Longtime harness racing industry participant Ken Grant of Simcoe, Ont. passed away on March 16, 2019 at St. Joseph’s Health Care Centre in his 87th year.
Over the years his Oaklea Farm bred several good horses, including the likes of Oaklea Bluejay, Oaklea Count, Oaklea Omega, Oaklea Odessa and Oaklea Julian. He loved his horses and was very proud of the ones he bred.
Grant sat on the Board of both Standardbred Canada and the Standardbred Breeders of Ontario Association. He played an integral role in amalgamating the Canadian Standardbred Horse Society and the Canadian Trotting Association into the Standardbred Canada we know today. He was awarded the 2010 Chris VanBussel Award by the SBOA for his leadership over the years.
Ken was also an avid breeder of Labrador Retrievers, judging dogs both in Canada and the U.S.
Beloved husband of Eileen for 67 years. Dear father of Dr. David Grant (Ann), Dr. Ian Grant and Kathryn Ann Grant. Cherished grandfather and great grandfather of Amy Jean Benvenuti (Clay), Lorne David Grant (Elizabeth), Mitchell Evan Grant (Heather), Andrew Graeme Grant (Kelly), Kayden, Hadlee, Gavin and Everett. Ken is also survived by his sister Wendy Ellis and predeceased by a sister Pam Ellis. His family and friends remember him as a kind and gentle man.
The family would like to thank Dr. Kennedy, Dr. Wynveen and the staffs of Norfolk General Hospital and St. Joseph’s Health Care Centre for their care.
A memorial service will be held at Trinity Anglican Church, 80 Colborne St., S., Simcoe, Ontario on Friday April 5, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. with the Reverend Paul Sherwood officiating. Memorial donations to the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society, 9685 First Line, R.R.#1, Moffat, Ontario L0P 1J0. Arrangements entrusted to Ferris Funeral Home, 214 Norfolk St., S., Simcoe (519-426-1314).
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Ken Grant.
What a wonderful man, always
What a wonderful man, always thoughtful and very knowledgeable about all the issues concerning our industry. His experience in business and level headed style made him a tremendous asset during the period when the Oaklea brand was one of our leading breeders. Rest easy old friend. Our condolences to the family. Gay and Brian Webster.
Our deepest sympathies to
Our deepest sympathies to Eileen and her family. I had the privilege of working with Ken in developing the plan and structure that brought about the amalgamation of the Canadian Trotting Association and the Canadian Standardbred Horse Society. Ken possessed and freely gave of his wisdom, genuine interest and dedication to the Standardbred Industry. Rest in peace my friend.
Sam and Liz Johnson