It’s with great sadness that I have to bring you news of the death of Grant Allan, one of our earliest and most popular volunteers. Grant died at the weekend after a period in hospital following a serious fall on a night-out in September. He was 34 years old.
Grant joined the GFAA Volunteer Squad in early August 2016. He had just lost his job due to his work’s closure and, typically, he contacted us because he was determined not to be idle while he looked for work. He quickly established himself as a regular and popular member of the team: he was quick to smile and full of fun.
Grant (on the right)
Grant was profoundly deaf and had been since childhood. He was an excellent lip-reader, however, and had no difficulty in communicating. He loved the outdoors and never shirked hard work. He confessed he was no gardener, but he was very keen to learn, especially as he wanted to be able to look after the garden at home for his Mum.
Left to right: Norman, Grant, Gill and Gordon.
He volunteered with us through 2016 when his health allowed. He suffered a number of accidents, setbacks and injuries over that time, but they never stopped him wanting to help out and give back to others. He also volunteered with CFINE and other charities over this time and was a keen runner and cyclist.
Grant last helped out on site in the Autumn of 2017, just before going into hospital for a cochlear implant. This was a success, allowing him to hear for the first time. He got in touch in May, saying he hoped to be back with us soon as new commitments and activities following his operation allowed.
Grant was a gentle soul, kind-hearted and generous to his core. I am sure that all who met him on site will join me in saying he will be very sadly missed. Rest in Peace, Grant.
Susan Wilkie
I am so very sad to hear this news about Grant!! He was a lovely young man who always came up to speak, bright and bubbly and all his life ahead of him!! So very tragic!!
Philip Wilkie
So sad to hear this news. Grant was a bright spark about Garthdee. I remember one summer when he was filling in the pot holes with the plainings he was working exceptionally hard and I asked him if he was doing community service? He just laughed and spent the rest of the afternoon filling in numerous holes. Lovely lovely person.