INNISFAIL – There was an outpouring of love and support for Winston "Drew" Grant.
Friends, family and members of the Innisfail and area community packed the Oklahoma Community Centre, west of Innisfail, on the afternoon of Tuesday, May 7 for a celebration of Grant’s life.
The 26-year old Innisfail man was beaten on the evening of April 24 and later died from his injuries. Charged with manslaughter in his death is 40-year-old Malcolm "Nathan" Bourgeois of Innisfail.
Elder Lynn Jonasson of Safe Harbour Society in Red Deer, opened the service with a prayer. In it he spoke of the significance of buffalo to First Nations people.
“It was an animal that was not afraid to face anything,” said Jonasson. “I believe that Drew was like that. Whatever was in front of him he faced it and did the best that he could with it.
“He was a fine young man,” he added.
The service also included a video tribute to Grant and two songs, The Dance and I’m No Stranger To the Rain, that were performed by Grant’s uncle, Murray Larsen.
John Cramer, the father of Grant’s best childhood friend gave an emotional and moving eulogy.
“We are here today to remember the life of Winston Drew Grant and celebrate what he meant to all of us,” said Cramer. “He achieved his goal of making us proud, he achieved his goal of being proud of himself,” he added. “Our lives will never be the same without him.”
Master of Ceremony Mark Ballantyne, was Grant’s basketball coach at Innisfail High School in grades 8 and 10. During the service, he shared some memories of Grant and his love for basketball.
Ballantyne also noted the outpouring of support from the community.
“Just seeing all the people here and knowing that his life was important, that he had value and he touched people's lives,” said Ballantyne. “I think that would have meant a lot to him. I think Drew would have loved that.”
Oliver Barker, 17, was a friend and was mentored by Grant for several months.
“He was like an older brother to me,” said Barker, adding that Grant was encouraging him to stay in school and make the most of life.
During the service, Barker was presented with one of Grant’s chains that he wore. It was given to him by Grant’s mother, Sheila.
“It’s special to me because it’s one that he wore,” said Barker. “I’ll always remember him.”
