Grant MacEwan

Dr J.W. Grant MacEwan, known as Grant MacEwan, (b. 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 has an unbroken lineage of Highland Scottish grandparents. George MacEwan, his grandfather, came from Stirling, Scotland to farm in Guelph, Ontario. George MacEwan married Annie Cowan, another Scot. These two had a boy, 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 and lived in Brandon, Manitoba until the age of 13. Due to hardship on 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 12 Grant began working at a grocery store.

Grant 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 19 Grant 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 often placed among the top of his class. He lived in residence and took part in a multitude of campus activities, including the football and basketball teams. In his first two years he completed a preliminary agriculture 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 MacEwan fell ill with spinal meningitis and passed away March 27, 1924. This event was hard on both Grant and his parents. His family was very tight-knit and George was very close to his parents. MacEwan left college for a period of time to attend his brother's funeral.

On May 28, 1926 Grant graduated from the O.A.C. along with 33 other boys with a B.S.A. degree. After receiving the degree he headed home.

In 1927 Grant 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.

Academic Career (1928-1951)

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Politician (1951-1965)

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Lieutenant-Governor of Alberta (1966-1974)

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1974 until Death

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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