Wednesday, June 22, 2022
When I was a kid, teen, and young adult, Uncle Grant and my Aunt Linda (my Mom’s sister) were a vital part of my family circle. They helped us survive the many challenges of being a one parent family.
Uncle Grant would come out to rescue our mom (and us) by resurrecting the dead engine of her “wreck on wheels”. And he didn’t always use tools – sometimes he’d bring gasoline; and once, I remember him getting in the car, putting it in gear, and turning the ignition key – “Marg” he said, “You have to put it in park before it’ll start”.
While I had the same aptitude about cars as my mother; Grant still gave me my first real job - at his FINA Station. I cleaned the public washrooms and occasionally pumped gas (until he got tired of cleaning up my mess). As frustrated as Uncle Grant was, he sat beside me in his car while giving me a very memorable first driving lesson; and later helped me with my first vehicles.
Uncle Grant was a little scary – after all he was a big guy with a big voice. But I also remember He was quick to laugh, with a warm smile.
After he lost his hand, I watched him play his guitar again and build a new life. He turned his passion for cars into successful businesses. He was a good man who grew into an inspiration – a person I am proud to say, was my Uncle.
