Alan Grant

Alan Grant

Professor Emeritus Alan Grant, LLB (London), of the Inner Temple, London, and the Bar of Ontario, born September 13, 1937, died peacefully at the Elder Street Retirement Home in Toronto, Canada on December 13, 2021. He is survived by his sister, June Allan (Charlie); sons, Julian (Julie) and Jonathan (Lori-Dawn Tabor); stepchildren, Deirdre Hanna (Peter Mendell) and Zak Hanna (Suzanne Nacha); grandchildren, Adrian, Dorian, Adam and Max Grant and Alex and Fiona Mendell; great grandchildren, Penelope and Eliza Grant; and nieces and nephews, Amanda, Charles, James, John, Julie, Lisa, Nicola, Robin and Vikki. Alan was predeceased by his wife, J. Anna Fraser, JD, and his brothers, Edgar (Jean) and James (Veronica).

In 1955, Alan moved from his working class town of Denny, Scotland, to become a cadet in London’s Metropolitan Police, where he rose to the rank of Chief Inspector. While at Scotland Yard, Alan attended London University’s law school, graduating at the top of his class as gold medalist. In 1971, he emigrated to Toronto with his family, having accepted a faculty position at Osgoode Hall Law School of York University.

Alan made a lasting contribution to legal education. In 1975/6, he created Osgoode’s Intensive Program in Criminal Law, the school’s first full-semester program allowing students to gain deep, hands-on experience with practicing lawyers. This program, which continues today, formed the template for his Indigenous Intensive Program in Aboriginal Lands, Resources and Governments, launched in 1994, and many similar programs at Osgoode.

Alan and Anna’s relationship, a second marriage for both, was affectionate, comforting and fulfilling; they were palpably devoted to each other, taking pride in each other’s achievements. Together, they formed Fraser Grant Associates to provide legal consulting and social justice negotiation services nationwide. Alan was a trusted chair on numerous negotiations between First Nations, the Ontario Government and industry, and he consulted on the creation of the Six Nations Police Service, which was established in large part because of his resolve. He also established the Susan Hare Fund for indigenous students at Osgoode.

Alan authored numerous monographs, chapters and articles on policing, criminal law, aboriginal issues and his literary passion, James Joyce. He was “a wonderful colleague”, always generous to younger faculty, often at private Friday afternoon “tea” with a few colleagues and his long term secretary, Ruby Richardson. He made “a great contribution to Osgoode and his admiring students”. On the 30th anniversary of the Criminal Intensive Program, his former students endowed the Alan Grant Bursary at Osgoode as a tribute.

In 1998, Alan and Anna retired to Pictou County, Nova Scotia. He will be remembered for his intelligence, quick wit, decency and kindness.

A private cremation will be followed by memorial services In Toronto and Nova Scotia when COVID protocols allow. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alan Grant Bursary:

https://giving.yorku.ca/AlanGrantBursary

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