My Story

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1980 to 2005
aged: 24
From: Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada

Grant Douglas De Patie, Born October 4th, 1980 died horrifically, March 8th, 2005. He was only 24 and a half years old. Grant worked the grave yard shift in Maple Ridge, BC, Canada for Esso (Imperial Oil). It's a gas station run 24 hours a day. He also lived in Maple Ridge, as it was a small community and close to the mountains. Grant left behind his parents, Doug and Corinne De Patie. His sister Victoria Lauren, and twins Leonard Glenn and Mary Frances. He is pre deceased by his second born sibling, Douglas Victor, his Uncle George Crellin and Great Grand Father Victor De Patie. He was a single man, living on his own and had no children.

This is a gruesome tragic story. As mentioned above, Grant worked for Esso and was working the grave yard shift. On March 7th, minutes before Midnight, two teens aged 15 and 17 at the time stole a Chrysler Le Baron, and drove to Grant's gas station. They were in the process of fueling the car, when another customer noticed that the ignition had been punched out. That customer made Grant aware of the situation, and he came out to get the license plate number of the stolen car. The young 15 year old punk was fueling the car, when he noticed that and told the driver, Darnell Darcy Pratt to take off, as Grant had come out to get the plate number. In the meantime, Darnell Pratt (17) hit the accelerator and hit Grant. Grant went under the car as Darnell sped away, and he got caught in the under carriage of the stolen car. For 7.5 kilometers, Grant was dragged to his death. He left a path of blood and tissue all over the road. A man found his body 7.5 km's later and notified RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) We were not able to visit him in the morgue as his body was so badly damaged by this young idiot. He died March 8th, 2005.

Grant loved mountain biking. He left behind a $7000. mountain bike. He did not drive a motor vehicle. Instead he peddled around the small town of Maple Ridge and into the mountain range right behind called Golden Ears Park.

He scuba dived and had his deep water ticket. He loved music and animals, especially exotic animals. He owned two sugar gliders, a couple of iguanas, and even a snake or two or three.

He was a very kind and loving person. He was so proud to be the big brother to three younger siblings. Grant was so proud, he tatooed him and his siblings initials on his chest above his heart. The tattoo reads GDVLM ( in Birth order, Grant, Douglas, Victoria, Leonard, Mary) He would ride his bike all the way from Maple Ridge, BC to Surrey, BC just to be able to spend time with his brother and sisters.

Grant Douglas De Patie, how we miss him. It's been an extremely painful 2 1/2 years. We are lost without you here with us. He leaves behind a huge legacy. "Grant's Law". A law that is being brought into effect this fall. A law that requires motorists to pre-pay for their fuel, and also other regulations include: training and orientation for new and young workers specifically addressing theft, robberery, assaults & confrontation. A working alone regulation requiring two people on and or barriers to protect workers behind the counter. My husband, Doug and my father Chester Crellin worked diligently to get Grant's Law into regulations. If you enter "Grant De Patie" in quotation marks in your search engine, you will see what he is all about.

He is our hero, and died a horrific death.
A huge part of us is missing and life is not the same anymore.
He meant the world to us. He was so cool, yet he was so awesome.
He tought his siblings that it was cool to avoid drugs and alcohol. He rocked our worlds. We have been reduced to emotional rubble.

We all know he's happy and safe now.
He's with the Lord.

We love you Grant,
Mum, Dad, Victoria, Lenny and Mary, and also the animals, especially Pal.

Please if you pray, pray that we have the strength to form a new normal, to be connected with one another, & to always be strong.

R I P Grant, we love you

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