Gord Grant
- Memorial Site
- Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Ret’d Canadian Press Bureau Chief and Ret’d Algonquin College Professor
The relaxed Gord Grant
The married Gord Grant, and wife Janet
The journey begins for Gord Grant
The festive Gord Grant
The macho Gord Grant, and wife Janet
The curious Gord Grant
The ready for the world Gord Grant
The silly Gord Grant
The content Gord Grant
The studious Gord Grant
The loving Gord Grant
The fearless Gord Grant
A scholar, a gentleman and a badass. The stars will shine brighter now that you are with them...because you expected nothing but the best. RIP Gord...♥
Xoxo...
Christina <3
A great man, a great teacher. He inspired many of us students to learn and to challenge ourselves. There could never be another teacher like Gord. Rest in Peace Gord, I'll always consider you a great friend of mine, and I'll forever cherish the memories of you that I have.
Jeff
Gord's inspiration will live on in the many students he inspired and lives he touched. Because of Gord Grant so many of us will go beyond our own expectations of what we can achieve, and we'll go that extra mile just to see what might happen if we just put forth a little more effort. Despite the sadness of losing such a great friend and mentor, I have smiled often today at the fabulous memories made over the course of just 16 months. Thank you Gord.
Stacie Nelles
A memorable teacher with a warm heart and a youthful spirit. Gord you mentored your students and guided them with hard but motivating criticism. Final exams were only entertaining for your course! You will always live in our hearts, memories and know that you made a difference in all the lives you were part of.
Thank you for everything you gave, your smile, your mentor ship and your honesty.
Rest in Peace
Vanessa P.
Thank you for so much Gord. You taught me TV things, and so much more about life. You touched SO many people, more than you might know. You will be sorely missed....future generations of TV kids will be missing out on a great man
What a legend. Oh Gordo, what are those first years going to do without you? What would any of us had done without you? You taught, you entertained and you made going to class very worth it. I learned so much from you, I only wish that we had more time. Rest in peace, how could we ever forget about you?
Remember Gordie's Read It and Weep file that used to sit on top of the fax machine, the one that used to churn out the black pages of cope from the Charlottetown Guardian. Well, I read your email and am shedding a few tears.
Gordie had a huge impact on my life, a profound impact. I can't tell you how many times I've thought about him over the years and was thankful for taking me under his wing and teaching me what journalism was about. I would not have done what I've done without him and we had some great times together.
Gordie hired me at CP as a part-timer in 1974 when he was sports editor and I was a college student. He needed two people to compile hockey summaries off the Western Union ticker. I was the second person to apply.
After I finished college, I was hoping to travel the world. Way short of cash I accepted a job at a bus factory. Before leaving Toronto I stopped in on a Friday to drop off an updated resume. Gordie (now chief of Ontario service) tossed my CV in his in-basket. Five minutes later, somebody walked into Grant's office and handed in their notice. I started on the Rewrite Desk the following Monday.
That's just the start. I suppose, like a lot of people, I could fill a book.
I had so much fun in the early days with Gordie when he worked in Toronto. I spoke to him just when I was retiring and will miss him.
Played some tennis with Gord many years ago. Quite a character and a strong newsman.
I am kicking myself for not catching up with him in recent years. sigh.
Gordie left his mark in more ways than one. He was a wonderful teacher, editor, supervisor, coach, clown but most importantly a friend.
Heaven has a new angel, albeit with a little devil in him and a twinkle in his eyes that will bring a smile to all of the lives he touched.
Barbara and I are so happy that we had the many years of friendship with you and Gordie, our lives have certainly been enriched thanks to both of you.
Janet, you prolonged Gordie's life with your love, care and admiration over the many years. You two were so much in love. You can cherish that forever.
Over the past few years Gordo & I have talked on the phone on almost a daily basis . Every day he made me laugh ; today he made me cry . I will miss him more than you will ever know . He was my friend and I loved him!
Mr. Treasurer Infinity,
When I first met you, I was intimated by your obnoxious, crass and forward behaviour. Ironically, as the years went by, that personality became anticipated and welcomed. Thank you for those very characteristics you bestowed on to me, to be confident, secure and direct in my own life. Gordo, in your crass yet loving way, you taught me to speak my mind and be who I am.
You co-founded the Annual Summer Solstice 23 short years ago with your partner in crime, the late Danny Malanchuk and the current Brian Smyth. You became the Treasurer and never looked back. Your co-founding of the Solstice created a bond and brotherhood among Solsticians that will be honoured forever. Fear not, as your hand picked Treasurer (as the only idiot to accept), I will make sure the tradition lives on.
The multiple rounds of golf (with cheating), the many beers, the hundreds of Birds in the Bush, the countless laughs and insults, the dinners and liquid lunches. . .everything. . .will never be forgotten. You fi.
Thank you for being my Professor of Life, thank you for being my friend.
Janet, he will be missed. . .stay strong and remember his glorious life.
Gordie hired me at CP Halifax in 1985. He was a great journalist and an even better boss and person, and will be missed. Janet: Maggie and I are thinking of you.
I'm very saddened to hear of his passing. He was a great man who touched the lives of those who crossed his path. He will be fondly remembered. My condolences.
Gordie was no Scotty Bowman but he was the best coach I ever had. Not for what he taught us about the game of hockey but for what he taught us about life.
Through his crude guidance and harsh mentorship he showed us that there is nothing more valuable about the game of hockey than the friendships we make.
I am extremely greatful and fortunate to have been on the same 'team' as his son Dave (DG) and the score of others for these past 35+ years and it is something I'll never take for granted.
As a member of the 'Westhill Wankers' and a true feckless idiot I will sorely miss but never forget Gordo - his ability to laugh at you and with you at the same time; his crass exterior but soft centre.
Keep your stick on the ice and your friends by your side.
Ray
CP Halifax was at its finest under Gordie, our fearless leader. Those were wonderful years. My condolences to Janet and Gordie's family in this time of great loss.
Elaine
I first met Gordo at a Solstice meeting and later on the golf course. He was the kind of guy I was drawn to; intelligent, quick-witted, a little rough around the edges and you always knew where you stood. He reminded me of my favourite uncle and we will all miss him on the course.
Keith Vickers
Gord taught us many lessons on the golf course, the one I remember best is "never laugh at another person's drive until you have hit yours!"
You'll missed Gordo.
Jim M&M Stewart
Some months ago I went in to Puzzles on Richmond Road. Gordo was there so we exchanged the usual Solsticians' (expletive deleted) greetings. Before long others came by. Gordo knew them, they knew him and so chairs were gathered, lies were told and beer was poured. Too soon Gordo had to leave, as he had called and Janet was soon there to pour him into the car. Once again, he's "had to leave". I am certain this one day was an example of Gordo's life; a life that made each of us the better for the knowing.
"So long, Gordo; and "Thanks"
Eric
Ah, the stories I could tell if only the Statute of Limitations didn't apply. We've lost a pal of long standing and a fellow golfer with whom I always enjoyed playing as I could usually beat him. You never got your hole-in-one, Gordo, but you were always 'aces' with us. Our deepest sympathy to Janet and the family. Brian and Charlotte
gord was great fun at work and at saturday afternoon softball games in the toronto media league. these games were usually well quenched at a local afterwards. happy trails gord.
Norm Brown -
No more "Oh dear, not on the beer hole", no more "partner, I fear the worst" - that's sad. A life filled with good friends, love and laughter - that's happiness. Gordo, me auld trout, you will be missed but always remembered. Janet and family my thoughts are with you.
Nammie
Once a year or so, I'll pull out a handful of assignments from Gord's class at Algonquin, and I'll re-read his short, painfully funny critiques of my work. His words never failed to inspire me.
