Obituary of Joseph Grant Woolsey

July 15, 1921 - April 27, 2026

J. Grant Woolsey passed away in Ottawa on Monday, April 27, 2026 at the age of 104. Grant’s life was well lived through a strong work ethic, integrity, success in business, and pride in his family. A gracious man, generous in manner.

Predeceased by his devoted wife of 61 years Frances (née Nettleton). Grant was born and raised in Aylmer Quebec and was the last surviving of six Woolsey siblings. His parents were Gertrude (née Ireland) and Fred Woolsey. Proud father of Grant (Andrea), Ruth (Rick Clynick), Anna (Terry Kiefl), Robert and Sarah. Lovingly remembered by grandchildren Julia (David Crompton), David and Erica Woolsey, Matthew (Tricia) and Jamie (Jen) Clynick, Lauren (Taylor Parkes) and Brendan (Jessica) Kiefl, and by great-grand children Muriel, Ruthie, Ciara, Chloe, Parker, Quinn, Lochlan, Grayson and Calvin. Special uncle to Suzann Crammond and Frank Tanner.

Upon graduating from Lisgar Collegiate, Grant went on to earn his Chartered Accountant designation with Welch and Company in Ottawa. With a rapidly growing family he became Secretary Treasurer and a director of The General Supply Company of Canada, eventually acquiring ownership. Grant became a prominent figure in the heavy equipment industry in North America, serving as President of Canadian and American associations (AED) during rapid growth of construction and roads in North America. Grant enjoyed many long-lasting relationships with business associates throughout his career and retirement.

Grant was an Ottawa tennis champion in his youth and stayed active to maintain his health and longevity. He enjoyed skating the full length of the Rideau Canal up to 87 years of age. Grant and Frances were both very involved with their church, St. Richard’s Anglican (now Julian of Norwich), and the Special Olympics. Family time was always special at the family cottage in Norway Bay, where he is well remembered for his annual garage sales in support of Special Olympics, and for casual conversation and laughter with neighbours while meticulously tending to his ever expanding vegetable garden. 

The family is grateful for the dedicated care Grant received in his final years at Amica Westboro, his chosen home for 16 years after Frances’ passing in 2010. Special thank you to Dominique, Rosa and Jeannette.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, May 25, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. until  4:00 p.m. at The Ottawa Hunt Club, 1 Hunt Club Road Ottawa. All welcome. Private family funeral in advance. Should you wish to make donations in memory of Grant, please consider donations to Special Olympics Ontario or The Norway Bay Municipal Association.