John A. Grant, Co-Founder of GBS passed away peacefully at his Toronto home. He was 104.
Going off to war, John Grant and his twin brother, Frank made a pledge that if they survived WWII, they would start a company. John returned home from his responsibilities as a Lieutenant in the Navy and Frank—a decorated pilot—from his Air Force obligations and in 1947, Grant Brothers Sales came to be.
The company was formed in Montreal where they lived after returning from the war, but the brothers decided the place to be was in Toronto and so GBS was brought to Toronto to represent manufacturers of auto parts all across Canada. They are one of the country’s finest and largest manufacturers’ representatives’ sales agencies. John himself worked in the business until he was 83 and then passed the reins to his son, John. Fortunately, the company has stayed in the family for 77 years and is now under the very capable hands of John’s grandson, Charlie.
John Grant was a good man, a fine gentleman… devoted to his family and his faith. Even as his health diminished, he was helping others—volunteering for causes. He and his wife of 56 years had seven children, ten grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. John remained an active Catholic—attending church each morning and a prayer group once each week until his health interfered.
In his final years, he was very well cared for by the entire staff at 2900 Yonge Street, where he lived.
Donations to Blessed Sacrament Church, 24 Cheritan Avenue, Toronto would be greatly appreciated by his family.