After 23 years serving the Town of Oakville, Coun. Marc Reyer Grant passed away on Monday due to a “sudden illness,” according to friend and former councillor Jeff Knoll.
He mentioned that the world had lost “one of the kindest, funniest and most loyal people” with Grant’s passing, adding that personally he had lost his best friend.
“Marc, our meeting has adjourned. The final credits have rolled, and it is time to say goodbye,” said Knoll in a Facebook post filled with comments from residents sharing their own memories.
“We shared countless stories and collaborated on more projects and initiatives than I could ever name. No matter how serious, difficult or stressful the situation, we always left laughing.”
Grant was in his seventh term as the councillor for Ward 5. The town hasn’t yet provided any details about who will take over the ward or if a byelection will be necessary.
Jeff Knoll took to Facebook to share news of the passing of Marc Grant and to recount their many memories together, including campaigning for the municipal election to serve Oakville’s Ward 5. (Jeff Knoll/Facebook)
The longtime councillor is being remembered as “a trusted friend and colleague,” Mayor Rob Burton stated in a message on Tuesday. He extended condolences on behalf of both the council and community.
“We all benefitted from Marc’s service to our town,” said Burton. “He was a champion of transit, parks, and public gathering spaces, a voice on poverty and food security.”
Grant ‘cared deeply’ for Ward 5, Oakville: Former MP
Grant settled in Oakville back in 1995 after living across Canada and around the world, as noted in his biography on the town’s website.
Before entering politics, Grant worked in various fields including journalism, marketing consultation, and as a chef. The website also mentions he served as a communications specialist at CBC.
Knoll shared that he first met Grant through Scouts as adults where they quickly became “fast friends” bonded by their interests in science fiction, filmmaking, and politics.
“He was Star Trek. I was Star Wars. Somehow we made it work,” said Knoll on Facebook.
Former MP Pam Damoff expressed her condolences to Marc’s family stating it was ‘a huge loss for Oakville.’ (Pam Damoff/Facebook)
The two formed a strong friendship over time while campaigning for Ward 5 together, collaborating under Knoll’s business Film. ca, and even producing a comedy television show.
“We sat beside one another around the council table for 23 years. We always had each other’s backs, and we always had the backs of the residents we were honoured to serve,” he said.
The workplace comedy series Coming Distractions was a passion project that Grant took pride in creating according to Knoll.
Grant “cared deeply” about Oakville while consistently supporting his community along with his family stated former MP Pam Damoff on Facebook.
“A huge loss for Oakville but an even bigger loss for those who loved him,” she added noting they had worked together for five years on council followed by ten more when she served as MP of Oakville North-Burlington.
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