After a brief illness Ulderic Alexander (Alex) Grant, in his 96th year, passed away at Victoria Hospital January 1st, 2007. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Irene Elizabeth Grant nee Church, his daughters Shelagh, Jocelyn, and Laura Lee Grant (Richard Bovey). His granddaughter, Jacqueline (Randy Cumming) and Lynette, and his great-grandchildren Jordan and Bailey. He is predeceased by his sisters Marguerite Dufault and Jean Jarvis. He is survived by Helen (Barry Edwards) and Sandy Grant (Carmen), as well as many nieces and nephews.
Born on Pine Street, now known as Valour Rd. (Winnipeg, Manitoba), he grew up in St. Boniface. An avid cyclist in 1928, he won the Manitoba boys’ bicycle championship. From bicycles he turned to motorcycles. Although raised in the city, Alex had always wanted to farm so in the depths of the depression he bought a farm south of Winnipeg, St. Adolphe, Manitoba. In the ensuing years Alex was a familiar sight flying low on one of his motorcycles. His courtship was put on hold when he enlisted in the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders in 1939, serving overseas subsequently with R.C.E.M.E. until 1945. In November 1944 he received a certificate of appreciation from Field Marshal B.L. Montgomery citing “It has been brought to my attention that you performed outstanding good service and have shown great devotion to service during the campaign in France.”
Within months of discharge he was married and resuming farming near Niverville, Manitoba. In 1951 he started teaching automotive at Tec-Voc high school. Over the next 25 years he taught many night school classes including the first auto maintenance course for women, and aero engine maintenance for the Air Force. In 1966 the Tec-Voc teachers gifted him with a mug engraved “May he never be without chains and cables”. Retiring in 1976 as head of the auto shop, he bought a motorcycle which he used to commute to the farm at Niverville. Farming actively until the age of 80. He sold his last motorcycle at the age of 83.
Over the years he was active in many organizations including the Manitoba Motorcycle Club, Antique Motorcycle Club of America, 402 Squadron Association, RCEME Prairie Veteran’s Association, life member of the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlander Regimental Foundation of Canada, life member of the International Peace Garden, and Retired Teachers’ Association.
Memorial Service was held at Thomson in the Park in Winnipeg, Saturday, January 13, 2007.