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Grant McKay
<p>Warren Grant McKay P. Eng, B.Sc.</p><p>Feb. 19 1921 - Dec. 14 2015</p><p><br></p><p>Grant passed away peacefully in Brockville at the BGH Garden St. site in this 95th year. He is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years Della Patricia (Robinson), his children Marsha Lindsay (Ardis), John McKay (Eden), and Janet Geneau (J-P), all of Brockville. Loving grandfather to Jake Lindsay (Arvin Rajendram), Patrick Lindsay (Denise), Adam Lindsay (Kay Gan), Warren Lindsay (Amber Burgess), and Amanda McKay. Great-grandfather to Owen Lindsay and Blake Lindsay. Also survived by his sister Beatrice Frederickson and several nieces and nephews.</p><p><br></p><p>Grant was a true Canadian, with Scottish, French-Canadian and Metis roots. He grew up in rural Manitoba, youngest of 9 children. When WWII broke out, he and his three older brothers enlisted together, and Grant was trained as an RCAF navigator. He served overseas with the RAF, and on his fourth bombing mission over Germany his Lancaster was shot down. He landed somewhere in Holland, sought shelter, and was rescued by the Dutch Resistance. For seven months, he was hidden and moved around the countryside until his eventual escape on Christmas Eve 1944 through Belgium. Grant was ever grateful to the Dutch people for their courage and sacrifice in such dangerous times. Back home in Canada, he was commended by Gov.-Gen. Massey for his service in the Allied effort during those years.</p><p><br></p><p>In February, 1945, he and Della Robinson of Cartwright, Manitoba married in Winnipeg. They moved to Kingston where Grant completed his Chemical Engineering studies at Queen's University. He joined CIL in Toronto, and helped with the design of the new Dupont of Canada Maitland works plant. They then moved to Brockville and Grant worked at Dupont until his retirement in 1982.</p><p><br></p><p>Grant was a kind, gentle and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He particularly enjoyed events involving his ever-growing extended family, and hearing news of his nieces and nephews and their own families too. He enjoyed camping and motor trips out West, imparting his love for nature and Canadian history and geography to his children. He was an avid sailor and a member of the BYC. He was also a loyal Montreal Canadiens fan, rooting for their next Stanley Cup every year! He loved to read and collect books, and had an extensive library on a wide range of subjects. </p><p><br></p><p>The family wishes to thank Dr. Jerry Ashe, and all the other doctors, nurses and staff on Palliative and Second floors at BGH Garden Street for their kindness, compassion and exemplary care of our dear Grant. We mourn the loss of a special soul who was very much loved and admired by those who knew and worked with him.</p><p><br></p><p>Friends are invited to a reception in his memory at Irvine Funeral Home, 4 James Street East, Brockville on Friday, Dec. 18th, 2015, from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Donations to the SPCA of Brockville or Palliative Care would be gratefully acknowledged.</p>February 19, 1921 - December 14, 201502/19/192112/14/2015
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Grant McKay
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