Harris William Grant

Nov. 15, 1933 – Aug. 31, 2012



After a brief and courageous battle with cancer. Bill passed away on August 31, 2012. He had a full and vigorous life which he lived with enthusiasm and dedication in everything he undertook. Born in Oshawa, he attended Trinity College School and graduated from the University of Toronto with a BSc in Forestry in 1955. His early career included the founding and management of Northern Plywood Ltd. in Nippigon and Thunder Bay.



In 1973 he joined the Swiss multi-national company, Ciba-Geigy (now Novartis). His 25 years with Ciba included four years (1979-1983) working out of the Head Office in Basel, Switzerland where he had responsibility for the Animal Health Division, South Region. During that time he circled the world three times overseeing the business in countries under his management. Bill returned to Canada in 1983 as President of the Canadian Agricultural and Animal Health Divisions of Ciba, and at one time he held the position of Chairman of The Crop Protection Institute of Canada. Bill retired in 1996.



He then devoted his time to his other loves, growing roses, enjoying wine from his cellar, sailing and travel with Beverley. He supported his community and the arts, mainly through leadership roles with the Oakville and Kingston Symphony Orchestras and the Community Foundations of Oakville and Kingston. Since moving to Amherst Island Bill also played a key role in the growth of the Waterside Summer Series on his beloved island.



Bill is survived by his wife of 26 years, Beverley, his two sons from his first marriage, John of Saudi Arabia and James (Cheryl) of Toronto, his sister Ann Swann of British Columbia, his sister-in-law Donna Harris of Oshawa, several nieces and nephews and many friends worldwide. He was predeceased by his brothers Frederick and James.



The family suggests that in lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Amherst Island Fund of the Community Foundation for Kingston and Area (165 Ontario St., Kingston, ON, K7L 2Y6. 613-546-9696), or UHKF (55 Rideau St., Unit 4, Kingston, K7K 2Z8. 1-866-549-5452) indicating that your donation is for St. Mary's of the Lake Hospital, Palliative Care Unit, or a charity of your choice.



A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, Sept. 14/12 at 12 noon in St. Paul's Presbyterian Church on Amherst Island. Visitation before the Service will be held in the church hall at 11 a.m. with a Reception following the Service.

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