February 8, 1946 – January 1, 2020
Passed away on January 1, 2020 at the age of 73. Grant is survived by his wife of 52 years, Vicki, daughters Kristi (Pierre) and Kelly, son Josh (Jaime), grandchildren Jacob and Hannah, brother Jimmy, sisters Beth (Ray) and Sheree and many nieces and nephews. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who could always find the humour in any situation. Grant had a passion for football. He dedicated many years to coaching young athletes playing university and junior football and spent many a Sunday afternoon in front of a game. Grant was also a dedicated movie aficionado and trivia master with particular expertise in John Wayne and classic western movies. A celebration of Grant’s life will take place on Sunday, January 12 from 2-4 p.m. at Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main Street, Dundas. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Canadian Diabetes Association would be appreciated by the family.
Goodbye to a wonderful, loving, fun filled brother.
Duff you will always be in my heart.
Miss you
Beth
Harvey and I were very sorry to hear about the loss of Grant. The entire MacDonald clan were very special to us. Always wonderful neighbors. Fondly.
Gwen and Harvey Schwab
For many years back in the 1960s Grant and his dad (a former teacher of mine!) sat just to my left in the old Ivor Wynne stadium. We were all in Section 27. I remember Grant as we were all dyed in the wool fans. I still go even though I am in my late 60s now.
I recognised his picture even though it is so long ago.
My kind thoughts to the family as you grieve the loss and cherish the memories of your husband, father and grandfather.
Linda Kennedy (Gull)
Vicki: so very sad to hear of Grant’s death. As you know, I had hoped to visit him next week but as we both know, the story does not always end as we expect. I trust that you and the kids will enjoy the memories of a good and humorous husband and dad in the coming days. I will make every effort to see you at the celebration of life service.
Blessings to you and the family,
Grant was my best friend’s boyfriend then husband for almost 60 years. So much has changed from when we were young together but I won’t forget any of those years. Grant was a friend in good standing all along (even though I’m sure he was annoyed when I taught Vicki to drive). I’ll miss him.
Our hearts go out to Vicki and the rest of the family. Many valuable lessons & many laughs were shared by Grant in our time with both the McMaster Marauders and the Hamilton Wildcats. “You quit here, you quit in life”…always with a smile is a lesson we all took with us. To borrow a lyric from a song…”with a tear in my eye and a smile on my face” is how I will remember Coach Grant. I am indebted to Grant for helping to shape me into the person I am (he would joke right now & say don’t blame me for that Phil). Grant would his o-Line to his house on Friday nights to watch a movie & gorge on sandwiches…thanks for your patience on those nights Vicki, Josh , & the girls who would vacate the family room for us. We were a tight group of Hamilton guys on the o-line thanks in no small part to Grant. There are many wonderful Grant Stories to share. RIP our friend and mentor?
Phil
Although it has been many years since I have seen Grant, my memories harken back to the McMaster days and his work with the O-line and defensive schemes. He consistently developed a strong rapport with those he coached. He certainly had a unique sense of humour. May the good memories you have as a family, soothe the pain in your hearts.
Goodbye big brother. No matter how irritating or annoying you could be (I still can’t watch a “scary” movie without fear of you sneaking up behind me), I could never stay mad at you.
Love you Grant and will miss you so much.
It was sad to hear about the loss of Grant MacDonald. My deepest condolensces to the MacDonald family on the loss of their father, grandfather and husband. I go back to the late 70’s when Grant coached me through the Burlington Braves Football organization. Grant’s leadership and wisdom helped me through the following yrs in university and the business world. I will always think of him and Bernie Custis as great mentors in football. We were blessed with a great man!
My Family, The Nolan’s, had the distinct privilege of many, many years of great friendship with the McDonald’s. Through that long association, us as children, were always aware of Jimmy, Beth, Grant and Sheree, their life & accomplishments through our parents and their conversations with us. On behalf on my Parents, the late Peter & Jeanne Nolan, sincere condolences go out to all of you on the passing of Grant, your husband, father, brother & all of Grant’s extended family.