Gord was one of a kind. Full of bluster and bombast and also full of compassion, caring and insight. His was a life well and fully lived and everyone he touched is netter for it. He left behind many of uys who love him and will cherish his memory. Well done, Gord, you FI
Newman
I can still remember his booming laugh in the newsroom at 36 King when I started at CP in 1979. He would be dressed in one of his countless cardigans, smelling of Hi Karate or Brut cologne and waiting for a good story to break out. When the Mississauga train derailment happened, it was Gordie and Joan Walters who led a team of veteran and very green reporters to an NNA for spot news. That may have been the first time he called me a "feckless idiot," but it certainly wasn't the last.
He hired Jim Coyle not because he was a brilliant writer, but because the office softball team needed better players. He came to my wedding, enjoyed the refreshments and almost proposed to my mother before the night was out. He taught me you had a good chance of winning any CFL trivia contest if you always answered: "Annis Stukis."
A lot of fun drained out of the old place when he took early retirement -- or, as he always said it, the "aluminum handshake" -- back in 1991.
I had a chance to see him in the hospital and was happy I could share some stories with Janet, Gayle and Dave.
Boss in Halifax and Ottawa, but more important, leader, mentor, co-conspirator, friend and golf buddy. Gave me my first big assignment, a world title fight in Vegas. Trusted me with the political beat in Halifax and Ottawa. Praised me to the heavens and knocked my butt off too. I've never been called a feckless idiot with such love.
If I did a crap story, I was just Leger. If I was doing good stuff, I was Old Bean or Laddiebucks. Nowadays, I only remember the good stuff.
Gordie came to Halifax around the time I was named a bureau chief at CBC. "But you aren't allowed to be a member of the bureau chief's club, you FI!" he said. But he was beaming from ear to ear because one of his boys had done well in the profession he loved and helped all of us learn to love.
But I take comfort in the knowledge that somewhere up (or down) there, Gordie and Malanchuk are teeing it up on the first hole of the Great Beyond Country Club, arguing over the bet, trash-talking and doing their best to throw off the other guy in the backswing. I like that image.
Peace, big brother and friend.
Dan Leger (DxL)
His Majesty Gordon Grant, a.k.a. "The Invincible" (in my opinion),
You are one of the very few that provide us both the knowledge and the attitude we need to deal with this world. Even though I won't do anything with journalism anymore, I use what you had taught me on my scriptwriting.
Wish You Well! 祝你愉快!
I'll see you later!
I met Gordo four years ago...at puzzles (where else!). I was being considered for membership into the prestigous and ultra exclusive brotherhood of Solsticians. Gord sat in the middle of the room. He was wearing a pink V-neck sweater with the sleeves rolled up. His silver hair slicked back, posture poker straight, his eyes were ablaze. The steady stream of insults were as eloquent as they were obnoxious. Who was this guy!! Well, over the next few years I had the honour to find out. He is a Feckless Idiot without equal.
Gordo, if a man can be measured by the outpouring of love and respect in his final days, then you are a giant my friend!
To Janet, Gayle, Dave and Andrea. The love and compassion you showered on Gord in his final days should be an inspiration to us all. You will be forever in my heart.
Archie
Two time runner up rookie of the year
I walked in to the Main Desk at 36 King in the mid-1970s shaking with fear, unannounced, and asked the first person I saw - who happened to be Gordie - if CP was hiring. What a mistake, and what a blessing. His dismissal of my effrontery was savage. But he phoned in a few days with an offer, and it took me less than 24 hours on the job to realize what a gift he had. He terrified me for years, and yet I learned from him at warp speed. I can't tell you how many times I'm influenced by something he said, did or taught. He was a true mentor and a brilliant editor, who stood up for his troops, brooked no failures and expected the absolute best. He was the absolute best.
From John Soosaar--From the first time I met Gord at CP’s Olympic bureau in Montreal in the summer of 1976 I knew he was a different kind of cat.
He appeared on the morning I arrived at the Olympic Bureau from Sherbooke where I had been covering preliminary soccer events, in shorts, almost knee high white socks and athletic shorts.
He bounced into the room and said something like: “alright you guys. I’m in charge and we’re going to have some fun.”
It set the mood for the next two weeks.
From the opening day when someone in the CP crew, seated behind Her Majesty and Prime Minister Trudeau, asked, who’s back at the office (nobody), to the final day when Gord told us to take our portable Olympus typewriters and stick them in our luggage because they would be dumped anyway, it was his show all the way.
It was a motley crew gathered from bureaus across the country, people like the late Al Coletti keeping us entertained with his Brooklynese accent from our New York bureau, Dan Slovitt from Saint John checking out the massage parlors and my busmate to the Olympic stadium every morning Scott Abbott, who became a multi-millionaire late that decade when he and his pals invited Trivial Pursuit.
After a day of working on Olympic coverage we repaired to the Montreal Press Club which was operating 24 hours a day. Gord led the way.
Then during the early morning hours we’d weave back to McGill residences where we were lodged, get some sleep and get back to work. Gord’s humour fuelled our days and nights.
Gord knew about my intense interest in the Olympics (I had asked to be selected from the Halifax Bureau) and my wish to take back a substantial souvenir.
One early morning as a bunch of us were wandering back to McGill, Gord asked what about a flag from McGill stadium as a reminder of our time there.
I agreed, but noted that the stadium was surrounded by a high fence and guards around the clock.
No problem, he said and proceeded to hatch a plan.
We arrived at our dormitory and looked across to the stadium where some early morning guards were taking a break.
Four of us walked down to the edge of the fence, scaled it within sight of the guards who just laughed, and proceeded to the edge of the stadium.
Banners with the Olympic rings dangled from the upper reaches of the stands. We spotted a ladder and while we held it, not too securely considering our condition, our friend, a technician with the AP in the States, volunteered to climb up and cut the banner. This was not going to work so Gord said why don’t we go up in the stands and dry to drop someone over the side.
We agreed, went up and found some telephone wire. Our AP buddy, who had been a Ranger in Vietnam, again volunteered and we secured the cable around him and dropped him over the side while we braced ourselves behind the seats. He had a jackknife in his teeth and swung down several times and managed to cut the banner near the top. We hauled him back up and he handed the banner to me.
After his Herculean effort I was not about to take it, and said I wanted him to have it. I suppose he still has it and those of us who took part had perhaps one of the best untold stories of the Games.
Gord and I laughed about it over the years. Later when I worked at ATV, I told Bruce Graham, the evening news anchor, about it one day. He said that if those were the kind of antics we recalled from that summer at Montreal, it must have been a great time. Those of us who experienced it know it was.
A great teacher who will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone who loved Mr. Grant.
First met Gord in '64 as a rookie at CP and he made it clear there can be a lot of fun in the often-serious business of news-gathering. He had a gift. No, he had a lot of gifts and if you paid attention, you were all the better for it.
Gordo was quite simply, the best!
Now, along with Danny and Nino Coratto, he's
telling tales, placing bets and leaving the
rest of the rouges in tears of laughter.
To Janet and the family, our deepest sympathy;
Mike Duffy (pal)
Gavin Duffy (student & pal)
Forty years and 3 1/2 months ago (first Tuesday after Labor Day 1969 to be exact) I handed in my first CP staff story to GvG. In the many years that have passed since, I have never worked with an editor who could match his magic for inspiring writers to be their best. When you worked for GvG, you always worked your best because you never wanted to betray the trust he placed in you.
Jim Poling
Gord has ghosted for the last time.
Phil Day
I emailed someone in the office yesterday and said, a man you've learned an awful lot from is gone. She never knew Gord. But she and others I edit or coach have learned a ton from him, through me.
Without stopping to think about it until this sadness, I've been passing on what he drilled into my head all those years ago. His legacy is staggering that way. We were all his students.
