MacCoubrey Funeral Home Reception Centre
30 King Street East, Cobourg
This obituary is protected by copyright by MacCoubrey Funeral Home Limited. Proudly serving Northumberland County in the province of Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Grant Wilson, who passed away suddenly on April 22, 2025.
Grant was a man who loved his work as a Social Worker with the DDSB. Even after retiring in 2022, he returned to support his colleagues and worked part-time. He loved fixing cars and renovating the house. He enjoyed running with the Northumberland Runners group in the early 2000’s and ran his first and only marathon in 2008. When our family was younger we enjoyed fishing on Rice Lake, camping in PEI or just in the backyard. Grant loved going on cruises in the Bahamas and around England and Ireland. Lately, Grant enjoyed going for walks, as his running legs needed a rest. He was so proud of his children, Mark and Grace, and all their accomplishments. He loved being a father and husband, to his wife of 27 years. He always wanted to make everyone happy.
He is survived by his wife, Joanne (Vandermeer), son Mark, and daughter Grace. His brother, Jeff Wilson and wife Mary, nephews Colin and Jacob.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the MacCoubrey Funeral Home, 30 King St., E., Cobourg on Thursday May 8th from 6-8 pm.
Please send donations, in Grant’s memory, to Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation.
Dear Joanne, I'm so sorry to hear about the sudden loss of your husband. Thinking of you and your kids during this very difficult times❤️
Joanne, Mark & Grace, I am so sorry to hear of your recent and sudden loss. May cherished memories of Grant comfort you and your family in the difficult days ahead.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Grant’s legacy of caring and inspiring others will surely be remembered. 💐
I worked with Grant in the DDSB when I was a vice-prinicpal at Pringle Creek P.S. many years ago. Such a warm and kind person, he profoundly supported students and families. I have a lovely picture of us when we ran into each other at the airport one March Break. He was heading off on a cruise! He would often share how much he loved his life in Northumberland. My deepest condolences to Joanne and the entire family.
Grant was a welcoming, kind and patient colleague who took time to genuinely listen to others. I appreciated talking with him about camping, our kids and social work. I am so sorry to see this news. My thoughts are with Grant's family and friends.
Joanne, Mark & Grace, we are sorry for your loss of Grant. Thinking of you and wishing you peace and comfort as you remember Grant and hope that fond memories help you thru difficult times.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
When I think of Grant I think of "gentleman"...for he was a 'gentle' 'man'. Unassuming, soft spoken and thoughtful. We all patiently and attentively waited to hear what he had to say, as it always had gravity, meaning and direction. He made us all better at what we did and made us feel more competent than we actually were. His commitment to his craft was only surpassed by the loves of his life, Joanne, Mark and Grace who he looked up to and admired and who always brought a smile to his face. Be it his ever present vest, hiking boots, lanyard or frayed binder, Grant was salt of the earth and left too soon. He did however leave an indelible mark on all of us. Portal Pal.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Joanne and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Grant at the DDSB and we worked closely together at the end of 2024 before I went on maternity leave. Grant spoke so often of his family and spoke so highly of his children and Joanne (he was especially excited about taking Joanne on a cruise after his contract had ended). He had such a kind and gentle soul and I feel lucky to have been able to work along side him. While I won’t be able to make his celebration of life, I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers and as you celebrate his life.
Joanne and family, I am sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of working along side Grant as a social worker at DDSB. He was a sincerely kind and compassionate man who's peaceful presence provided calm and understanding. He will be missed. Prayers for your family at this difficult time.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Joanne, Mark, Grace and family - I am so very sorry for your loss, and am thinking of all of you during this time. I will remember Grant’s friendly and approachable nature, and how he cared so deeply for the kids, families, and colleagues he supported over the years. He was a lovely and kind man, and gave so much of himself to his work.
Joanne, Mark, and Grace, I am so sorry to hear of Grant's passing. I had the pleasure to work beside him in several schools over the years, and got to reconnect with him again this year. He had such an impactful career that touched the lives of so many students and their families. I will miss how he always taught me to slow down and connect meaningfully not just with the families we served, but also with each other. He was patient and kind, cared so deeply, and held space for everyone. He loved his work, and from our recent conversations, I could tell that he adored his family. I hope that your cherished memories of Grant comfort you now and in the days ahead.
