies included watching any kind of sports including the NFL and NCAA football, playing guitar, and for many years landscape painting.
Richard was a true people person and loved everyone. He could always find the good in people. For the last 13 years of his life, Richard took pride in his job at ShelterHouse. This job became the joy of his later years. He found it rewarding to care for others and get a simple thank you or see them change their life for the positive. Over the years many clients became friends.
Richard was pre-deceased by his father, Gordon, mother, Mildred and brother Bill. Richard is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and his two sons, who he was incredibly proud of and loved dearly, Jason Bradley and Jesse Ryan (significant other name). At the mention of his new grandson, Rydyr, Richard would light up with joy.
As per Richard's request no funeral will be held. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will take place at Grace Place on Thursday July 13th at 4pm. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Shelter House.
"For I have traveled a long and winding road and have peacefully found the end."
A message from Richard "A special thank you to the doctors and nurses at Thunder Bay Regional and St. Joseph's. To pastors Gary and Melody at Grace Place for all of the prayers and king words. To Dave Taylor from GAPS for his true compassion. To my good friend Rolande at NorWest for all her help over the years and all the great conversations. To my buddy Darren who supported me all the way. To my buddy Darren who supported me all the way. To Kelly and the patrons at Galaxy for their caring. To Dave, not just my landlord but a true friend. To all the management and staff at Shelter House. To Gary and Michelle for letting me hand around everyday because you knew I needed the support of my friends. To Tanya and Jess for all the love, hugs and support given to me as you knew I was fading. To my sons, as soon as they knew I was sick were there for me every single day. It brought me great comfort to reconnect and become so close again. I love you. A very special thank you to my friend, Alex Calderon. A young lady who despite being married with two young children and a high pressure job still found time to give me support. Alex paid for my medication when I couldn't , took me to all my tests and appointments, sat in on videoconferences and took notes. I was so overwhelmed before she stepped in and supported me. She made my journey so much easier. A very special person for sure. "