Amen to those who have recalled the great times, when we took our work outside the office because work and play were almost seamless under GvG. Those times are gone but his gift as a teacher lives on, even with writers who have never heard of him. I know I'll keep putting the fear of Gord in them.
Gord Grant was the best boss that I never had. Many times over a drink in the old Ottawa press club, Gord would always tell me " Don't let them get to you , The guy can't write for s--t anyway, he won't
last" Another line Gord used to describe whether a person was worthy of being someone else's boss was,
" But is he any good"." I'll miss his sense of humor and honesty. Janet you are in our prayers.
Phil Nolan and Anne Van Dusen
Jason MacLellan-
Gordon, you were one of the most memorable educators I've ever had the priveledge to learn from.
I'm not 100% sure that sentence is grammatically correct. If you were still here, I'm sure you'd let me know in no uncertain terms. :)
You will be missed.
gordon had a soft side and that bear of a man is also responsible for the birth of my third daughter.... it is a legend in our household that one summer's evening when gordon and janet were over at our house for dinner we ended the evening with gord giving (a very pregnant) me a huge bear hug... bingo... right on deadline rachel was born 90 minutes later. he was a tease with a wonderful heart and the world is a better place for him having been here.
Hello Great Teacher,
We will miss him a lot but I will never forget him. Gordon was a great teacher with sense of humor, and know and understand his students. He helped me and shared me to be a well-informed story-teller. I love and respected him and he will be in my heart and soul. Wish and pray to rest in peace.
Kyaw Moe(MOE)( TV student)
Gord had a special way of delivering criticism and encouragement in the same breath.
Today, I found a letter he gave me in class years ago. It reads (partially):
"The battle, by the way, never ends. That's what makes writing such a wonderful exercise. You NEVER master it. When you think you've got it made, someone will improve your copy, demonstrating there's more to learn."
Gord's passion for writing, learning and teaching was infectious and inspiring. He pushed us students to meet his high expectations, and he recognized both excellence and effort.
His joyful sense of humour kept us entertained as we rose to his challenge. Many of us remember "Grant's Rants" about grammar, spelling and good copy.
My other memory of Gord's class was his ability to bring people together in common purpose. In a competitive program, his class was a collaborative space - and Gord was on all our sides.
Thanks, Gord, for all that you shared with us.
My condolences to his wife Janet, his children and the rest of his family and friends.
Best wishes, Cybele.
Sorry you're gone Gord, you will be missed by all.
It was a pleasure!
Mark Totti
I met Gordie over 35 years ago as the father of a neighborhood kid. DG (Dave) would go on to become my closest friend. Shortly thereafter I was fortunate enough to have him select me to play for his West Hill hockey team. Many of those kids, still together to this day, have had many a good times with Gordo both on and off the golf course. His witty comments, (usually as you addressed a golfball) and good-humored banter will be missed. I can still hear him now, “Dominic the trees on the right shouldn’t come into play”.
Lifelong friendships don’t come easy. It takes compassion, dedication, loyalty and mentors like Gordie. He had an uncanny (and usually straightforward) way of stirring the passion in the people around him. He inspired and sometimes frightened us into digging a little deeper to become the best we could. Although he never flat out said it, sport wasn’t necessarily about the win it was about the camaraderie and friendships we took away with us.
Gord, Gordo, Gordie and Coach we are going to miss you.
Gord lived huge, shot straight, understood and believed in the power of words and pictures to set lives alight, and was right about all that really mattered.
He was my boss for a time, and when you made a mistake, he told you in unambiguous language but didn't keep a scorecard. It was done with, you moved on, you got busy again and tried harder to make him happier. That was his first big lesson.
He made places he worked happier, and not many of us can claim that accomplishment. He believed that the team was much more than the sum of its individuals, so he made it safe for people be a team. That was his second big lesson.
He played bad golf. He told horrible jokes. He wore questionable combinations and bore brutal cologne. And he had a blast knowing that we knew he might not know that. That was his third big lesson.
It is difficult to fathom he was 73 because he was ageless as the inner child looking for the next hilarity in the day. When I last saw him in an airport, he needed to tell me a joke he'd just heard before he could catch up on life. That was his fourth big lesson.
His is a sad loss, we are a weaker world without him, and I know he will only be fondly recalled.
He brought me to Ottawa as a cub reporter. I never held it against him.
I instantly rewarded his confidence in me by making at least a half-dozen errors while covering my first CFL football game. His roaring indignation scorched my ears with a sulphurous blast that managed a wonderful marriage of wit and profanity.
I started writing my resignation note. He interrupted me with an invitation to take a walk. The walk took us from one refreshment stand to another before we ended up strolling arm-and-arm along the Sparks Street mall in the autum air several hours later. In the interim, he convinced me that he could help avoid the ignomy of writing press releases.
I'd have followed the brilliant old pirate anywhere.
Rest easy general.
RR
It has taken me some time to gain my composure to be able to write anything, but feel it necessary to do so.
With the six little words, "Who the heck is Kim Hutchison" that second week of class after our first news quiz you put the fear of god into me and I thought, "Oh shit what have I done to piss this guy off" And to my amazement your stern tone with me led to praise. That was the start of an amazing friendship to say the very least and there are so few people in my life that have affected me the way you did. You were honest because you cared, you cared because you were honest.
I will never forget the exam I "blew" in your class ...meaning not getting perfect, because I listed the provinces and their capitals from east to west instead of west to east. I was furious at myself, and you were even more furious that I obviously knew the answer but you couldn't give me marks for it. It was a hard but well learned lesson for me in paying attention to the details, small print and fine lines.
I was truly privileged to know you, and I can't help but look back and laugh. Not even you would have predicted the outpouring of love and affection from so many people's whose lives you've touched, changed and inspired and you would be the first to also disregard it. All in a day's work Gordo. Thank you in so many ways for so many things.
God bless.
With love and affection always, Kim.
I was very sad to hear of Gord's passing. He was a wonderful teacher, mentor and friend who always took life at face value. NO BULLSHIT! as he used to say :)
You will be dearly missed.
Shaun
Gord was a great man and a wonderful teacher. His class was always something to look forward to because you know he would make you laugh. Thanks to his great teaching, he made news writing easy for me to learn. You will be missed by many.
What a beautifully written bio you wrote, Janet. I laughed while I cried. Gord would've been proud to have read a piece like this--proud to know that he was brash (he loved ruffling people's feathers), and proud to know that he made such a difference in people's lives. But one thing about Gord--he said it like it is. I remember when he got to meet Princess Di when she came to Halifax. I asked what she was like, and he responded "she had skinny ankles"! That's the Gord I'll always remember!!
He has touched so many lives, and he'll be sadly missed. We'll all remember him with a smile on our faces, thinking about some of the crude, crass, and definitely politically incorrect things he's said. And then we'll have a good laugh about it...
Gordo, having played golf, played with words and having played with a few heads together you made my world a better place. Thanks. Feckless- Lately I've been wondering if someone can be feckful or have feck. You would've known the answer (or would've made one up). You were never frivolous,brother, you had feck. Fek uta kaput. Deano
We'll never forget the high expectations you set, the tough criticism you directed our way, or the sense of humour that kept us coming back for more. See you in the clubhouse.
Thank you Gord. I carry the life lessons you taught me everywhere I go.
Stephen Thorne -
I was working at the Halifax Herald when I started paying weekly visits to Gordo at the CP bureau in the old Trade Mart Building on Brunswick Street. I was looking for a job and despite Gord's insistence that none was available, I kept dropping in. Finally, he hired me -- if only to get me off his back.