Joanne, Mark, and Grace, I am very sorry to hear of Grant's passing and the immense loss to your family and everyone who knew him. I had the pleasure of working alongside Grant the last 7 years at the DDSB. In recent years I was able to build a closer relationship with Grant and learn how much he loved his family and those around him. I can recall many conversations in the recent years consisting of Grant boasting about Joanne or one of his children and how proud he was of them. He was never without a smile, and a kind, or encouraging word. I was able to learn a great deal from Grant in my time knowing him, and will treasure the moments I got to spend with him and learn from him. He was a wonderful man, and I wish and pray for your family to experience peace as you celebrate his life.
Dear Joanne and family, I am so saddened to learn of Grant’s passing. May you carry memories of wonderful times with him in your hearts. My sincerest condolences the whole family. Rest in peace Grant.
Joanne and family I had the pleasure of working with Grant for several years at the DDSB. He was an extremely thoughtful, smart and caring person. He went above and beyond to support me during the infancy of my career which meant a lot to me. He had a tremendous warmth to him which I will remember fondly. My deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time.
Dear Joanne, Mark and Grace. I am so sorry for your loss and send comforting thoughts and prayers your way. Grant and I worked together for 9 years and although we both retired in 2022, I hung up my 'social worker hat' while your husband/dad had more support and compassion to give, which greatly benefited DDSB colleagues, families and children. Grant was an incredibly kind man, who whenever we connected, always took the time to check in about how I was doing, as well as my family. Since my children are of similar ages, we enjoyed sharing stories/milestones and it was so evident how much pride and joy Grant had for his family. Rest in peace Grant, you will be missed.
It is with shock and sadness in learning Grant had passed away after just talking with him at a recent retirement party . Grant was lots of fun to be around. He had a good sence of humor. Kind and thoughtful were his qualities. Grant will be sadly missed. Brian Huckabone
Our sincere condolences to your entire family and thinking of you all during this difficult time. Best, Lesley, Brett and Caleb Hodgins (155)
Dear Joanne and family. I am so saddened to hear of Grant’s passing. I worked with him for years on the DDSB Social Work team. His thoughtfulness, very compassionate approach and support to all will always be remembered by me. When I first joined the team, I remember him showing up with homemade banana bread brought from home to share with all. During the pandemic he offered to share my virtual assignment, always ready to go the extra mile for children and families. He always spoke so proudly of his family whom he loved, and shared about family holidays spent on Disney cruises when the children were young. He will be missed.
From the staff at Meadowcrest PS, we are so very sorry to hear his news. We had the priviledge of working with Grant this school year. In the short time we had with him, he became an important part of our community. Each time we would we see him, he would enter and leave with a smile. We were quick to learn that he was a genuine and caring person. He enjoyed connecting with students and staff alike. He will be be missed.
Very sorry to hear this sad news
Joanne, Mark and Grace. We are all so sorry to hear of Grant's passing. I always enjoyed talking with Grant and yourself when I would run into you both somewhere. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
From the staff at Gordon B. Attersley, we would like to share our most heartfelt condolences to Grant’s family and friends. Grant had an incredible impact on all those who had the pleasure of working with him. His passion for his work was evident in every email, phone call, and pop in visit to ensure everyone was good and things were moving in the right direction. As a staff we enjoyed many opportunities to tap into his wisdom and receive his guidance, and our school community was better because of him. He was a great mentor, a wise man, and a tireless champion for supporting children’s mental health. His straightforward approach to many situations was refreshing and the way he connected with families was appreciated by all. We will miss him terribly as we move on this school year and those to come, but his influence and impact will be forever with us.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Dear Joanne, Mark, and Grace, Although I never met Grant, I am saddened by your loss. Family pictures I have viewed reflected your deep love for each another. He passed too soon, but will be remembered fondly by his family and friends. My sincere condolences to the Wilson and Vandermeer families. Grant Melville Wilson July 23, 1961 - April 22, 2025 "Rest In Peace"
Dear Joan and kids, uit het diepst van mijn hart leef ik met jullie mee bij dit zo plotselinge overlijden van Grant. Afscheid nemen doet altijd pijn en het gemis blijft. Herinner je de goede en mooie momenten en bewaar die diep in je hart. Veel kracht en moed gewenst de draad van het leven weer op te pakken en verder te gaan met de dingen die gedaan moeten worden. Veel liefs Tante Elly
Joanne we are so very sorry to hear about Grant. He was a great neighbor for many years always smiling and always stopped to chat or just say hello Cherish your memories our thoughts and prayers go out to you Jane and Wayne
I share my thoughts & prayers. Loss is difficult.
