Please click the link below to view the Livestreamed service:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4jOisDu73I
Born in Toronto, Ontario, Grant died in his Barrie home at the age of 94.
He married Ardith Irene (French; predeceased 2021) in 1953. They lived in the Hockley Valley for 35 years happily raising their 5 children, Ardith Symmes (Greg), Brenda Bailey (John), Bonnie Coles (Dale), Grant (Christie), Sheila Dickson (Steve).
Grant loved animals of all kinds and built a hobby farm where he helped Ardith with her business of raising rabbits. He and his son Grant raised homing pigeons and travelled across Ontario early mornings to release their pigeons for training flights.
Grant loved gardening and working from his basement workshop on building projects. He loved the excitement of catching fish including; annual night time smelt adventures at a secret spot on Lake Simcoe; trout and bass fishing with his grandchildren; and salmon fishing with his family on the west coast. Grant and Ardith’s beloved cottage on Paint Lake hosted many happy family gatherings.
In 1988, Grant and Ardith moved to Barrie. Together they danced and travelled. Grant was proud of Ardith and their children. He took pride in their grandchildren (Steve, Colleen, Sarah, Ardith, Thomas, Maureen, Adrianna, Mason, Laura, Scott, and Andrew) and great grandchildren (Morgan, Connor, Adelina, Catherine, Blair, Isla, and Henry). All of them will miss their Poppa for his gentleness and humour.
In Grant's final years he was so happy to enjoy the companionship of his dear friend Jean, and they were fortunate enough to have many wonderful adventures together, including trips to both the Arctic and Antarctic , which were dreams they shared and were thrilled to fulfill with each other. They became very close, and took care of each other through their sunset years.
Grant is predeceased by his wife, Ardith and parents Thomas Hartley and May Watt.
Now Ardith and Grant are together in the Peace and Joy of Angels and Archangels.
The family would like to express its sincere gratitude to the physicians, nurses, friends and caregivers of the past years.
Visitation will take place at the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, 30 Worsley St., Barrie on Sunday, May 4, 2025 from 1 PM until the time we celebrate Grant’s life in the Chapel at 2 PM. Following the service, guests are invited to remain for a reception in the Lounge. Interment at Paint Lake Cemetery to follow at a later date.
Online memories and condolences may be forwarded via www.steckleygooderham.com