I walked into the office about 3:30 one afternoon in January 1984 on one of my first shifts when our photographer at the time, Jann Van Horne tossed me the keys to her company car. She said there'd been a stabbing in a housing complex in north-end Halifax. She wanted me to drive while she loaded her cameras. Just as we pulled out of the bureau parking lot, the ambulance came roaring by. The afternoon traffic all pulled over to the curb. As the ambulance passed, I pulled out and tailed it to the scene -- speeding, running stop signs and red lights all the way. When we arrived, Jann piled out of the car and so did I. But before I could follow her I was stopped by a clearly agitated cop. I was going to face charges, he told me, for tailing an emergency vehicle, reckless driving, etc., etc. I was detained for a little while; the cop took my driver's licence, copied the information, etc. Jann got her picture and we returned to the office. I was a little upset and told Gordie I was in some trouble. "Don't worry, let me take care of this," he said. He made some calls -- to the Halifax police and to the Herald. I believe two officers even paid him a visit. The next day, Jann's great picture of a policeman and an EMT kneeling over the bloody victim was on the front page of the Herald. I never heard another thing about charges.
I've been at CP 25 years now and that bureau under Gordie's leadership was the best and happiest I ever worked in. I learned more from Gordie, Elaine McCluskey and Cal Woodward there than in all the years before and probably since. It became the foundation of my journalism career. On top of that, I had more fun both on the job and off than at any other time in my working life. Gordie's Halifax bureau was rich with talent, comraderie and esprit de corps.
He was the best and most patient teacher I've worked with, and his Read It and Weep file was a highlight of the daily read-in. For better or worse -- primarily for the better -- his style and outlook shaped my understanding and vision of wire-service work to this day. He and Ray Warner's visits to Newfoundland when I was the CP correspondent there were monumental good times. So many of those stories cannot be written.
The love and respect Gordo had for Janet, and Janet's tenderness, patience and devotion to Gord were profound and touching. I'll never forget those 'p' parties in their gorgeous house at the approaches to Halifax harbour -- pizza, potatoes, pig. They were events not to be missed.
I saw regretfully little of Gord since moving to Ottawa but I still can't imagine a world without him. His legacy lives on in all that so many of us do and teach at the wire service, and beyond. He inspired great love and devotion in virtually all of us who worked with him -- all who counted, at least.
My condolences to Janet and the rest of the family. So long, Gordie. We miss you already.
And thanks.
SxT
The problem with telling GVG stories is that it requires either a working knowledge of the statute of limitations or the ability to file off the serial numbers. Gord was fearless, a man filled with both feck and gorm. He led by example (both good and bad) and he taught by example. He tried to be a hard ass, but as many of us know, he DID suffer fools gladly, even as he weaned us off foolishness. He loved a good read as much as he hated sloppiness on copy.
I recall walking down the Spark Street Mall with him in the late 1980s, discussing how young reporters were concentrating more on physical fitness and less on arguing over a few beers. Gord cocked an eye at me and announced in an oracular tone" "Ward, I have seen the future. And it's BORING."
We shall not see his like again.
JWa
Gord...
Thank you for helping me achieve a "no-bulls***" approach to my life and career. Seriously, I'm going to miss your antics, advice, and general attitude. You helped me become a better student, comedian, and person.
Til we meet again, hopefully you won't be having any appliances delivered in heaven.
I love you... yeah, it's mushy, get over it...:)
Witty, intelligent, warm and funny...we had some great conversations about the quality of journalism, journalists and the feeble state of the English language...Gordon was a gentleman who will be missed by many. Janet, you were so lucky to have him for 27 years!
My very, very sincere condolences to you and the family....
My memories of Gordo are as a long-time friend and best friend of Danny (“Malanchuk”), my late husband. They were like two peas in a pod. They rang each other a few times a day and I always knew who was on the line when I heard Danny say “You sir…” or the response (depending on who said it first) “are a feckless idiot.” We shared countless dinners and weekends away with Janet and Gordon over the years, with my favourite memories being our annual road trips to Stowe, VT. The boys would get sauced immediately at the Whip while Janet and I spent loads of money on sweaters. They would be too drunk to notice. And then there was the famous babbling brook – a favourite spot for a nighttime (or daytime!) leak. Gordo was always asked to give a toast at all the major occasions – our wedding, his godson’s birth, anniversaries, birthdays, etc. I would always be a bit nervous anticipating what he might say, depending on who we were with of course. And oftentimes there was a remark that would make you blush or squirm but he always got away with it because he was so funny and charming. Even my conservative Scottish mother would be charmed and would just say “oh Gordie” with a big smile. Coincidentally, Janet and I met in 1986 and worked together at CBC and became friends. Unknown to us, our husbands had already met and were regularly playing pool together. So it seems like we were fated to meet and become the best of friends. I will always treasure all the wonderful memories of our times together. I take comfort in the fact that Gordo and Danny are out there somewhere insulting some poor guy (f.i.), playing golf and having a ball. All my love and support go out to my dear friend Janet, his wonderful family and everyone who has been touched by this huge loss.
Lorna
I just met Gordo last year with the Solstice group. It didn't take long to get to know what kind of guy he is, because he is right there. You gotta love him. I'll miss you Gordo.
Huns
I will certainly miss the finest man I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Gord had this unique ability of getting close to you and without you knowing, change your outlook on life. I was very proud to have and continue to call him my friend and was very pleased that he considered me a friend.
Gord certainly was not afraid to state his opinion on any topic, whether he knew the topic or not. No one except for himself would know if he had any knowledge on the matter. But, as I found out many a time, and it costs me a few drinks, he was always right.
Gord had the greatest sense of humour, and the first time I went away to Lake Placid, was my introduction to this off the wall humour and as long as you weren’t the butt of the joke, it was always funny and harmless. The times in Lake Placid, Myrtle Beach, and of course Puzzles, were the best times ever. All I know is that my time spent in his presence was the most interesting time of my life and a time I will cherish forever.
We are all sadden by Gord leaving us, and his family and especially Janet feeling the greatest brunt of the loss. However, a foursome has been completed and now, Danny, Eddie, Jim and Gord will now play golf together. Can you image what trouble Danny and Gord will create when they are back together. There will be some interesting times for those four.
Gord, I will miss you and you have taught me so many lessons on how to live, I will never forget.
John (AKA Big Head)
Helllloooo Cyynntthiia, he would say in his most perfected and exaggerated
up town English accent to start our telephone conversations. Oh, how I
loved those conversations. I just knew that each time we were in for
another delightful and grand time, moving from topic to topic, injustice to
injustice, joke to joke and general beguilement at the state of the world.
To me, Gord was "old school." Honesty, hard work, loyalty and genuine
affection meant something to him. Gord was in a sense my conscience. He
made me better for having known him. Once second sober thought became my
mantra it served me well. I just knew that I could never slip a seemingly
clever but ill thought out and suspected idiotic comment past Gord. No
sooner had the utterance left my lips he would announce in no uncertain
terms that I had just made an obviously unclever, ill thought out and
decidedly idiotic comment. I am grateful to him for that, he kept me
honest.
Gord, you ahieved much in your life, professionally and personally. Your
worked hard and deserved all of your blessings, in particular, your
extraordinary and devoted wife, Janet and your wonderful children David and
Gayle, great daughter-in-law Andrea and adoring grandchildren. You really
did live life honestly and were true to yourself and in doing so you made
an indelible impact on many grateful friends, family, students and
colleagues. You were the best of friends.
A life well lived. Well done my friend, well done.
Cynthia (aka spouse of big head)
Thank you so much for being the type of teacher that made me want to go to class. For being the type of teacher who challenged us and entertained us in the same instant. Thank you for being the type of man who would come and have a few drinks and get to know his students as people in their own right. For being the type of man who took me out for dinner to celebrate my first legitimate TV job after college. For always being encouraging and interested in your students after graduation. I find it hard to imagine you as anything but vibrant and full of life yelling at people for mixing up it's and its. You were a great teacher and friend. You will be missed. My thoughts are with your family at this difficult time.
