Grant McPherson, aftermarket veteran and founding member of Shad’s R&R for Muscular Dystrophy, passed away peacefully on December 31st, 2018 in Stratford, Ont.

Grant’s ongoing support for the aftermarket and its charitable causes continued after his retirement and he was active in planning in the days before he passed away.

In accordance with his wishes, private funeral services were held.

Grant was the son of the late Irene and William McPherson from Winnipeg where he spent his early years at school. He was pre-deceased by his wife Carol and sister, Joan (Kristjanson).

He is survived by his five children – Robert, Daniel (Leah), Thomas, Kenneth (Wendy) and Bonnie (Wayne Brunton). Also, his nine grandchildren – Carolyn (C.J. Laszlo), Brock (Tiffany), Kent, Tara, Amanda, Grant, Noah, Lily and Brady. He also is survived by one great-grandchild, Lennix.

Grant was born and raised in Winnipeg where he attended high school, university and played football.

A member of the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame, he wore #69 for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for the 1951 season but took a position with Phillips Electronics in Winnipeg afterward.

In 1969 Grant moved the family to Stratford, Ont., after accepting a position with FRAM/Autolite Canada as National Sales Manager. This began a career of more than 30 years with FRAM with a brief 2-year stop at Dominion Automotive. Upon return to FRAM, he accepted the position of vice-president of sales and marketing and then President until he retired.

Grant remained active in his retirement years working with a number of local Stratford charities and was always busy with his children and grandchildren.

Grant was one of the founding members of Shad’s R&R for Muscular Dystrophy aftermarket charity event which has raised some $5 million over the years, and continued his involvement until his recent death. He took great pride in this charity event that helped so many and become a cornerstone of the aftermarket.

A true gentleman until the end, he will be missed by all that loved and respected him. 

A personal note from the publisher, Andrew Ross: Grant McPherson was very kind to me personally and professionally over the years. I’d like to think he recognized my commitment to the aftermarket. I certainly appreciated his support over the years and am glad that I had a chance to express that gratitude to him not long before his death. He was indeed a gentleman but he was also a pretty tough cat and a great defender of those who believe in this industry and what this industry can do. I will never forget that. He made a difference in this world. He left a wonderful legacy behind and will indeed be sorely missed.

For those who wish to attend, a Celebration of Life will be held at Bentley’s Pub, downtown Stratford, Ont., Saturday, February 2, 2019 from 2:00-4:00 p.m.