Ralph Melvin Grant

NEW GLASGOW – On June 18, 2018, His hand came down and chose Ralph Melvin Grant, East River Manor, New Glasgow (formerly of Mt. Thom and Westville Road), age 87, to make his final journey away from the caring angels in Palliative Care and his family at the Aberdeen Hospital.

He was born in Stellarton to the late Verna (MacKay) and Francis Grant. He was retired from Michelin Tire and worked most of his early life coal mining in Sydney Mines and Pictou County. He would be the first to tell you how he used to eat his lunch laying down next to his pick axe and lunch pail and would tell anyone the story of his experience of a cave-in at the Drummond mine he was lucky enough to survive.

Although a small man, he was tough, yet gentle, stubborn and fiercely independent. He was affectionately known as the “foreman” of the construction of the Emergency Department at the Aberdeen Hospital by the contractors, as he visited the site daily watching over their work and would be seen riding up and down East River Road in his motorized chair. He enjoyed visiting his friends each day for coffee at McDonald’s and if there was a conversation about cars, he was always there with an open ear. After retirement, he enjoyed trips to Florida and time spent on his property on Mt. Thom where he had regular visit from herds of deer at his apple trees. In his younger years he enjoyed travelling, fishing with his daughters, skating, riding his bike but particularly enjoyed fiddle music. His own musical ability would see him even in his later days playing his harmonica. He had a sense of humour like no other, always with a joke or a one liner also known as “Ralphisms”.

He is survived by his daughter, Margie Grant-Walsh, son-in-law Vernon Walsh (whom he called his son), and loving companion, Anita MacDonald, son-in-law, John van Bommel and grandchildren: Anneke (Cameron MacLean) Conquerall Mills, N.S., Rachel (Matt Bigney) Wellington, N.S., Mark, Vancouver, BC, David, Canmore, AB, Vernon, Dartmouth, N.S., Christopher, Cadotte Lake, AB, sisters, Alvenia, Betty, many nieces and nephews.

Besides his first wife, Theresa Grant, he was predeceased by his second wife, Pearl Head, daughter, Verna van Bommel, sisters, Marie, Raylene, Joan, Jessie, Georgina, and brother, Vince.

Arrangements are under the direction of R.H. Porter’s Funeral Home. Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation at his request. A private family ‘Celebration of Life’ will be held. Interment will follow in the family plot at Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to The Arthritis Society of N.S. or Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pictou County. The family would like to thank the caring staff at the Aberdeen Hospital. Condolences may be sent by visiting: www.rhporter.ca

“Instead of a harp meeting me at heaven, it will be a good old-fashioned fiddle.”