Gord brought a lot of laughter and fun to our family. A great family friend who connected with us kids too. He would pop into our lives and I would dutifully give up my bed and bunk with my siblings. On one occasion, Gord arose the next morn; at the breakfast table I recognized him sporting blue pom poms from his ears. Once a decorative bedspread fringe, now served as functional earplugs for Gord. Whatever works. I was 11 or 12 at the time, now 42. It has been quite a few years since seeing Gord; however his laughter and fun spirit live on in my memories. Marcella Austenfeld (née Poling)
I knew this great man as "GORDO". Whether it was during a round of Golf or afterwards during the great game of "Birding", Gord was always there to inspire, such things like " OH NOooo not 3 during a session of "BIRDING".I can close my eyes and hear his voice,I'll miss that voice. I met Gord at Puzzles and never knew what to expect from Gord, Dan and Ed. I was was always the young lad trying to keep up. Anytime i heard "TURB" i was in for a laugh. Never will i meet a man i respected and loved so much.
Goodbye my friend.
TURB
I can still hear him bellowing across the snooker room at the Press Club: "KENNY! Ye of neither feck nor gorm!" We'll not soon see his like in what passes for journalism these days.
Jason Brennan -
It's been a few days since i've heard of Gord's passing and like most of us i'm sadened by the loss of a good man.
I've been spending the last few days on trying to word what Gord's impact was in my life and figure out how i would put it down. My relationship with Gord started off at Algonquin college, where I remember arriving there as a "mature" student and being at a point in my life where i thought i had figured out what i was going to do with myself. If i recall correctly, my first class was with Gord. Like everyone else i could see first and foremost how pasionnate he was about journalism. As weeks went by, I quickly took to his sly sense of humour and quick wit. For me, he was like the coach or father you didn't want to dissapoint. But for me, Gord's greatest trait was the fact that he never "bullshitted" you or sugar coatted anything, he always told it like it was....
I went on to graduate from Algonquin, and spent the next couple of years playing golf with him. Although i was horrible and Gord loved to make fun and my slice and take my money on our skins games, It was well worth it. As life would have it, Gord took those golf sessions and whether he knew it or not for me it was as if i was pursuing my education. However, he wasn't teaching me about spelling or how to list the fact and forget about all the irelevant things when writting about so and so. He tough me about life, becoming a man and about becoming a young professional He never tried to tell what to do or what i should pursue in life...
He more or less gave my real insight into what my life my be like if i made the right choices and used the tools which i already had to get ahead in life. Everyweek during the summer, once or twice a week, Gord took 18 holes of golf and turned it his own classroom, i'm sure for him this was the ideal setting to teach a young dumb kid about being a man. Hell I learned more over 2 summers on those holes than i did in his classroom. (I'm sure he'd ride me for saying that or he'd tell me that I should of bloody listened more during class).
After a few years, i took Gord's advice and used his inspirationnal words and started my own production company. Unfortunately, at the expense of our weekly round of Golf. Although I didn't get a chance to see Gord these past few years, everytime i see a Golf course i'm rememded of Gord Grant, one of the best teachers i've ever had and a great friend.
I hope you rest in peace Gordo and one day I will get a chance to beat you at your own game.
I was fortunate enough to be a student in Gord's journalism course at Algonquin College. I learned many things, but most important thing I would learn in that class was that the world needs more straight shooters. I still remember hearing the complaints from my classmates, some of whom had been A students their entire educational careers, struggling to understand why they 'only' got a C.
I think the main reason some students had a hard time adjusting in Gord's class was because he didn't celebrate mediocrity the way other educators do. Average students who had been convinced they're something special were very quickly brought back to earth in N102.
I mean no disrespect to the family, close friends and loved ones of Gord, but when I heard the terrible news the people I felt the worst for are future Algonquin students who will never have the benefit of being in Gord's class. You will never know what you've been robbed of. You will never know how full of s*** your sense of entitlement is, because in most likelihood you've never had an individual like Gord to set you straight.
We need more teachers who treat their students like adults. We need more genuine people who will tell you what you need to hear instead of what you want to hear. The world needs more of you, Gord. I hope you knew how much I respected you, because I don't think I ever said it you directly.
Gordon Reid
To my Manchester United fan, and my Algonquin College partner in crime...Cheers to the ultimate professional. You made me laugh, cry, and I always respected your honesty! Will miss you Gord, you were a true friend!
One of the best teachers i have ever had and most likely ever will. I may have been in his class this year for a short time before he had to leave us but he has left his mark and will never be forgoten. RIP Gord,thanks for the time you shared with us.
Al Burelle - Group 020
From Group 020, It was a pleasure to be in his class. I only wish we could of had him longer, it would of been a great time. I didn't know you long, but I will miss you!
Jp Lemieux
Gord Grant was an awesome guy. I had him as my teacher at the beginning of this year for a short time, and not once was he down or sad. Always had a smile on his face, and a happy spirit to share with all. I really hope he rests in peace, and all my sympathy goes out to his friends and family. We'll all miss you Gord.
Steph Cook, Algonquin College
He was the reason I got in the habit of reading the newspaper in the mornings. I had to be ready for his quiz first thing Monday morning. And I still have all of my scripts from his class. Even when I knew I'd written a script that was total crap, I'd still look forward to reading his comments on it. And when I thought I'd written a good one even more so. I still take them out and read what he wrote on them every now and then. In fact I'm going to crack them out now. RIP Gord
Gordo! Your passing will leave an empty place in the lives of all who were fortunate enough to have enjoyed your company. All of us will gain some solace through the telling and retelling of adventures we shared and enjoyed. Golf on Gord, until our paths cross again!
Janet and family, our thoughts are with you even though we are far away.
Gordon was a great teacher, who wasn't afraid to tell it like it was. He inspired his students to do better, and got us all scrambling to read the paper every morning. He was always willing to lend a hand to help and would always make time to chat. My life is better having had the chance to meet such a great man.
Bruce Martin--(December 15, 2009)
Gordo, I never knew if this condition was good or bad but until we meet again I will be "Tits up in the Wabigoon".
It was just over 11 years ago that I first met, and instantly adored, Gord. I walked into his classroom at 8am – by 8:15am I was already in stitches. He was a born teacher – filled with knowledge, patience, humour and an unfaltering desire to see his students succeed. No one had ever, or has ever, made me work so incredibly hard; and I am eternally grateful for having had him in my life.
Over the years, we kept in touch – catching up over drinks now and then; chatting when I would stop at Algonquin to say hello; bumping into each other at the Superstore… and I always left with a smile on my face and in my heart. I realize now that it never occurred to me that the last time I saw him would be the last time I would ever see him. In my head, Gordo was immortal. If anyone should have been, he was definitely the one.
The world has lost a truly incredible person, and I will laugh through my tears every time I think of him… which will be often.
Rest in peace, my friend.
Aimée
One lesson I learned from Gord that I still use when writing today....always mention the world record in the first two sentences, the rest can follow. Yesterday, I re-read the emails we exchanged over the past two years and he always sounded upbeat, joyful and enjoying life to the fullest. This is how I will remember him.
Peter Staniszewski
Gordo was a great guy to play golf,have a drink or just a chat with The world is a different place now and I hope to meet another Gordon Grant.
A terrific teacher and colleague. Gord talked at length about all his students. Those who wanted or needed help always got it. That level of caring came back to him in smiles, admiration and love - classroom tirades and all! Godspeed my friend. We’ll not see the like again soon.
