Grant Richard Gisel

Grant was born on May 11, 1943, in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Al and Betty (Gislason) Gisel along with his twin brother Garth. He graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Commerce (Magna cume Laude) in 1964 and took a job in the newly emerging Information Technology industry with IBM Canada, one of the few companies offering opportunities for employees to move to the West Coast. Shortly after beginning his career in Victoria, he met and married Sharon Diane Robertson, and relocated to Vancouver where they raised their two sons.

Grant left IBM for Computech in 1968, a small IT Consulting business. Soon after joining Computech, he and his partners Ian Ried and Dave Bowman purchased the firm, with Grant becoming the company's President and CEO. Under his leadership and alongside a dedicated group of employees, many of whom he would work with for decades, the fledgling company became Sierra Systems and grew steadily throughout the 1980s and 90s to become an industry leader with over 1000 employees in branches across North America. He retired from Sierra in November 2004.

In his retirement he enjoyed an active life with Diane, including travelling and especially cruising. He was a supporter of many charities, and was involved with various fundraising activities for the United Way, Simon Fraser University, Science World, and the Friends of the Garden (FOGs) at UBC. Most recently he served as the Chair of the Board for Red Fox Healthy Living Society, a small organization focused on transforming the lives of children and youth through the power of recreation and mentorship.

Grant was predeceased by his beloved wife, Diane. He is survived by his two children, Gary (Maggie) and Brian (Dahl), four grandchildren: Jami, Sean, Mia, and Julia as well as his twin brother Garth (Jo-Ann); nieces Debra (Marty) and Lisa (Greg).

A memorial will be planned for a time when we can gather together in person. If you wish, please consider a donation to Red Fox or the United Way.

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