GRANGER, Grant Thomas
March 10, 1962 – July 29, 2021
It is with great sadness that we share the news of Grant’s sudden passing on July 29th. Special thanks to everyone who helped on the day of his passing; and a very special message of gratitude to Russ Reynolds, the Funeral Director of Bow River Funeral Service in Canmore, who in the ensuing weeks since Grant’s passing, has continued to go the extra mile in every way.
Grant is survived by his wife of thirty-four years, Judy Hartwell, his sister Shari (James Avery) of New Brunswick, his brother Stephen (Steve) of Ottawa, nephews Christopher (Erin) and Bradley (Kaitlin). He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Diane (son Robert) and Kory, Aunt Nolli and other aunts, uncles, and cousins...
He was predeceased by his father, Thomas Grant Granger, his mother, Jean (Tildesley); and his brother, Glenn.
Grant and his three siblings were all born in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The Granger clan is rich in family history dating back to as early as 1839 in Paisley, Renfrew, Scotland. Grant’s father, who was a member of the Canadian military, researched the Granger family tree and made contact with several family members including John S. (Jack) Granger, born in 1914, who wrote a letter stating "our Unit was the first peace-keeping Force under NATO", also known as the “Granger Rangers.” Interestingly, Jack also spent some of his later career cooking and catering and training mess Stewards on Forces protocol for dining areas. And, Grant's own father also enjoyed making meals for his family too.
One of Grant’s early teachers described him as follows: Leadership capabilities, good work habits, anxious to succeed, a “popular, well-behaved young lad, fair in all his dealings, a hard worker, pleasant disposition, a good sense of humour, respects the rights of others, a pleasant person.” Grant always excelled in history classes and throughout his life developed and maintained a keen interest in aviation and military history. His favourite things also included NFL Denver Broncos football, music, guitars, cats, growing vegetables and herbs and especially cooking and barbequing. One of his favourite books growing up was The Hobbit, and among his favourite memories was fishing with his younger brother Glenn, when they lived in Trenton, Ontario.
Grant and Judy met in Shearwater, Nova Scotia when both their fathers were in the military. Grant lived only a few houses away, so he was literally the boy next door. One day at Dartmouth High, he offered Judy half his popsicle and the rest was history. Years later, the high school sweethearts met again. Judy had moved out west and was living in Banff. She called Grant in Nova Scotia and one week later, Grant was there! In time Grant became the Food & Beverage Manager of the Inns of Banff Park, which was then the third largest hotel in Banff. He also had fond memories of waitering for Mr and Mrs Chiftis at their Banff Avenue Elite Villa Steakhouse.
After knowing each other for eight years, the two lovebirds married in April of 1987. Judy always said she married him for his sense of humour. They moved to Calgary, where Grant as chef, successfully managed several well-known Calgary restaurant kitchens during a twenty-five year period. More recently, he and Judy bought a home in the mountain paradise of Canmore, Alberta, where they ultimately planned to retire. Two of Grant's most special memories in Canmore included watching his Denver Broncos NFL football team win the 2016 Super Bowl (!!!) and Judy's Aunt Nolli visiting from Arizona and all of them enjoying dinner at the Iron Goat (where she took the attached photo).
Love grows, tears flow. From all of us, we heard the music of your life. With praise and gratitude, dear Grant, we are grateful for the thousands of delicious meals you created with so much love for us all. Bless you Grant and your gentle generous soul and beautiful humble heart.
