Raymond J. S. Grant
It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dr. Raymond J. S. Grant – beloved husband, father, grandpa, uncle, scholar, mentor, and friend.
Raymond leaves behind to honour his memory his beloved wife of 47 years, Pauline; daughter Mareika Purdon (Jaymes); son Andrew (Lindsay); grandchildren: Aidan, Brooklyn, Megan, Cameron, and Lillian. He will be sadly missed by his countless friends and colleagues from around the world in Scotland, England, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, the U.S., and Canada.
Raymond had many passions to which he dedicated his life, work and expertise, such as Anglo-Saxon English, Robert Burns, King Ludwig II of Bavaria, St. Michael, classical music/opera and photography to name a few!
Raymond is a graduate of Aberdeen and Cambridge Universities, ordained to the Word by the Church of Scotland, a respected professor, much-published author, preacher, and public speaker. He taught at the U of A for 30 years, he also taught at Charles University in Prague, Grant MacEwan, Malaspina College in Nanaimo and others. He was a long term member of First Presbyterian Church, the Edmonton Burns Club, and the U of A Faculty Club.
Raymond is fondly remembered for his kindness, sharp wit, strength of character, smooth Scottish burr, tremendous sense of humour, impeccable grammar and willingness to give time to others.
It is Raymond’s strong faith that brings us peace and strength at this difficult time.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 21, 2021 at 1:00, please join online at www.twitch.tv/firstpresbyterianedmonton. Due to restrictions related to COVID-19, the service is limited to immediate family members only.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Raymond’s name may be made directly to the University Hospital Foundation, specifically the UHF Neuro Intensive Care Unit Fund (under the fund allocation tab within the donate now link) at www.givetouhf.ca.
Goodness and mercy all my life
Shall surely follow me;
And in God’s house forevermore
My dwelling place shall be. (Crimond)
Sincere condolences on Raymond’s passing. He was a warm and welcoming colleague who blended great erudition with a rich and lively sense of humour.
I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand up at the last upon the earth. Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another. Job 19. 25, 27.
Raymond was my friend and colleague for decades. I hear his quiet Scots burr as I think of him. I see his Robbie Burns Night kilt and sporran. He is addressing us and the haggis. Andrew is piping, Mareika smiling, and Pauline beaming. Students loved him and his classes, and colleagues enjoyed his wit and scholarship. Last time we met was my 80th birthday when Raymond spoke of our years and the laughter of love we so-opposite men shared. I enjoyed his humor, his sermons, his joys with Pauline in a marriage that brought Raymond the fine children and superb grandchildren he never thought he’d see. Raymond leaves us, but his memory is already a blessing and, we all hope, a wave toward his home.
Raymond, thank you for being a wonderful friend. You have given me truly beautiful memories.
May you rise in glory.
Robert
We are very thankful to have known Raymond for the last 20 years.He was a wonderful friend with a great sense of that Scottish humor. We will miss him!
Our condolences to Pauline ,Mareike, Andrew and family in their loss.
May the Lord grant you the peace that only He can give in the knowledge that Raymond is “home ” now.
Fondest memories from Scotland of the happiest of times spent with dear friends Raymond and Pauline in Canada and Scotland.
John and I give thanks for all that Raymond shared with us. Always a welcome guest, there was much laughter and we enjoyed Raymond’s eagerness and enthusiasm, his smile which photographs captured so well, his wonderful way with words. We loved him dearly and lament his passing. His gentle and kindly influence remains and is treasured.
I was so shocked to read this tonight. I was reminiscing with my husband about the wonderful people I have worked for in the past and Raymond was one of those amazing individuals.
He and Pauline visited my parents in England many years ago and my dad, who’s 96 this year, still talks fondly of them.
May you Rest In Peace Raymond and say hello to my mum who recently left us too. Much love to Pauline and family xxx
Was this the memorable visit we had to Spaulding?
Pauline, Mareika, Andrew – We were surprised and grieved to see the notice of Raymond’s passing in the Journal this morning. We offer our deepest sympathy, and are recalling memories of past contacts, all the way from Edmonton to Balmoral. We enjoyed our relationship through the chaplaincy at the U of A, and realize now that the years have slipped by, with little contact. That doesn’t take away from the rich moments we shared years ago. Andrew even played the saxaphone at a funeral that I organized in the chapel at St. Stephens.
God go with you all, and when COVID restrictions are less, hopefully we can remember in less virtual ways.
