Grant MacEwan

Dr J.W. Grant MacEwan, known as Grant MacEwan, (August 12 1902–June 15 2000) was a farmer, Professor at the University of Saskatchewan, Dean of Agriculture at the University of Manitoba, Mayor of Calgary and both an MLA and Lieutenant Governor of Alberta. Grant MacEwan College Edmonton, Alberta is named after him as well as the MacEwan Student Centre at the University of Calgary.

Roots

MacEwan's grandparents were Highland Scottish. George MacEwan, his paternal grandfather, came from Stirling, Scotland to farm in Guelph, Ontario. and married Annie Cowan, another Scot. These two had a son, Alexander MacEwan. After leaving home, Alexander went to Brandon, Manitoba to begin a farm of his own and was introduced to Bertha Grant (his neighbour James Grant's sister) and soon got married. Bertha and Alexander were Grant's parents. Bertha was a strong Presbyterian. This strong Scottish, Presbyterian, and agriculture-driven heritage would prove to be very influential in Grant's life.

Early life (1902–1921)

MacEwan was born in Brandon, Manitoba, and lived there until the age of thirteen. Due to problems with his father's fire-extinguisher business, the family moved to Melfort, Saskatchewan to begin a life of farming. As a boy, MacEwan was quite entrepreneurial, entering into many different businesses, especially that of cattle. Most of Grant's first big investments were in cows, either for entering into shows or for producing calves and milk. Grant also delivered newspapers and sold vegetables and various other items. At the age of twelve, Grant began working at a grocery store. He went to school and spent most of his time helping out on the family farm.

Student years (1921–1928)

In 1921, at the age of nineteen, MacEwan went to Guelph, Ontario to attend the Ontario Agricultural College. He attended the O.A.C. for five years before going back to Melfort. MacEwan was often placed among the top of his class. He lived in College, and took part in a multitude of campus activities, including the football and basketball teams. In his first two years he completed a preliminary agricultural education. This then allowed him to attend the school for another three years to get a full degree.

During his time at school his brother George fell ill with spinal meningitis and died on March 27 1924. This event was hard on both Grant and his parents. His family was very tightly knit, and George had been very close to his parents.

On May 28 1926 MacEwan graduated from the O.A.C. along with thirty-three other boys with a B.S.A. degree. After receiving the degree he returned home.

In 1927 he received an invitation to study at the University of Iowa. He once again left home in order to complete a one-year program. In 1928 he received an M.S. degree from the University.

'Grant MacEwan' used as place or building name

• Elementary School in Calgary
• MacEwan Student Centre at University of Calgary
• Grant MacEwan College in Edmonton
• Grant MacEwan Literary Awards

References

Print

• Foran, Max, ed. Grant MacEwan's Journals (Lone Pine Publishing, 1986). ISBN 0-919433-07-3

External links

• Grant MacEwan College
• Grant MacEwan Literary Awards