Dear Joanne, Mark and Grace, I am so sorry for your loss. Grant and I worked together at the DDSB for many years before we retired. Retirement didn’t last for long and we reconnected as part of the supply staff. We chatted often and his commitment to the children and families he supported remained as strong as ever. Even stronger was his love for his family which was so evident when he spoke of you all. Please know I will be thinking of you.
Dear Joanne and family, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Grant. May the good memories help to carry you through these difficult days. Sending you love and peace, Merna
Joanne, Mark, and Grace. Our deepest condolences go out to your family as you navigate these emotional and difficult times. Sending all our love. - The Brooks family
Our hearts go out to you, Joanne. We are thinking of you and your family and sending you our love. Jeanette and Wayne
Dear Joanne, Mark, Grace and family, We are very sorry to hear of Grant's passing. He was a lovely person and he was always so welcoming, pleasant to talk with and a genuine kindness came from him. You could tell how much he loved his family. We will miss him and remember him fondly and often. Thinking of you all and keeping you in our prayers. Our sincerest condolences.
Joanne, Grace and Mark: I am deeply sorry to hear about Grant's passing. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Joanne, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Grant. He was a great man. Sending you and your family our deepest condolences and hugs. Amanda Timlin
Dear Joanne, Mark and Grace. I am so very sorry to hear of Grant's passing. I worked with Grant in the DDSB in shared schools in Ajax. His many efforts to support both staff and students went above and beyond. As my colleague, Grant was always available to assist me and I learned so much from him. I will cherish the many chats we had about family and mutual interests.
I'm so sorry to hear about Grant's passing. Though I hadn't seen him very recently, I worked with him for many years in shared schools we supported together. I will always remember his gentle nature, the way he modelled slowing down to connect with others, and the incredible perseverance he showed in supporting many children, families and schools through very tough times. My heart felt condolences to his family and friends as they navigate through this loss. May your memories bring some comfort in such a hard time.
Joanne, Mark and Grace. Jim and I are so deeply sorry to hear about Grant's passing. Thinking of you all as you navigate this deeply emotional time. His sparkle will be greatly missed. Surrounding you all with love and light, Cindy and Jim.
Dear Joanne, Mark and Grace, we wish you much strength and wisdom in this sad time. We are thinking of you
Dear Wilson family, I was saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Grant, and on behalf of the entire Applecroft school community, I want to extend our deepest condolences to your family during this difficult time. Though I had the privilege of knowing Grant for only a short time, his impact on our school was profound and lasting. He brought a rare and genuine compassion to his work - going far beyond what was expected to support our students and families. His ability to connect and advocate for those in need was nothing short of extraordinary. Please know our thoughts are with you, and may the memories that Grant made with you warm your hearts.
Dear Joanne, Mark and Grace. Our sincere condolences. We are thinking of you in this difficult time. Kind regards from us, Toon en Ria Luijendijk
Dear Joanne, Mark and Grace. Our heartfelt condolences. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. Wishing you and family strength and 🖤 to help you through. May he finds his peace. Jeroen & Hans 🇳🇱
I always enjoyed a run with Grant. He shared lots of insight and some great stories. I will miss him.
I am so very sorry for your loss and I am thinking of all who loved Grant. I have had the privilege of working with Grant for the past few years at the DDSB. He always had a sunny disposition and optimism even in the toughest of times. He was a fierce advocate for kids and families and he would go above and beyond for families. His pride in his children was evident and we often shared kid stories- he lit up when talking about what his kids were doing. Thank you so much Grant; you will be missed and may you rest in peace.
