Obituary of Percy Hubert Grist

The family of Percy Grist, sadly announces his passing, on July 2, 2023 at the age of 76 at Royal University Hospital, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. 

Percy is survived by his wife, Margaret; two children, Rae Grist (Allison Kahl) and Robin Kitella (Ryan Kitella); four granddaughters, Taylor Grist (Enzo Bonneau), Frankie Grist (Dorian Zubkowski), Amelia Kitella and Ava Kitella; two sisters, Linda Clarke (Jack) and Shirley Parchewsky (Bernie); and numerous nieces and nephews.

Percy Grist was born on January 19, 1947 in Portage la Prairie to Hannah (Anne) and Robert (Ossie) Grist. In 1958 Anne and Ozzie moved to Saskatoon where Percy spent his childhood. While growing up in Saskatoon, SK. Percy had a special relationship with Charlie and Joyce Johnston who treated him like family. Percy went to Mayfair School, Bedford Road Collegiate and the University of Saskatchewan, where he graduated from the college of Education. His first teaching position was in Glenbush, SK. Next he taught at Rabbit Lake, SK. He finished his teaching career in Medstead, SK as Principal. Percy had lots of great memories while teaching in all of those communities and met a lot of great people such as the Janzen, Peters and Schneider families. He often talked about all his wonderful teacher colleagues and mentors throughout the years. He wouldn't have been so successful without the excellent staff and secretary (Lee-Ann). Percy was blessed to be a part of the Medstead Central School due to the musical, athletic and talented staff.

He and Margaret married in 1972 in Saskatoon, SK. They had their first child, Rae, in 1974. Their second child, Robin, was born in 1978. Percy loved and cared for his family deeply. He supported his children in anything they wanted to do from coaching teams, driving them to activities and spending quality time together. He instilled a good work ethic and strong sense of self through example. He was always patient, gentle and willing to listen. Percy was very active in any community in which he lived. He played hockey, baseball and badminton (as Stafford reminded us). He enjoyed hunting, fishing and quadding. He and the family attended the Anglican Church.

When he retired from teaching, Percy and Margaret moved to Turtle Lake, SK. During that time, he and a group of friends ran a bear hunting outfitters camp, which he really enjoyed. One of his other pastimes was quadding and exploring with Marvin. Percy spent many hours volunteering his time in Medstead and Turtle Lake. He was the mayor of Medstead and counsel member of Golden Sands at Turtle Lake. He spent many hours with Willy and Jim. Percy made friends wherever he went.

The family would like to thank all the Doctors and Nurses of the Royal University and St. Paul's Hospitals who looked after Percy and made him safe and comfortable. We would also like to thank the GEM Program at City Hospital and all the wonderful staff there. He really enjoyed that time.

A Celebration of Percy’s Life will be held on Tuesday, July 11th, at 2:00 p.m. at the Saskatoon Funeral Home.