George Hutchison
Gordie was a whirling dervish kinda guy, filled with an inquisitive, mischievous energy that was infectious. I caught it when I first met him soon after he joined the Toronto Telegram as a cub reporter in the finance department. It was around 1960. I was a clerk for the Globe, and marvelled how Gord could put a cogent, even interesting spin, on the turgid daily stock listings. He wasn't long for such mundane fare. He went on to infect other aspiring reporters far afield, who remain thankful and indebted for having encountered this remarkable force of fun and inspiration.
I was saddened by the news of Gord's passing. I'm so very glad to have this opportunity to express how he touched my life.
As I write this I am conscious of every letter and word... just as he taught me. Gordon Grant was a formidable teacher who was generous with his time and comments... colourful too! He challenged me to think, read and write critically... an annoying skill to impose on family and friends, however, useful in my career. Thank you Gord. I will bloody well remember you!
Chantal Ménard -
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Janet and family in your time of grief. It was good to have known Gord.
Kathryn, Ken and girls
I never knew the teacher Grant, only the friend and bureau chief Grant. But those comments above warm my heart and show a real legacy. Thanks Gord, it was a really joy to know you and it will be as well to remember you.
tim naumetz
The best boss, ever. Demanding, exacting, tireless -- and it was contageous. Old school journalism. There won't be another like him. He had a gift for asking the right questions to guide a writer to the right sentence, the right turn of phrase. We would have walked through fire for him. His legacy is the fine writers and reporters that graduated from the GvG school of journalism. Even if we were invariably feckless from time to time.
Dan Dugas
Only knew Gord on the softball diamond, where we played in the (CP) Ottawa bureau's pick-up games.
His laughter filled that park in Ottawa South Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings, as it did in his newsrooms and his home.
Well, Gord...you're in the Bigs now. God Bless!
Rod Deacon
Thomson News Service ('81-87)
Ottawa
Perhaps Denise said it best. "He was such a nice man". Nothing more need be spoken. We'll both miss you and cherish fond memories. Dave and Denise.
Had a few pints playing indoor golf and essentially interviewed him about his life and career.
I wish my memory wasn't clouded by the beer but I do recall sorted memories:
Greatest Interview- Muhammed Ali
Most memorable sports event- Munich Olympics
Regrets- I wish I got to know my kids as they were growing up.
Talk about leaving a legacy. Perhaps I didn't know him as well as others but the Gord I knew would want us to raise a glass in his name. So, I will.
To leaving your mark!
Gord's relationship with the Ottawa bureau of CP did not get off to a good start. It was the late 70s, the CP bureau was out on a rotating strike as we sought our first contract. Gord and someone else from Toronto management were sent to Ottawa to work in the bureau. Time heals, and we forgave him for that. I moved on to Southam and Gord eventually came to Ottawa as Bureau Chief. We became quite good friends and had many good laughs together, hurling insults back and forth. Gord had a self-deprecating sense of humour and an ability to prick pomposity that served him very well among the egos of Parliament Hill.
Rather than write repetitive good, but correct, praises about my friend Gord, surfice it to say "thanks for all the good times we had together, albeit pool, golf, birding, shuffleboard, just talking, etc etc" I still say, as I said to you, "A good old bean for a Northener"
I shall miss you muchly: keep a spare golfball for me for our next round.
Andrew R.R.
MY DEAREST GORD, IT'S MIC I WILL NEVER FORGET THE LAST TIME WE SAW EACH OTHER YOU WERE AT GAYLES AND HOLDING MY HAND TOLD ME THAT EVERYTHING WAS GOING TO BE ALRIGHT, I MUST THANKYOU FOR ALL OF YOUR CARING WORDS YOUR HEARTFELT HUG AND THE BOTTLE OF WINE WE ALL SHARED AND ALL THE LAUGHING WE DID THAT DAY.YOU BROUGHT INTO THIS WORLD A VERY SPECIAL PERSON AND HER NAME IS GAYLE YOUR DAUGHTER, MY BEST FRIEND, ALSO DAVE, AND SHARED YOUR LIFE WITH JANET. YOU LOVED LARGE, GAVE BIG,AND WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN, MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU JANET, GAYLE, DAVE AND ANDREA AND THE GRANDKIDS HE LOVED TO TEASE. WE WILL MISS YOU GORDY FOREVER, MICHELLE AND CRAIG CROSS
AS I READ THE MEMORIALS JUST ONE LAST THING THANK GOD HE CANT SEE ALL MY ERRORS HE WOULD OF BEEN APOLED, ALL MY LOVE YOU WILL BE MISSED
Gordie was my father and my friend. Whenever life got me down, he picked me up and brushed me off. In my 46 years I have been privy to the odd "Grant Rant". Some made me blush, most made me laugh.
At times we lived a continent apart, yet he always seemed to have my back. He taught me how to live life, and showed me a few things to avoid.
This past month in Ottawa has taught me a great deal about his profound influence on so many people. From young to old, scholar to layman, the outpouring of love and support has been overwhelming.
I know he was loved by a bunch of West Hill Wankers from years ago. and because of him, our close friendships remain to this day.
He never judged people for what they were, rather who they were.
One thing I know about my dad is you either love him or not. I happen to love him.
My children Christian and Chloe only knew him as Grandpa, but are proudly reading about him as a journalist, mentor and friend.
Danny, tell him to be quiet in your backswing.....for once.
Dad, I love you, respect you and will miss you always.
Love, Dave.
It's unbeleivable that someone so highly entertaining could be taken from us. We will think of him continuously on the golf course. God Bless Gordo!!!!
Allan & Kim McCoy
Gord,
I've always found these online memorial messages a little cliché, but I find myself smiling as I read what others have written.
As my teacher you were quick to tear apart a shoddy script, but would praise a well written one just as fast.
As my friend I want to thank you for opening doors of great opportunity.
You were well aware that I admired your no bullshit mentality. You were a tough s.o.b. with a heart of gold.
One of my fondest memories is from my first semester at Algonquin College. During a "Grant Rant" about an upcoming essay we had to write, I furiously wrote down your opinions on the CRTC and CBC. Then almost verbatim I wrote your own opinions on each organization in my final paper. I could only laugh when I received a high mark with a comment in red pen at the top of the page, "You must have been paying attention!"
So, for everyone that took the time to check for errors when writing their goodbye messages (myself included) your teaching lives on.
Be good Gord, I’ll miss you.
Jon Green
Like many who have posted a note here, I too was a student of Mr. Grant's way back in 96'. Like many who have posted a note here, he made a difference in my life, not only as a teacher but as a man. Like many who have posted a note here, I too am at a loss for words by his passing. I'm flooded with great sadness, yet at the same time I sit here writing this with tears in my eyes and a smile on my face. So many great memories, so many laughs...thank you Mr. Grant for crossing my path, for entering my life. May I one day impart half of what you have in my lifetime. You truly were a great man in so many ways. I'll see you on the other side. Much love to you and your family.
Chantal
From the long list of people who have known Gordon, we’d like to count ourselves among the blessed ones who Gordon, together with Janet has considered “our good friends from Romania”...the feeling was mutual...yet, we called them ‘our good Canadian friends ’... and how else could we have felt around an open hearted, frank, humorous and kind person such as Gordon, and his beloved wife Janet?...they have become part of our lives as we have been so generously allowed to become part of theirs... Christmases, Thanksgivings, B-days, casual visits have become opportunities to spend time together sharing stories, experiences, feelings and opinions about teaching, cultures and literature...we loved listening to Gordon’s stories about past times of journalism, about his teaching experience at Algonquin, his beliefs and life philosophies...we’ll cherish your memory, Gordon by treasuring these stories deep in our hearts along with all the inspiring, moralizing and humorous touch you have put into them...now that you have gone on the path with no return, we’ll surely miss you this and even more...rest in peace
Love
Elke, Bela, Eveline, Lynn
These tributes are like a big delicious dose of Gordo - the hilarity, the insights, the insults.
