My deepest condolences to the family. Rod was my English teacher from 1971 to 1973.. He was an excellent teacher and mentor who inspired me to explore my interest in literature and writing poetry. He and his wife Cheryl invited me to their home for dinner on several occasions and behind the scenes at the Ottawa Little Theatre. He was involved in costume design at that time. I am sorry I missed reconnecting with him at the Bell High School reunion. You will be missed!
Rod was one of my English teachers at Bell High School during 1964-1969. May I add my condolences on his passing. I enjoyed his class and always his insights. His presence will be missed by all who knew him and were fortunate enough to have been in his company. May God bless and may he Rest in Eternal Peace.
I was shocked today to read of Rod's passing in the Smiths Falls Record News. We both knew Rod as our English teacher at Bell High in the mid to late 60s! In fact, he was the Best Man at our wedding and helped me through a turbulent adolescence and rough family time by taking me in when I took off from home for a while! He was responsible for planting the seeds of good literature and poetry, and even got me into acting with him at The Ottawa Little Theatre. A true prince of a man who truly cared and could deal with each student on their own terms as his deft teaching and counselling skills also prepared you for the world and not just the classroom! Sandy and I had Rod over a few times in recent years for supper and a B&B stay so that the next day he could drive his beloved diesel Volkswagen back home! We were both thrilled to reconnect with Rod during the Bell 50th Reunion! And as another student has already said it so well in these Condolences, "R.I.P. old friend, teacher, and mentor. You will not be forgotten."
I am sad to learn of Rod's passing. I was a student teacher with Rod in 1973 and many of his influences stayed with me for my teaching career. Rod inspired students to develop a reading habit early in life and I tried to mirror that in my students. He also stressed the importance of insightful questioning technique to focus students on the essence of the literature being studied. On a more personal level, Rod was one of the few people I have met who was good at whatever he set his mind to accomplish, be it mechanics, fishing, cooking, bee keeping and woodwork. Rest in peace, Rod.
Former teacher of mine. If it weren't for someone posting a photo in the Bell High Facebook page with his respectable moustache and Afro, I would not have recognised him. A character to say the least, but a joy to learn from. RIP Sir and thank you. Deepest condolences to the family.
I studied English with Mr. Grant for several years in the 80s and he was one of my favourite teachers at Bell. Everyone coild see his passion for literature and he really helped you to get deep inside a book. He always treated me with respect and I won’t forget him. My condolences to his family.
When Rod retired, Bell High School "retired" the Room Number.
I imagine many of you have fond memories of this number. This plaque held a very special place in Rod's home.
My most sincere condolences to the family. I was one of many students who benefited from Mr. grant’s talent and passion. He was a great person with a sense of humour. - and an unforgettable mustache!!!
Mr Grant was a no nonsense teacher that extended me both grace and tolerance that were neither expected or deserved in my naughty grade 11 year. It made all the difference in the world and I worked that much harder for him as a result. Little did I know at the time that I would go on to write for a living. God rest his soul.
I remember Mr. Grant. He was my English teacher at Bell High School. (Poor him... I couldn't spell to save my life.) Maybe he'd chuckle that I'm a Public Servant who writes for a living. (Thank you. Spell Check!) I remember a gruff, kind-hearted man who's mustache was ledgendary ... only (actor) Sam Elliot could compare. My family had bees when I was growing up, so at least we had that in common... a love and respect for the little creatures.
With sincere condolences to his close friends and to his family.
Rod Grant made Shakespeare come alive for me and instilled in me a love for writing and reading poetry. He coached me on his own time and convinced me to always keep writing. I do, to this day, some 50 years later!
He was a fascinating, unconventional, interesting person and a truly gifted teacher! Lucky are we who had the good fortune to be in his class at Bell. And, who from the old days, could ever forget him zipping along the road to the high school in his vintage green Austin Healey?? He was a bright star in our Bell cosmos!
I was thrilled to see him again, after what seemed like eons, at the Bell 50th Reunion! And so it goes. R.I.P. old friend, teacher, and mentor. You will not be forgotten.
Unanimous feeling from Bell High students... great and interesting teacher! He taught me in the 70s and was as cool as his nickname Mod Squad Rod. RIP blessed to have known him.
I'm very sorry for your loss. I had Rod as a teacher at Bell High, and I was fortunate to be able to get to know him a bit more later on outside of the school environment. I will miss hearing about his winter travel adventures.
Rod was a great teacher. Had some interesting times in his English Class :) Best memories though came after he retired. Rod did some ride along time with me when I was a paramedic. Certainly got to see another, even more positive side to the man who taught me many years before.
Rod was a wonderful teacher who I have fond memories of. He helped make Bell High School a pleasant place to be. He was well liked and respected by students and staff a like. One of the good guys. My condolences to his family and friends
My dearest Rod,
My family and I were truly blessed to have you in our lives. I enjoyed our family dinners and how you let me mother you. You always greeted me with a huge smile, warmth in your eyes and we never needed to buy honey. I wish we could have had more time with you. You are truly missed.
May you rest in peace my friend.
Nicole McDowell
Rod, you were a great friend. Your passion for the little things in life inspired me and your friendship has made me a better person. You had that affect on everyone.
You will be sadly missed - I will continue to visit the Swiss Chalet in your honor and think fondly of you often. Your cat Girlie lives with my wife and I now in a good home.
I know now that you have found peace and everything with you is now "tickety-bbo".
Thanks for being my friend.
Until we meet again,
Pat.
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