Randolph "Randy" Grover

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Randy Grover on Monday, October 20, 2025, at the age of 82. He left us peacefully with both his loving wife and daughter by his side. Randy is survived by his best friend and wife of 58 years, Linda (nee Volway), his devoted children Brent (Laura) and Tracy (Robert Kirkwood), and the apple of his eye, his granddaughter, Elizabeth. He will also be sadly missed by his sister Lynne and brother Tom (Jan), as well as many extended family members and friends.

Randy was born and raised in Kirkland Lake, Ontario. He attended the Northern Ontario Institute of Technology, earning a diploma of Civil Engineering in 1965. A job offer from the Department of National Defence in 1966 saw him move to Ottawa where he met his future wife, Linda. As Randy’s contract with DND drew to a close, he was looking for work back in Northern Ontario so they could be closer to family and landed a position with Northland Engineering in Sudbury in 1970. In 1971, Randy was hired by Waters Township (later becoming part of the Town of Walden) as Roads Commissioner. Randy spent a decades long career serving the Town, retiring as Director of Physical Services in 1999.

Randy and Linda built their life in Lively with their two children. For decades, their weekends were spent on Manitoulin Island, first at the Providence Bay Trailer Park, and later at the cottage that they built in Spring Bay. Their cottage was their own slice of heaven, surrounded by cedar forest and wildlife. When he wasn’t working on a project in his shop, Randy could be found routinely filling feeders for the deer and had named the regular visitors. He found great joy in watching the wildlife that would visit just steps away from their deck. Following Linda’s retirement in 2006, they moved to Spring Bay and began spending winters in Sarasota, Florida.

After the arrival of their only grandchild Elizabeth, Randy and Linda moved to Barrie to be close to her. Over the last eleven years, Randy and Linda spent countless hours doting on Elizabeth, who lovingly refers to Randy as Budka. There have been numerous sleepovers, and many hours playing board games, playing chess, and building Lego – anything to spend quality time together.

Randy loved the outdoors and spent many years hunting and fishing with family and friends. Some of his favourite stories were from time spent on the boat fishing off the Manitoulin or at the hunt camps in Silverwater and Massey. He also enjoyed hobbies including woodworking, golf, stained glass, and building model trains. The results of Randy’s handywork were lovingly bestowed on family and friends, which will serve as enduring tokens of remembrance.

The family would like to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Isabelle Li at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie for her focused and compassionate care over the last four years.

In respect of Randy’s wishes, there will be no funeral service; a private gathering will be held with family and close friends at a later date. Anyone wishing to make a donation in Randy’s memory is encouraged to donate to the Canadian Cancer Society or another charity of their choice.