Grant, Cyril James Antigonish / Inverness, age 83, passed away on Tuesday, October 6, 2020 at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, Antigonish.
Born in Inverness, Cyril was the son of the late Allan Grant and Alice (Donahue) Grant. He was a graduate of Holy Family School, Inverness; St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish; University of Detroit, Michigan; and Purdue University, Indiana with his PhD, Economics.
He loved teaching and, throughout his career, he was a beloved professor of economics at St. Francis Xavier University. Former students would often approach him to express their appreciation of his amazing teaching style, and he was one of the first recipients of the Outstanding Teaching Award at St. F.X. He also served on the board of the former Nova Scotia Dairy Commission and, more recently, on the board of the RK MacDonald Nursing Home in Antigonish. Early in his career, he worked as a financial consultant with the Sisters of Saint Martha. He was deeply interested in promoting the regional economy, and his research centered on studies relating to business in Nova Scotia including the dairy industry and the forestry industry.
During his childhood in Inverness he was introduced to harness racing - an interest that extended throughout his life. One of his favourite places was the racetrack, and he loved every minute he was around horses.
Cyril had a dry, keen wit and a great sense of humour. He was a gatherer of knowledge and he could have a lively discussion on any topic. He especially loved spending time with the younger people in his life and the great conversations and laughter they shared.
As someone who enjoyed a good meal, Cyril also developed an interest in cooking and would always be on the look-out for exciting recipes to tackle.
A quiet and immensely kind and thoughtful person, he would warmly welcome everyone to the family home and would often perform acts of kindness unbeknownst to the recipients.
Cyril is survived by his wife of 50 years Bernice (Murphy) Grant, Antigonish; daughter Carla Grant, Halifax; sister Anne (late Bill) Flinn, Halifax; sister Dr. Mary Grant, Halifax; and many nieces and nephews and extended family. He was predeceased by his parents, sisters Teresa and Elaine, and brother Gerald.
Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, October 24 at 11am at St. Ninian Cathedral, Antigonish. Burial to follow in the parish cemetery. Covid protocols will apply.
The family is deeply appreciative of the paramedics and staff at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital who extended exceptional support to Cyril.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Antigonish St. Vincent de Paul Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.
Online condolences may be made to www.clcurry.com.