Obituary of Donald McGrath

Donald (Donny) McGrath May 5, 1935 - March 20, 2024 It is with heavy hearts, as well as a true appreciation of the contented life he lived, that we announce the passing of our father, Donald (Donny) McGrath. He passed away peacefully on March 20, 2024, at the age of 88, with his family by his side. Donny will be welcomed into heaven by his friends and family who have gone before him, especially by Jane, his wife of 60 years, his father Allan, his beloved mother Rose, his sister Bridgie, brother Wishy, brother-in law Jim and good friend Adrian. He will be be sadly missed by his children, Darlene (Rob); Keith (Pam); Allison (Ches) and Karen (Derek), as well as by his grandchildren of whom he was so fond: Justin (Isabelle), Erin (Jake), Donny (Rachelle), Kylie (Dave) and Patrick; Kaitlyn; Jacob; and Noah; and three adored great grandchildren, Theo, Olivia and Lincoln. Donny also leaves to mourn: sister Ellie (Jim deceased), brother Francis (Francina); brothers-in-law Stan (Theresa); Hubert (Rose); Kevin (Bridgie deceased), and special friends Anne-Marie, Mike Brophy and Brian Elms. Donny lived a contented life. He was a very loyal husband, supportive father/grandfather and a hardworking man who ensured his family had everything they needed in life. He had valued lifelong friendships with those he grew up with in Patrick’s Cove, as well as those he worked with during his 31 year career with McNamara Construction. He enjoyed country music, playing guitar, having a few beers with friends and always made time for walks up to the Mountain and Higher Pond whenever he was back out in the Cove. He was a quiet man who was very satisfied with all he had in life, never needing more. Those who knew him well knew he truly believed in a “ live and let live” philosophy and that you should help others when needed and accept people for who they are. Though his time here on earth had to come to an end, his legacy of loyalty, family devotion and being a good human will live on in us all. The family would like to sincerely thank the staff of Pleasant View Towers over the last few weeks, especially Nurse Practitioner -Mary Beresford, Palliative Care physician- Dr. Louise Rogers and all the nursing staff, PCA’s and LPN’s of 4 Southeast. Words cannot express our gratitude for the care and compassion you provided to our father and family during dad’s final days.Special thanks is also extended to Sharon Jones, his homecare worker, whose daily care ensured dad could live at home as long as was possible. Visitation to take place at Coombs Funeral Home, Placentia on Sunday, March 24th from 11:00 to 8:00 and on Monday from 10:00 to 12:00. Funeral Mass to take place at St Patrick's Church in Patrick's Cove on Monday, March 25th at 2:00 p.m. followed by interment at St. Patrick's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Diabetes Association. A Quiet Man He never looks for praises He’s never one to boast He just goes on quietly working For those he loves the most His dreams are seldom spoken His wants are very few And most of the time his worries Will go unspoken too He’s there, a firm foundation Through all the storms of life A sturdy hand to hold to In times of stress and strife A true friend all could turn to When times are good or bad A quiet man of virtue The man that we call dad (written by Karen K. Boy)