John Irving GRANATSTEIN

1927 - 2022

JOHN IRVING GRANATSTEIN (JACK) It is with great love and sadness that the family of Jack Granatstein announces his passing on Thursday, April 28, 2022. He has gone to join his beloved wife Rhoda Granatstein, or as he called her, "Ro". Father to Billy and Sylvie, Robbie and Ronda. Nothing gave Jack greater joy than his grandchildren Matthew and Daria, Michele and Pierre; Tamara and Eli, Gabriel and Lauren, Rebecca and Chris. At 94 years of age, "Papa" could still be seen rolling on the ground, trying to make all his great-grandchildren (Charlotte, Stella, Mara, June, Max and Cooper) smile. Jack will be fondly remembered by Lynda Schneider-Granatstein. Born in 1927 to Lou and Dora, Jack grew up in Toronto and Montreal alongside his beloved siblings Marvin (Sandy), and the late Shirley (Lester) and the late Annette (Percy). Jack went to school at Loyola College where he proudly played for the football team. He was also an accomplished curler, and a not so accomplished golfer. He met Rhoda, who Jack described until his dying day as "just gorgeous", shortly after he graduated, and they married in 1950. Jack spent his professional life shaping and building Canada Tire with his family. As a second-generation pillar of Canada Tire, nothing gave him greater pleasure than to see his son and grandsons join the business over the years, keeping his legacy alive and well. Together with Rhoda, Jack was a proud member of the Jewish community, which he served in leadership roles. He spent years travelling the world, eating scrambled eggs at the world's best restaurants, viewing the newest museums, operas and movies, and spending time with his family. One of the last old school gentlemen, Jack was always beautifully dressed, held the door open for you, and walked on the outside of the sidewalk to protect you from oncoming traffic. Jack will forever be remembered for his love of Rhoda, and for the pure joy he provided and received from his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also had a passion for logistics, displaying an unending fascination for the most convenient parking spots and gas stations. He had a great passion for music, with tastes that ranged from the Kingston Trio to Theodore Bikel, and from Janis Joplin to the great operatic singers of the day. Jack was always very interested in politics, and in his later years followed events in the United States particularly closely. We want to thank the wonderful Vina, Arlene, Connie, Jo, Malou, Jennifer, and Helene from Nova Care for their kindness and care over the last months. Graveside service on Sunday, May 1 at 2:00 p.m. at the Shaar Hashomayim Cemetery, Mount Royal. Donations in Jack's memory may be made to Heart to Heart, heart-to-heart.ca/donate or to Nova Home Care, (514) 866-6801, novasoinsadomicile.ca/waystogive. Arrangements entrusted to Paperman & Sons.