Obituary of Agnes Grant

Dr. Agnes Grant Agnes (Dyck) Grant passed away July 22, 2009 at Riverview Health Centre. Agnes was born at Gilroy, Saskatchewan May 3, 1933, the fifth of six daughters born to Henry and Helen Dyck. The family farmed at Gilroy, Mullingar and Glenbush throughout the Depression years and into the 1950's. Agnes attended rural schools and then Normal School in Saskatoon to become a teacher. She returned to her home community to teach and married Garry Grant in 1955. They lived in Saskatoon while Garry finished university and Agnes taught school. In 1960 they returned to Glenbush, Garry to farm and Agnes to teach. In 1963 they moved to Manitoba, to the Interlake, Winnipeg and then to Minnedosa where they lived until 1993. They raised five children and provided a home for foster children and international students. Agnes attended Brandon University to obtain a BA, B.Ed, M.Ed and Ph.D. She studied cross-cultural education with a focus on literature and story-telling traditions. She worked for Brandon University for 28 years as a professor and administrator for off-campus programs, including PENT (Program for Education of Native Teachers), BUNTEP (Brandon University Northern Teacher Education Program) and BUHEP (Brandon University Hutterite Teacher Education Program). In 1993 Agnes and Garry moved to Winnipeg. Garry passed away in 1995. Agnes continued with work, travel and many hobbies. In 2000 she built a cottage at Pelican Harbour (Manigotagon) which became her primary residence. The cabin was a place for writing, walking, gardening and hosting family and friends. Agnes authored five professional books as well as many articles and book chapters. Her most recent project was a novel, May There Be No Sadness of Farewell, to be published this fall. Agnes was an active supporter of the NDP. She was a campaign worker for Garry in provincial and federal elections, and campaign manager for George Hicks in Winnipeg. Her committee work continued in recent years with Agricultural Research and Development Initiatives. Agnes traveled extensively including professional trips to New Brunswick and New Zealand, and vacations in Canada, Europe, Cuba and Mexico. Trips often included children and grandchildren. Her last adventure was a trip to Alaska in 2008 with granddaughter Skye. Agnes was a quilt maker. Over the years she made quilts for weddings, babies, graduations and presents, which family and friends will treasure. Agnes was predeceased by her parents, Henry and Helen Dyck, her husband Garry, son David and sisters Helen Giesbrecht and Doris Friesen. She leaves behind children Elaine Bradley (Wayne), Rob Grant (Tanya), Isabelle Wardemann and Nancy Grant, 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters Mary Froese, Margaret Wreggit, Claire Darvill and many nephews and nieces. We thank the 3-E staff at Riverview for their patient and compassionate care for Agnes and family. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, July 30 at 2:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Riverview Palliative Care, Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.