The death occurred at the Colville Manor in Souris on Friday, January 15, 2021 of Jackie Grant. He passed as he lived his life, with dignity and grace, surrounded by his family and into the arms of his beloved wife Myrna.
Jackie’s allegiance to his country began early in his life. He joined the Reserves at the age of 15 from 1949-1950. He was in the Active Force 1952-1955 (Korea from April to November 1954). Jackie was in the Air Force from October 1956-March 1967. He was also in the Reserve from 1984-1988. Jackie has always been known as the “Candy Man”, the reason behind this is that, while in Korea, there would be children that he noticed were starving. Some would even eat dirt just to fill their bellies. Jackie, and some of his buddies, would eat only what they needed to and push their tray under the fence where they could see the children. The children would then eat what was there and push the tray back clean. From then on, he decided that no child should be hungry and started taking candy and/or suckers everywhere he went and gave them to every child he met.
On January 31st, 1963, Jackie was in a severe accident while refuelling a T33 Jet. He sustained 3rd degree burns over 70% of his body and, at first was not expected to survive. When the fire started, Dad was told to jump from the platform, but he noticed the hose was still engaged, and he turned back to shut it off. When he tried to jump free, the tip tank fell and trapped his hands. This caused severe burns to his body and the loss of some fingers. Had he not shut off the hose, the four tankers of jet fuel would have exploded and caused the loss of the base and many lives. Because of this accident, there has been equipment installed so this doesn’t happen again.
He leaves behind his son David (Rena) and daughters Jacqueline Roberts (Sydney), Doreen Walsh (Mike) and Deborah Westfall (Roger), his sister Paulette Mullally (David; deceased) and brother Arnold (Donna). Jackie will be tremendously missed by his grandchildren Jennifer Grant, Lucas Grant (Kristen), Amanda Roberts (Roger), Tony Roberts (Nancy), Jordan Walsh (Heather), Nicole Perry (Matt), Michaela Walsh (Tyler), Joshua Westfall (Lauren), and great grandchildren Liam Grant, John Lorenza, Liam, Sabrina, Abby, Keira, Sophia, Archer, Leif, Cillian, Jackson and his precious pup Astra.
He also leaves behind the Staff and residents of the Colville Manor whom he considered family. Jackie is predeceased by his wife of 63 years Myrna, his baby son Joseph, parents John and Florence Grant and siblings Doreen, Erwin, Audrey and Eileen.
Resting at Dingwell Funeral Home where visiting hours will take place for immediate family only. A funeral mass for invited guest will be held at the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church with interment to follow in the church cemetery. If so desired, donations in memory of Jackie can be made to the Colville Manor or the St. Mary’s Cemetery Fund and would be greatly appreciated by the family.
December 7th 1934 January 15th 2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de John Jackie Grant December 7th 1934 January 15th 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: Souris, Province: I-P-E