Boyd Walker Grant

Boyd Walker Grant 

1925-2025 

Boyd Walker Grant was born on the family farm in Minnedosa on June 4, 1925. He was the son of Alfred Boyd Grant & Letta Mae Grant. 

He was predeceased by his three older sisters- Ora Toms, Gladys McHugh, Evelyn Cushon, younger brother John Grant, his wife Amy, grandsons Jarad Koritar and Michael Lalande, and granddaughter Kristen Reid. 

Boyd attended Cameron School, where his father had been a student and his mother had taught.  There were eight students in his grade and he remained close friends with some of his classmates for over 90 years. 

Boyd joined the army in 1944 where he proudly served with the First Canadian Special Wireless Group in the Pacific area until 1946. The “Kid Gang” of 17- to 19-year-olds became close friends and kept in touch throughout their lives.  After the war, he took over the family farm and graduated from the diploma course in Agriculture in 1948. 

In 1949, Boyd married Amy Elizabeth Lewis and they enjoyed a partnership of 67 years, raising their family and enjoying the life they worked so hard to build. Dad said he could not have picked a better life partner. 

In 1958 he left the farm to begin working for Veterans Land Administration, a program set up to assist veterans in their farming careers. He later moved to join the newly established Farm Credit Corporation.  Boyd took great satisfaction in lending on character, not just on the numbers. At every auction or farm meeting, he would run into a former client happy to shake hands with the fellow who had helped them when they were starting out. 

While working for VLA and FCC, Boyd earned his professional appraisal accreditation and became one of the few certified appraisers in Western Canada.  He later joined Prudential of America and Resources Projects Manitoba where he worked until 1976.  He then returned to the family farm in Minnedosa to join his son farming until his retirement. 

Mom and Dad enjoyed travelling and experienced many wonderful trips with friends to New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, Australia, the Yukon, Cuba, Jamaica and Scotland. They also wintered in Dunedin Florida for over 20 years where they made many lifelong friendships. 

Dad enjoyed golfing into his nineties and shot his age on more than one occasion. His straight drives and accurate short game were enough to impress his children and grandchildren right up to the last game he played.  He was an avid bridge and crib player but Dad’s legacy was his ability to tell a story. At the age of 91 he finally gave into the family requests and wrote a book called “Stories From My Life”.  The book signing at the Minnedosa Library on its completion at age 92 was a memorable event.  

Dad’s true passion though was the farm and his farming career stretched from seeding with horses to GPS and autosteer.  He was always up for a “crop inspection” and would have a story for every quarter section within a hundred-mile radius of home. 

 He donated many hours of his time and expertise to serve on several boards including Manitoba Pool Elevators, Trustee of Cameron School, Minnedosa Consumers CO OP, Minnedosa Credit Union, Manitoba Appraisal Institute of Canada, Palliser Wheat Growers Association, Westwind Two Mobile Home Park and Trinity United Church Board. 

Dad is survived by his daughters Linda (Dave) Lalande, Barbara (Darrell) Reid, Debra (Tom) Koritar, son Gregory (Cindy) Grant, grandchildren Michelle, Marlo, Braden, Robin, Laurel, 7 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. 

Dad will be remembered for his humility, steadfast friendships and generosity towards others. He was an honorable, loving, kind and generous husband, father, Grandpa, Poppa, and Great Poppa. When asked “How do you want to be remembered”, he said that he wasn’t particularly concerned about that since “What you see is what you get!”. 

Unfortunately, we were not able to have the originally planned 100th birthday party but many immediate family were by his side for his last few days giving us an opportunity to say our goodbyes. We appreciate the many heartfelt birthday wishes sent by friends and family. Dad’s truly was a life well-lived and he will surely be missed by all who knew him. In his own words he wrote: “I am a lucky man. I feel truly blessed in many ways!” 

If friends so desire a donation in memory of Boyd can be made to the Grant Family Fund through the Minnedosa District and Foundation Inc. which goes to local causes. 

A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Boyd Walker Grant, please visit our floral store.