Grant McLaren

McLAREN, Grant On December 23, 2004, Grant McLaren died at the University of Alberta Hospitals at the age of 80 years after a sudden illness. Grant is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Hildegarde and their daughter, Rose Carter (Michael Grace). Grant was born in Kamsack, Saskatchewan and raised in Winnipeg. He attended the University of Toronto after coming out of the army. He then commenced working at CNR as a draftsman in the architect's office and later became an assistant architect based in Winnipeg. He was transferred to Edmonton in 1961 as first Regional Architect. That department later became part of the Engineering Division. was was active in a theatre group in Winnipeg, later known as the Musical Comedy Guild and was sponsored by the Winnipeg Host Lions Club with all proceeds going to the Home for the Blind. Following his move to Edmonton he joined the Walterdale Theatre group that presented a seasonal program as well as the first old-fashioned Melodrama during Klondike Days. He was President of Walterdale Theatre Associates, 1969-1970. was actively involved at Robertson United Church, being part of the Couples Club as well a counselor with the church youth group. joined the Edmonton Host Lions Club in 1970. He served as President from 1975-6 and also 1995-6 as well as District Governor and Council Chairman. At the time of his death he was serving on the Board of the Edmonton Host Club. was recipient of the Dr. Lynn G. Hall Leadership award, Judge Brian Stevenson Fellowship, Denise and Jack Isaman CNIB Fellowship, and a member of the MD37 Hall Of Fame. Grant will be awarded a Bill Webber Fellowship posthumously. was an avid gardener, stain glass worker and woodworker. family thank Dr. Dominic Leung, Family Physician and Mrs. Lillian Leung, Dr. Randy MacDonald, ER physician, Dr. Ahmed Larry, Chief Resident, Neurosurgery and the many other health care workers in the Emergency and Neurosurgical Units at the University of Alberta Hospitals for their kindness and caring. Memorial Service will be held Thursday, December 30 at 1:30 p.m. at the Lions Senior Citizens Recreation Centre, 11113 - 113 St. (496-7366). Cremation is planned. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Grant's name may be made to the Lions Eye Bank (AB) Society, 44 Straddock Crescent, SW, Calgary, Alberta T3H 2P2 in support of eye tissue for the benefit of all Albertans. family thanks Connelly-McKinley Ltd., 10011 - 114 St., Edmonton, Alberta, 422-2222 for their assistance. To send email condolences please use www.connelly-mckinley.com