November 11, 1957 - September 11, 2021
Grant passed away peacefully with his family by his side, on Saturday, September 11, 2021, at his home in Campbell River, B.C. He is finally at rest after a long battle with cancer.
Grant was born in Merritt, B.C on November 11, 1957 to John and Iris Giesbrecht. After a brief stint in Merritt, his family returned to the southside of Francois Lake when he was just one week old. He grew up with his brother, Jeff (Rhonda) and sister, Wendy (Tom). He learned about logging, sawmills and farming at a very young age.
It was in Northern B.C. that he developed his lifetime love for vintage cars. At the age of 21, he began dating the love of his life, Mary, who was 17 at the time. They were married a short ten months later, in 1979. As newlyweds, they made the big move down to Campbell River in 1981, just in time to welcome their first child, Travis (Dawn). Tara-Marie (Marlon) was born two years later. Grant worked at a sawmill for several years while raising his young family.
Eventually, he decided Burns Lake was where they were destined to live. In order to be closer to his mother, Grant and Mary along with their school aged children, moved back to the Lakes District in 1991. They settled in quickly, logging and raising Travis and Tara, while enjoying life to the fullest. Grant was an active member in the community, organizing luau slow pitch tournaments, gymkhanas, poker rides and car shows. In 2015, they realized the ocean was calling and decided to return to Campbell River to get ready for retirement.
Grant was a people person. You could always count on him to stop by for a visit. His outgoing, funny nature preceded him, and rarely did a visit pass without chuckles and smiles. He had many nieces and nephews and every single one of them was his favourite!
He loved his family immensely and enjoyed being his mother's "giant" baby. Grant idolized his brother and adored his sister. Being a Grandad was one of his favourite roles. Grandchildren Carson, Rhys, Paityn, Shaye, Nash and Oliver were often the recipients of huge hugs and much love. Grant was a wonderful father and an amazing husband. He was a friend to everyone, cherishing every relationship he had. His beautiful spirit will be deeply missed.
Because of the Covid 19 restrictions, the family has decided a celebration of life will be held in the spring of 2022.