Reading student after student and their appreciation of his Gordo-ness - he'd love that.
Thanks, Janet, for sharing him that night you were stuck in editing, so I got to go to Government House as "Mrs Gordon Grant" where he proceeded to hurl expletives at the meagre buffet (STEW, for Chrissake) charm our table, and dance the GG off her feet.
My heart goes out to you, and the family.
Nancy Cooper
He was never Gord, Gordie or Gordo at our house. Our three-year-old twins dupped him "Nord" - a name that delighted him. My Vancouver Bureau Chief in 1989, Nord brought a lot of energy and laughter to a bureau that needed uplifting.
Condolences to Janet and family,
Chuck Stoody
And so it goes.
He was a divine bugger. To have a conversation with Grant, you had to bring your "A" game, never let your guard down, or he would shred you to pieces. He and Malanchuk are now together making feckless history hopefully, tossing back some pops, shooting stick and shorting golf bags. What a guy!
Gordo and Danny will be tearing up the golf courses up there and having a few beers on the "golden" 19th hole.
Irene Sidorenko
An excellent teacher, mentor and guide - he will be missed. RIP.
Nick
If Gord was there when you walked into the Press Club, you knew that the next hour or two, or even three, would be fun and time well wasted.
-Ron Wood, Calgary
While your time at the Vancouver bureau was brief, you left behind many memories. I will miss your clever wit and the way you told a story. The stories always started with you leaning back in your chair, with your hands touching at the finger tips, and you would say: "Brenda, my pal..." and I knew that we were onto another adventure.
It was clear to me that while he was in Vancouver, Gordie missed Janet, David and Gayle very much. The expression on his face while he talked about them told me how much he loved them. R.I.P. Gordie.
BcB
In October 1996 I was trying to turn my life around by going back to school to get an education. After 5 weeks, I was ready to quit. That’s when I had my first chat with Gord Grant and that’s when my life changed. The inspiration, the words of wisdom was like rocket fuel and I haven’t looked back since. He’s the reason I stayed in school and that I have the career that I have today. He taught me how to believe in myself and so many more lessons in life. The impact that he’s had on my life for the last decade has been enormous.
Gordo,
There are no words that can express the sorrow that I feel right now. You became a very dear friend to me and mentor and I will miss you dearly. On a lighter side, I have so many wonderful memories of you that just make me smile. I will miss our conversations about football and how you loved to remind me that “The Chiefs” were having a terrible season. But most of all I will miss just sitting on your front porch sipping tea and shooting the breeze.
Until we see each other again my dear friend. Save a glass of Cardhu for me.
Janet, my heart goes out to you and the family.
Chantal Dubuc
Goodbye old buddy. We'll all miss you. Get in the round in the afterlife; we'll be along to join you, one-by-one.
Geoff Matthews
I've been with CP since 73 and spent most of my time on the broadcast side, mainly in Toronto. Alas, I didn't work for Gord. But I wish I had.
To my mind, he was one of a few that you could call the heart and soul of CP.
This tribute page is truly amazing and reminds me of when I last saw Gord. It was two years ago when he was in town for Ray Warner's retirement dinner. He was mobbed by many, including myself, who were just plain delighted to have a chance to talk and share a few laughs.
As my friend and colleague John Ward aptly put it, we will not see his like again.
Very sincere sympathies to his wife and kids.
Malcolm Morrison
I will always remember Gord as a great teacher. He taught us a lot about news, current events, grammar, and even life. I remember being intimidated by him during my first year at Algonquin. However, he quickly won us all over! We heard our fair share of 'Grant Rants' and remember them dearly. I also remember one Monday morning where he pulled the tv into the classroom and had us watch the playoff for the Masters golf tournament - it was these moments that were a welcome break from our hectic schedule....those and the ones that occured in Observatory after class! He was quick to tell us when we had written something horrible, but just as quick to tell us when we wrote something great. These are just a few of the qualities that made him a great teacher. I hope he knew just how much he taught us and how much we remember....and especially how much we won't forget. You were one of the great ones Gord! I send my deepest sympathies to Gord's family, friends, colleagues and other students that will never forget him. RIP.
One of the things I admired most about Gord, and there were many to choose from, was his amazing ability to turn a dense, poorly written, unreadable piece of dreck into a bright, lively, beautifully written piece of prose. I don't think I ever met anyone who could make me laugh like he could. I will miss him and his wicked sense of humour and the pet names he bestowed, not always entirely lovingly, on people he met. Cementhead and she-wolf are two of my favourites.
A wonderful teacher who could always see the bigger picture. He left his mark on anyone who knew him and in turn will be passed on to those we know. A truly immortal inspiration.
I met Gord when I was working for Selkirk News on Parliament Hill in the early '80's. What a funny, charming man! I envied the CP staff for having a larger than life newsman for a boss. He'll be sorely missed.
When I first met Gord at a dinner at Tommy Sharina's I was aghast, then charmed. He was sharp, insightful, hilarious! And later, as a colleague at Algonquin College, it was a pleasure to sit around the table with him as we discussed the progress of the students. Gord was larger than life itself and I'm sure he's having a blast with Danny! Janet, Dave and Gayle...I hope the love everyone is expressing, and the wonderful stories of Gord they're sharing, are bringing you some comfort in your huge loss. Gord, you will live on in the lives you touched be they students, colleagues, friends!
Cherylyn Brooks
Gordon, you touched so many lives in so many ways. You were one of a kind, and I appreciate everything you taught us. Here's to the best Prof ever! My deepest sympathies to Janet and the family.
Jessy & Matthew Moran
"Don't muck about ... just tell the fucking story."
To a young reporter full of piss and vinegar but one double martini (straight up with a twist of lemon) short of and real confidence, Gord Grant was at once a God-send and the Voice of Doom.
Every second Monday, for more than a year, freshly typed resume in hand, I would timidly enter his second-floor office at 36 King Street East and ask whether there was an opening. And every second Monday, for more than a year, he'd take the resume, toss it into the basket on his desk, and say, "Keep in touch." It took a while, but I began to see through the barely suppressed grin and finally on a rainy fall day told him to either hire me or tell me not to come back but stop jerking me around. "You start Monday," he said, and tossed my resume on his desk.
The eight years I worked, played and caroused with Gordie were a privilege.
My spot on the rewrite desk was exactly three paces from his office door, a front-row seat to understanding the art and craft of no-holds-barred GvG.
He thundered, he ranted. He entertained and enthralled. He guided, he taught, he supported his staff through darkness and light. He was the coach, the friend, the mentor,a legend many in this business might never have known, or known well, but should wish they had.
He built a team and made sure everyone had a role, that everyone shared the credit. And sometimes the blame. He challenged and charged ahead, elbows out and damn the torpedoes. He demanded our best, and got it. He showed us the way. He stood behind us.
After work, there was always a place at Gordie's table downstairs at the Bacchus. By the end of the night, there might be half a dozen tables pulled together. Gordie got me into -- and out of -- more trouble in those eight years than in the other 32 years of my career combined. Bless him for that, and more.
He made every house party an event. I named a couch after him.
Behind the politically incorrect facade, and the profanities delivered deftly and always in the Queen's English, there was an indefatigable sense of fairness and justice. He was honest in his criticism and in his praise. And generous with both.
I think the only better place to work than was CP Toronto in the mid-to-late '70s and early '80s was anywhere else where Gordie was running the show.
I’m feeling a little sorry for myself as I write this. We’d touch base periodically in my post-CP years, but not nearly often enough. And now he’s gone, and I regret that I wasn’t more diligent in maintaining that friendship. I would feel diminished but for the memories I have, for the opportunities he gave me, the lessons he taught.
To his family, his closest friends and colleagues, and his students, I extend my deepest condolences.
