Charles Grant Oatway

August 2, 1942 - February 3, 2022
It is with great sadness that the Oatway family announces the passing of Charles "Grant" Oatway on Thursday, February 3rd, 2022, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was 79.
Grant had a deep love for farming and community. In the fall of 1947, he moved with his parents, Norton and Berna, and two brothers, Don and Gerry, from Wilkie, SK to the family farm just south of Clive, AB.
He and his brothers were active in 4H and the family raised crops and cattle. He graduated from the Lacombe Composite High School in 1959 and he kept in touch with many friends from his graduating class for the rest of his life.
He moved to Calgary and was working with the Canadian Western Natural Gas Company when he met Lois Tupper at a party at SAIT. They married in 1965 and had 2 boys, Ward (1971) and Charles 'Craig' (1973). Grant and his family moved back to Clive in 1975 after buying the farm that they lived on for the next 46 years.
Grant was active in the community volunteering countless hours to various community organizations including Clive Lions Club, Rotary International, Lacombe and District Foundation and St. Cyprian's Anglican Church. He also sat on numerous agriculture boards including the Farm Debt Review board and SeCan.
Grant was a strong supporter of the IAEA program and he welcomed trainees to the farm from around the world. During their stay, these students became part of the family, and many have stayed in touch and come back to visit over the years.
He had a lifelong passion for sports playing football and track in school as well as skiing and curling. He later supported Ward in baseball and hockey, occasionally even coaching. He was often seen at ball diamonds, volleyball and basketball courts watching his granddaughter's play.
He loved travelling and went on trips around the world. Grant and Lois also went on road trips around Alberta and Saskatchewan, visiting new places and meeting new people everywhere he went. He enjoyed being a grandfather and enjoyed working with Ezri and Brie on the farm. There was nothing more special to Grant than having his family, including all his nieces and nephews, come for a visit at the farm!
Grant is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 56 years, Lois; son Ward (Lori) of Clive and grand-daughters Ezri and Brie. Also mourning his passing are brothers Don (Barb) Oatway, and Gerry (Rose) Oatway, sister- in-law Brenda McChesney, brother-in-law Gordon Tupper as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Grant also had a close network of friends that he cared deeply for and enjoyed many adventures with over the years and were there to support him until his passing.
Grant was predeceased by his son Charles 'Craig' Oatway.
As a family we extend our thanks and gratitude for the excellent care and service provided by the staff at the Lacombe Hospital. They provided excellent care for Grant during his stay there and we are so grateful for their compassion and support. We'd also like to thank the homecare and staff at the Royal Oak in Lacombe for their support to our family. Although they were only living at the Royal Oak briefly, their support got us through many difficult weeks. Thank you from all of us!
A Private Memorial Service was held on Wednesday, February 09, 2022 at 11 am at Wilson's Funeral Chapel. Video recording of the service will be available shortly after the service.
A Graveside Service was held on Wednesday, February 09, 2022 at 12:00 noon at Fairview Cemetery following the service.
Memorial Donations may be made to the following:
• Lacombe Palliative Care Society: http://www.lacombepalliativecare.com/
• Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation: https://www.childrenshospital.ab.ca/
Condolences may be made by visiting www.wilsonsfuneralchapel.ca


 Wilson's Funeral Chapel