Dear Joanne, Mark and Grace. I am greatly saddened to hear of Grant’s passing. I have great memories fishing with Grant and Mark as a child. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Natasha and Jacob Jeninga
Joanne, Mark and Grace, I worked with Grant for many years at DDSB. He was effusive in his love and pride in his children and I enjoyed hearing his stories as you grew up. May your memories of those family times bring you some comfort. He was such a kind and gentle soul who will surely be missed by all who had the good fortune to know him. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Liz Crawford
On behalf of the staff who serve at Donald A Wilson Secondary School, we send our condolences to Joanne, Mark, Grace, and Grant's entire family and friends. His sudden passing has left a hole in our team which will not be easily filled! Grant's calm optimism and constant support of the students and families he helped at Wilson will be very much missed. We were privileged to have shared joy with plans fulfilled, laughter over topics small and large (with laughter serving in place of frustration at the slow pace of the system, at times), and quality, honest, heartfelt conversations (always centred on helping kids) with this very good man. Grant made a difference. Grant will be missed.
Dear Joanne, Mark and Grace. I was saddened to read of Grant’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Melissa and Jeremy Benns (Kelsey and Nicholas)
Joanne, Mark and Grace . Our heartfelt condolences . Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time . Wishing you strength and love to help you through. May he rest in peace .
Joanne, Mark and Grace - thinking of you during this hard time and sending our deepest condolences.
Joanne and Grace, I am so sad to hear of your loss. Grant will be missed in so many ways. My prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family.
Dear Joanne, Mark and Grace, we were so very saddened to hear of Grant’s passing. The girls and I are keeping you in our thoughts as you go through this difficult time. Prayers and love. Pam, Anjali and Alisha.
My sincere condolences to Joanne, Mark and Grace. Grant was a very kind and welcoming neighbour! He used his epic snow plow skills to help me out when I first arrived on Coverdale. I will never forget that. His kindness meant a lot. May he rest in peace.
Dear Joanne, Mark and Grace: we were so very saddened to hear of Mark's sudden passing. He will be fondly missed by so many. Thinking of you and your extended family during this difficult time. Jaine and Bruce
I worked with Grant for several years at Ddsb. He was a passionate advocate for children and families. He was also a very supportive colleague. Grant spoke of his joy and pride for his children and wife Joanne. I am so sorry for your great loss. I pray for your strength and support from friends and family. May he rest in peace.
I worked with Grant for several years at Ddsb. He was a passionate advocate for children and families. He was also a very supportive colleague. Grant spoke of his joy and pride for his children and wife Joanne. I am so sorry for your great loss. I pray for your strength and support from friends and family. May he rest in peace.
Dear Joanne, Mark, and Grace. I am saddened to hear about the loss of your dear Grant. I extend my very sincere condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Love from Brenda
We are so unbelievably sorry to hear of the passing of Grant. He was so kind and loved to talk cars, we will miss our visits with him. Sending prayers to Joanne, Mark & Grace
Dear Joan, Mark, Grace and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Whishing you lot's of strenght and love to help you through. ♥️♥️♥️
Joanne, Mark and Grace - We are so saddened to hear of the passing of Grant. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. May your memories bring you peace and comfort. Monique, John, Josh and Maddy
Joanne and family. I am so sorry to hear of Grant’s death. Please accept my sincere sympathy.
Joanne, Mark and Grace Thinking of you in this very sad time. Grant was an amazing neighbor and showed nothing but kindness to my parents. May you all cherish your memories you spent with such an incredible man.
Joanne and family, I'm so sorry to hear this news. My deepest condolences to you all.
Joanne, Grace and Mark, My deepest condolences to you and your families. Grant was a special person and his kindness and caring will be missed in this world. I always looked forward to my time with him and enjoyed hearing the stories he had to tell. I will miss him greatly. Thinking of you all.
Dear Joanne and family: I'm so very sorry to read of Grant's passing. This is far too young and not a stage of life that we should be at. You are in my thoughts as you go through this very difficult time.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Joanne and family, I am so sorry to read of your sudden loss. You have my sincere sympathy and I wish you strength and peace at this time.
I was shaken and deeply saddened to hear of Grant's untimely passing. He was a kind and gentle man and will be missed by all of us who knew him when he was part of our small running gang. He really seemed to enjoy the camaraderie of our Sunday morning group runs and the challenge of the races we would all compete in together. It was always a pleasure to see him at our periodic reunions, including last summer's. My heartfelt condolences to Joanne, Mark and Grace and Grant's extended family.