GRANT SUMMERFIELD

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GRANT SUMMERFIELD

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Grant Summerfield on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at Winnipeg's Deer Lodge Centre. He was 85.

He is survived by his best friend, Bonnie, and his children, Scott (Debbie), Lori (Mark), and Robin. He will be missed by his grandchildren, Sydney, Maya, Will, Jason, and Jennifer; his brother Brian (Lorraine) and sister Myrna; his brothers-in-law, Wayne (Luisa), Bob (Connie), and Brent; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Johanna and Oscar, his son-in-law Mike, brother-in-law Al, sister-in-law Maureen, niece Linda, and nephew Glen.

Grant was born on June 13, 1940, in Winnipeg and grew up in the city's West End. He earned his Education degree at the University of Manitoba and went on to teach English at Nelson McIntyre High School before spending the rest of his career at Oak Park High School. A dedicated and passionate educator, Grant loved using humour to engage his students. He was a voracious reader and a lifelong devotee of Shakespeare.

When his children were young, Grant brought home a film projector, hung a bedsheet, and screened the classic 1968 Zeffirelli film Romeo and Juliet for his family. In winter, he flooded the backyard to make an ice rink for his kids. A skilled woodworker, he built a dollhouse, play forts, bedroom furniture, and tables for the family home. In summer, the family packed up their tent trailer for camping trips throughout Manitoba, across Canada, and into the U.S.

Grant was proud of his many years serving on the contract negotiations team for The Manitoba Teachers' Society. He was also one of the original volunteers for the Western Canadian Aviation Museum (now the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada).

After retirement, Grant cherished his daily visits with his beloved mother, Johanna. He travelled often to see family in California, New Zealand, Calgary, and Vancouver Island. When his grandchildren were born, his love and devotion to his family grew even deeper. He babysat, changed diapers, and delighted in watching swimming lessons and dance classes.

For decades, Grant meticulously kept a daily journal, despite his notoriously atrocious handwriting. He loved his family home in Charleswood, filling it with his treasured book collection and countless family photos.

When he moved into Deer Lodge Centre, his dear friend Bonnie was a regular visitor. Her presence brought Grant immense joy and comfort in his later years.

The family is profoundly grateful to the nurses, health care aides, and all the staff of Deer Lodge Centre's Tower 7. We can't thank you enough. Your care, kindness and hugs, brought much comfort to our father in his final years.

Details about a memorial service will follow. Please share your memories of Grant at Ethicaldeathcare.com and consider donating in his name to the Deer Lodge Centre Foundation.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 15, 2025