Donald Gordon Grant B.A., LL.B., KSIG (1935-2021) died December 26th. Peacefully at home.
Served in The Royal Canadian Navy (CFD). Teacher Gloucester High School (1965-1967). Member of the Law Society of Upper Canada (OLC) 1973-2021.
Distinguished lawyer to thousands of clients and generations of families. Client appreciation was his priority for the human problem behind the legal needs. Transforming legalese into client-ease was the hallmark of his career.
Dedicated philanthropist, Director and Chairman for countless Charities, Foundations, and social Institutions, including RCBF; Riverside Hospital; Heart and Stroke Foundation; Health Partners. Patron of the Arts, former Board of Director AGO, Member of Governor General Performing Arts Awards; and NAC Gala.
Honorary Counsel Naval Association of Canada; RCBF; and Society of Saint Vincent de Paul.
Recipient of numerous awards in recognition of dedicated community service, including: The Bi-Centennial Law Society of Upper Canada Award; Canada 125 medal The Golden Jubilee Medal; Knight, Order of St. George; The queen’s diamond Jubilee medal and The Senate of Canada Sesquicentennial medal.
Tireless political activist and fundraiser supporting, consulted and trusted by Prime Ministers, Premiers, Senators, Cabinet Ministers, M.P.’s, MPP’s , Mayors and City Councillors.
Survived by his partner Julius, sons Martin (Jessica) and Jasson (Jan), four grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and their extended family.
A graveside service will be held at National Military Cemetery at Beechwood, Ottawa. on Tuesday January 18th at 1:00 p.m.
Digital Guestbook
Adam Smith
Derek Carlisle
Don was a wonderful person who cared for his community and country along with his clients and friends. As a lawyer, he helped me wrap-up a failed relationship. As a friend, he helped me recover from a period of rough health. Love the photo chosen for this obituary of Don standing proudly in front of his office and wearing one of his smart-looking suits. Will miss his stories of family, politics, the Navy, travel and about his beloved New York City. My condolences to Julius and Don’s family members.
Harold Pohoresky
A real good man and true friend who meant well. May he rest in peace for a life well spent.
George Brown
Don was a stalwart Friend of St Pat’s and often recounted the story of how Fr. Conway changed his life by accepting him into high school as a mature student and kick starting his life. On behalf of the St. Pat's Alumni Association we wish to extend our condolences to Don's family and friends. St. Pat's helped change his life, and he paid it forward multiple times!
Jim Watson
Very sorry to hear of the passing of Don. I had the true honour of knowing Don for many decades and he was an invaluable member of many of my political campaigns Always sage and wise advice from Don. My sympathies to Julius and family. I bet Don has already started organizing a maple leaf dinner in heaven as we speak! Rest In Peace Don
Bill Riley
My fellow boarder at St. Pat's in 1957 and the next 4. Don was perhaps the kindest person I have ever met. He had a big, exuberant and warming laugh that matched his humour. He had the opportunity to be appointed to any number of great positions, judge, senate, commissions and he refused them all. An all-around person that saw goodness and kindness as the measure of himself and those around him. God bless you, Don. Thanks. I will miss you. Ottawa has lost a treasure.
Kathleen Gowanlock
Sad news to hear of Don's passing. While we had not remained in contact for many years, I was beneficiary of his generosity starting out as a new lawyer. No one did lunch like Don. He was always quick to pick up the check. But for Don, I would have never enjoyed the experience of lunch at the Rideau Club. Condolences to Julius and family.
Beatrice Keleher-Raffoul
Don was such a wonderful man, positive, engaging, interesting, compassionate and generous of spirit. He enjoyed life and people. I will miss him. I will miss his advice, our common interest in community and politics, his many tales, his charm and his smart haberdashery! Oh those Versace ties. Oh how he loved his family and those grandkids - his eyes lit up whenever he spoke of them. My sincere condolences to Julius, his sons and their families.
Peter McInenly
A common platitude is that 'words fail', but not here. Don lived his life with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face. He was kind, generous to a fault, and a wonderful friend with a large footprint. No one was more engaged in the community than Don. Anyone who knew him was richer for the experience. I miss him already. Deepest sympathy to Julius and the family.
Donna Greenslade
Condolences to the family. I always appreciated his kindness, support. and advice in dealing with my parents and ourselves over the years.
Don was a bigger than life personality who was always generous with his time and willing to help out however he could. My sincerest condolences.