It was with deep sadness that I learned of Raymond’s passing. We knew each other for nigh on 50 years. He had great intellect, humour and a sharp wit. My condolences to Pauline and the children. John Williams
Dear Pauline, My condolences to you, your son and daughter and grandchildren with the Raymond’s death. He was a person of many interests and talents and he gave of himself with humor and wit; I will always remember his presence at our Robbie Burns dinners. I pray you God’s strength as you go forward in his Raymond’s absence.
Peggy Underwood,
Pauline and family, my sincere condolences on the death of Raymond. I was very surprised to learn of his death in the Journal on Saturday morning. I remember church picnics with our Strathcona Presbyterian family and how you Pauline convinced me to be Superintendent of the Sunday School while you were off in Scotland on a sabbatical. I miss the people at Strathcona but am still in touch through Mill Woods Presbyterian where I now attend. Sending a warm hug to you.
Am so glad you made contact after a lengthy absence, P.U. and T + A!
Thank you Pauline, Andrew and Marieke, for providing Raymond’s memorial by streaming. I was touched by its blending of sorrow and vivid memories. I hope that you will derive some solace from this service. Dale Wilkie
Dear Pauline and Family,
I was so sorry to read of Raymond’s passing; my condolences to you all.
I have fond memories of his preaching, presenting at Burns Suppers and, of course, telling jokes.
Condolences and prayers go out to the family and friends of Dr. Grant for your loss; from people at Mill Woods Presbyterian Church. There are a number of people here, formerly of Strathcona Presbyterian Church, who remember Dr. Grant very fondly.
Peace be yours,
Rev. William Ball
Gillian and I were very sorry to hear of Raymonds passing but also relieved that he did so with his beloved family at his side and that he is now at peace.
He was a colossus of an individual who will be sadly missed family wide and across the entire Edmonton community. A true character who exuded friendship, warmth and kindness. Gillian and I feel privileged to have known him and to have been welcomed and treated like family members during our visit to Edmonton.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dear Pauline and all in the family who were blessed with a relative so special. Sylva and I were shocked to learn (only now) about the end of his life journey, which brought joy to -and admiration by – many of us. We at the Czechoslovak Society of Arts and Sciences SVU were inspired by his unselfish assistance to the theological Faculty of Charles’ University in Prague and happily assisted him to complete his book transfer project. It was of utmost pleasure to have a small place in his big heart, enjoying his radiant smile and jokes during the innumerable Robbie Burns nights which he so memorably navigated for the pleasure of us all. He will be sorely missed by many, including all of us the Faculty Club stalwarts – his presence always added that special touch.
We were privileged to have Dr. Grant lead a few of the worship services at Trinity Presbyterian Church here in Campbell River. We especially recall the verbal jousting during the children’s story, filled with quick wit and wisdom! You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Pauline, Mareika, Andrew and family. My condolences to all of you on the passing of your husband, father, grandfather and uncle. I will always remember Raymond for his kindness and sense of humour. I am thankful that he became our temporary minister at a time we needed him at First Presbyterian Church.
My dear Pauline and family, I only heard about Raymond’s passing when I received the new Clan Grant Standfast edition. Anna and I are saddened by that news and send our very belated condolences. I remember with much fondness all our meetings in Alberta and Scotland, both in Braemar and Nethybridge. We hope you and the family are all well and bearing up to your great loss.
Mareika, Andrew and Pauline and family,
I realize that this late but I just read this notice.
My most sincere condolences to you all in Dr Grant’s passing. I have fond memories and appreciation of his and your family’s kindness and generosity towards me. I’m so very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all.
This reply is more than a year late!! How nice to hear from you, Jodi! Just talked to Mareika to tell her you had sent a message; we are wondering where you are? Would love to reconnect!
I’m late to the game 3 years later but I just came across this. I had Dr. Grant as an English professor in my 4th year at the University of Alberta, such a wonderful kind man with such depth of knowledge. I loved taking his course on Anglo-Saxon English. He made it so interesting & fun. He was definitely one of the best professors I had in my 4 years of university. Several years after I graduated, I was helping my best friend register for university & saw Dr. Grant on campus. He remembered me & we had a really nice chat. Heaven is a richer place with him being there.
I just learned about Ray’s passing in 2021. I am so sorry to hear the news, if a wee bit on the late side. He and Pauline made my four years in Edmonton a very pleasant and livable time. I’m letting Barbara know of this as well. We divorced after returning from Japan, and she is now in Brandon, while I am still in St. John’s, Newfoundland, about to retire.