Dave Dutton
Everyone who knew Gordie Grant has at least one unforgettable story to tell revolving around this extraordinary man. Working for and with Gordie was truly inspirational. He inspired loyalty, respect, fear, admiration, love, frustration, anger, and laughter - so much laughter! I can still see him in my mind's eye hoisting a beer, the suds lining the tips of his moustache, his eyes twinkling as he related one outrageous story after another (and amazingly all true!). I can smell his aftershave (who couldn't?) and hear his voice barking out orders, giving us hell, and thanking us when a job was well done. He was a mentor to so many of us. I still have the note he sent to hospital following a serious car crash back in 1979: "Don't you think it's time to get back to work, Wayda?"; and also the sensitive letter he sent to my mother at that time assuring her CP knew her daughter would be just fine. Thanks for so many memories Gordie, and God speed.
DLW
Mr. Grant - the only man I know, who along with my dad, crashed a wedding at the Legion and had the cojones to dance with the bride! I love that story,and there are many....Thinking of all the Grant's, especially today.
Love, Tia
How can one ever forget working for Gord. It was a bloody hoot. He believed the job of a reporter was to cause trouble. And he gave me, and so many other reporters he mentored, the space and encouragement to dig deep. One quick story. Tim Naumetz and I were working on an expense account story involving a senior Mulroney aide. As he left the office that day, Gord told us: "I don't want you f@@##X ass####" to file this until I see it." A few hours later, we got a crucial bit of information. Naumetz and I looked at each other, smiled and filed it. The story led the CBC's National and front pages. The next day, Grant walks in. "What the fXXX%% did I tell you," he bellowed. And than the big Gordo smile.
A marvelous guy, a great journalist and a teacher to many.
We'll miss you pal.
Bob Fife
Today I remember Gord Grant - a fantastic teacher and friend who mentored me in ways that very few have. He instilled in me a passion for writing and the drive to be the best journalist possible. There isn't a day that goes by without me remembering his lessons. In fact, as I write this I can hear him telling me to be brief and to the point - don't add too much of that flowery stuff :-)
Thank you Gord for believing in me. You were a kind, witty man who loved life and the chance to shape young minds ... and for that I am forever grateful.
Rest in Peace, Alyson
The last time I saw Gordie was some years back over lunch in Toronto. He'd just come back from teaching journalism in Bosnia. What I remember best was Gordo describing how he'd groomed sports writers. Their first stories were dreadful, built around the score and who won. But little by little, Gordo taught them to write lively copy. He was very proud. Gord inspired and selfishless helped many, many people,as this blog attests. (Myself included) But he was especially proud of his crop of young sports writers in Sarajevo. Whoever sent Gord there made an inspired choice. What better way to help heal Bosnia than to send a Gord Grant to help turn their minds and hearts to the really important things in life -- like a good sports story.
Thanks for everything Gordo.
Like Dan Leger, I hope you're somewhere warm enjoying a good round of golf with Danny.
MxP
He taught me the real meaning of fucking feckless.
I will miss my buddy.
A Gordo story:
My comedy partner, Laurie Murphy, and I had the privilege of being guests of honour at the home of Janet and Gord a few years back. We were touring our show and spent a week doing a festival in Ottawa.
to say think you, we presented Gord with an autographed photo. His response,
"OH THAT'S GREAT! It wasn't bad enough you two had to eat our food and stay in our bed, now I have to look at you when you're gone!"
Classic.
I knew then and there that we would be friends.
RIP Gordo.
And take care Janet. I am thinking about you.
Cynthia Dunsford
Gord was one of the true icons of CP. He was a man you could trust to let "you" know when you erred and let "eveyone" know when you were right. In the office, he was The General; outside the office, he was one of the boys.
He will be missed.
R.I.P. Gordie
Mike Williams
Your class was on a Monday... the most challenging class of all. But, no matter what kind of mood I was in, your class put me in an instant good mood. Two words: uncontrollable laughter! There was just something about sitting in that class room that made me feel like we were part of something special. You taught us so much about the things we really needed to know. I am forever grateful for having been your student.
Thank you, thank you,
Miss Tannis
Gord was the reason I transferred to CP Halifax in 1985. If I was going to be a newsman, it was best to learn from the best. Demanding. Driven. Passionate. Compassionate. Imaginatively unorthodox. Gord's focus on excellence, and his desire to share what he knew, made everyone around him better.
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow;
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain;
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there; I did not die.
My Father, My hero, My friend...Good Night Sweet Prince. Your Little girl forever, Gayle
What a loss to Canada's journalism community! I learned so much from Gordon - not just about how to write - but about why what we do as journalists is so important. And why it's a burden not to be taken lightly.
Gordon was an amazing teacher and metnor - and I couldn't have asked for a better start to my journalism career.
You will be sadly missed,
Tess
CHEK TV Victoria
News Anchor & Owner
the last of the old style wire service bosses that would kick your ass and back you up simultaneously! i had so much fun shooting pix at the halifax bureau when gordie ran the ship. its hilarious to see my photo of "the silly gordie grant" from around 1985; sorta sums the man up quite eloquently, dont you think?
Night shift in the nursing station, reading these tributes makes me feel close to you. I miss you Papa. Gayle
Sadly, I missed this news when it happened but I've got to chime in with my own tribute even at this late date. Gord was the first CP journalist I ever met. He was bureau chief in Vancouver when I first got to Seattle as AP bureau chief, and he gave me a great welcome to the Northwest. He was the first of many CP friends I've made over the years. What an original he was!
No more Grant Rant. And I thought I'd be happy.
-Christian Clark
JacK Boon, Old Salfordians Assc.
Gordy, as we knew him at Salford
Grammar School will always be remembered.He
was a great soccer player and i have reason
to know this, as i played against him at the
age of 10yrs and with him at SGS. A really
great guy who was remembered at the Annual
Dinner last year
I'm sitting here in the newsroom procrastinating like hell. I should be writing up my 12 newscast but I can't stop thinking of you.
I wish you could be here to teach me about the industry. Either way, I'm working my ass off to make you proud.
Love you and miss you Grandpa,
Chloe
The 2020 COVID-19 coronavirus reminded me how former CP Halifax bureau chief, Gord Grant, was among those who succumbed to the H1N1 (swine flu) pandemic of 2009, which led me to this site for the first time and the chance to read so many memories shared following his death, especially by ex-CP Halifax colleagues. Thanks for leaving this tribute available. Coming from a radio-TV background, writing for CP’s Broadcast News service was easy for me in my 10½ years (1981-1992) at CP Halifax but writing and editing CP content was more challenging, especially if adding your byline to breaking news or feature stories to be included in the CP daily news budget that newspapers coast-to-coast relied on and expected the highest quality content. I could not have had a better mentor. During Gord’s tenure initially as Halifax bureau News Editor and then as Bureau Chief, it was not uncommon to start a shift by checking my mail slot and seeing a copy of something I had written or edited during a previous shift, with a note from GvG, that would be nervously opened, knowing it could only go two ways: It could be a blunt critique with red circled or underlined mistakes, but also explanatory footnotes on what should have been done differently and why. Those lessons were never forgotten, nor the mistakes repeated. Or, it would be the other kind of note: glowing “kudos” on a well-written story, and an explanation of why he was praising it. Gord would push you to earn more kudos. I’ve had many occasions, and still do to this day, to mentor subordinates and they’ve told me time and again they appreciate my also taking the time to offer constructive criticism accompanied by reasoned rationale and explanations, but also ensuring that I praise their accomplishments, encourage them to excel, ensure they know I’ve got their back and do what I can to advance their careers. While the passage of yearshas hopefully eased the grief to Janet and Gord’s family, there’s no fading of his legacy, as I’m clearly not the only contributor here who continues to practice what he preached.
Dan Bedell (DRB), Dartmouth, NS