GRAD, Gilbert Harvey, “Gil’, of Laval, Quebec, formerly of Regina, Sask., born Oct. 6, 1939
We are sad to announce the passing of Gil on May 14, 2021. Gil passed away peacefully at home, as was his wish, with family by his side. He was predeceased by his father, Florian, in 1965; his mother, Amalia “Molly” (Mock), in 1970 and only sibling, Floyd, (Curly), in 1970. He will be remembered by his wife, Alvina, of Laval; their son: Ryan, (Cindy), grandchildren: Abigail, Allison and Avery, of Laval; his sons, Gil, Jr., Yorkton, and Ken (Rhonda), Regina. Also, nephew, Robin Grad (Barbara), Regina, and their sons, Kane and Eric and Robin’s mother, Cecelia Cazakoff, Kamsack, as well as his Jacob in-laws: brothers-in-law, Alfred and Ed and sisters-in-law, Shirley, Helen and Myrna, Weyburn, and many nephews and nieces.
Gil was born in Regina and lived his entire life in Regina, except for a brief sojourn to Quebec previously (2009-2011). However, Saskatchewan called him home- he wasn’t yet ready. They again moved to Quebec in 2018 - to stay, as he wanted to spend his remaining years around his only grandchildren - his 3 beautiful granddaughters: Abby, Allie and Avery. They will miss their “Grand D”.
Gil loved everything Regina. He was a life-long supporter of the Regina Pats and the Saskatchewan Roughriders for whom he worked part-time for many seasons. He loved to spend time in Wascana Park from the time he was a child. He worked mainly in Sales; spending the last 20 years of his working career as a Moving Consultant with AMJ Campbell Van Lines and Ray’s United Van Lines.
He was very much a part of his 3 sons’ lives. Whether it was School, Softball, Baseball, Hockey, Football, Soccer, Scouts, Band - he was there in some capacity - be it coach, manager, fund-raiser, driver or just to cheer them on.
Gil loved music and dancing and sports of all kinds. He could be witty and charming and had an exuberant laugh. He was a legendary pitcher on the Fast Ball scene. To this day, people remember him from his pitching days at Central Park when it was a ball park and fans had to pay to see a game. He and his cohorts, figuratively and literally “built” Rambler Park. Words used, when asking and finding out that, “Yes, that is the same Gil Grad”, were “He was a hell of a ball player!”.
Gil enjoyed travelling. He took many road trips with his family and later plane trips and bus tours to many parts of Canada and the USA. His plane trips back and forth to Quebec started in 1997 when his son moved to Montreal to complete his education at McGill and play University Football. His favourite holiday spot, though, was Jamaica.
Gil will travel back to Saskatchewan once more. His inurnment will take place at a later date in McTaggart Cemetery. Cooperative Funeraire du Grand Montreal is in charge of arrangements. If you wish, donations in Gil’s memory can be made to PANCREATIC CANCER CANADA, 316-4211 Yonge St. Toronto, Ontario, M2P 2A9. Family and friends may also view the online obituary and tributes page at leaderpost.remembering.ca and cfgrandmontreal.com .
Funeral services were entrusted to the
Coopérative Funéraires du Grand Montréal
Résidence Laval, 2000 rue Cunard, Laval
