Havelock Lions Club President Passes Away at 48

Havelock Lions Club president Brian ‘Gratz’ Grattan passed away at the age of 48 at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre on Monday.

Facebook photo.

Grattan has been a member of the Lions club for over 25 years and was actively involved with children’s sports. He was heavily invested in the Havelock Lions, Havelock Minor Hockey and Havelock Express Softball as a volunteer coach.

The Lions Club made a Facebook post on Tuesday announcing the news and made the following statement:

“It’s with heavy hearts and great sadness that our club announces the passing of our president Lion Brian Grattan.

Lion Brian was a valued and respected member of the Havelock Lions Club for over 25 years. His positive impact and contribution to the club and his community will be greatly missed by anyone who has had the privilege of his acquaintance and friendship. Over the course of holding numerous leadership positions within the club, Lion Brian was the very definition of our motto “We Serve.”

A Melvin Jones fellow & a recognized authority on Lions traditions and camaraderie, he was the reliable source to bring out the laughter or light up the room. His reputation for honesty & dedication is well-earned and appreciated by all who knew him. His passing leaves a tragic void within our club and within our community that he was so deeply proud of.”

“Brian lived his life with the Lions’ clubs motto at the forefront,” said MPP Dave Smith. “He served. He served his community with the same love that a father shows to his children. My heart goes out to his family in their time of loss. I hope that they can draw comfort in the knowledge that so many people in the Havelock area have benefitted by the work he did and the passion he showed in serving his community.”

His funeral is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Brett's Funeral Chapel in Havelock on Thursday. The club is inviting anyone to attend the Havelock Lions Hall on 39 George St. following the service.

Visitation hours are from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and again from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday. Friday’s hours are from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m.

There is a Lions service at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Donations can be made to Havelock Minor Hockey, Havelock Express Baseball or the Havelock Lions Club in honour of Gratton in lieu of flowers. The family requested visitors to wear Toronto Maple Leafs jerseys or blue and white in honour of his favourite NHL team.

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