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Marketer hailed as family man after shock suicide

Published:Wednesday | February 8, 2023 | 2:26 AMRuddy Mathison/Gleaner Writer
Frederick Grant
Frederick Grant

Former friends and colleagues of the late Frederick Grant said they will reflect on a lifetime of commitment rather than the shocking headlines associated with his passing.

The 55-year-old book industry marketing veteran was found slumped over the steering wheel of his car in a Worthy Park cane field with a bullet wound to the mouth about 8:25 p.m. on Monday. A firearm was found beside the body.

He is believed to have committed suicide.

Grant, a marketer at Kingston Bookshop for two decades, had responsibility for book promotion islandwide.

He was married to Dr Claire Clarke-Grant, deputy CEO of the RJRGLEANER Communications Group. He is also survived by two sons.

“His passing shocked so many of us. He was a kind, gentle human being who had good insight and great intellect in his field. His separation from us is profound,” said Steadman Fuller, managing director of Kingston Bookshop and custos of Kingston.

“He loved to see the development of children, and as a marketer, he was able to work with publishers to make sure that the books were developed in order of the curriculum.”

Fuller said he last spoke to Grant on Monday about lunchtime and described the discourse as “high level”.

The Kingston Bookshop managing director recalled Grant’s competence when they travelled to the Eastern Caribbean last year.

“The entire staff is in mourning to the point where productivity was disrupted. We had to call in grief counsellors for the entire staff,” Fuller revealed.

Publishing and communications consultant Latoya West-Blackwood, who met Grant while she was working at Kingston Bookshop, described him as a supportive and competent professional and a loyal friend.

“He was a good family man who deeply loved his country. He has an undeniable energy about him that would transform any space he is asked to function in,” West-Blackwood said in a Gleaner interview.

“I will remember his smile and his hugs that were more than a touch while passing through, but wrapping you in love. He will be a big loss to the book industry,” she added.

ruddy.mathison@gleanerjm.com