Contact Us Anytime
Obituary of Mark McGrath
With heavy hearts and memories of happiness we announce the peaceful passing of Mark McGrath on Monday, April 20, 2020. Mark was a devoted husband, caring father, wonderful grandfather and great friend.
He will be cherished forever by his son Joel (Lianne), daughter Jill (Martin) and son Dan (Rhonda); grandchildren Mathew (Justine), Dylan, Rickie and Kieran; sister Audrey and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his loving wife of 61 years Joanne, parents, Joseph and Agnes McGrath, brother Earl and sisters Lillian Ingram and Theresa Simons.
Born and raised in Winnipeg, Mark met Joanne, the love of his life, at the Chatterbox Grill on Portage Avenue in the 1950s. They married in 1958 and raised their family in St. Vital. He was a member of Christ the King Roman Catholic Parish to which he served as a trustee. Mark and Joanne also belonged to Christ our Saviour Parish in Steinbach, where they later lived. Mark worked as an engineering technician at Manitoba Hydro for 33 years from which he retired in 1991.
Dad was an artistic and creative man. He was a master woodcarver whose loons, ducks and fish have been shared with many friends and family members. He also dabbled in watercolour, acrylic and oil painting of familiar landscapes.
Mark and Joanne spent 22 winters at Araby Acres in Yuma, Arizona, where they expanded their broad social circle through cribbage, walks, swimming and shuffleboard. They competed at the state championship level in shuffleboard, representing their park. At the Pat Porter Active Living Centre in Steinbach they were members of the cribbage club. Mark was very proud of his children and grandchildren and loved to share their accomplishments in conversation.
The cottage at Ingolf, Ontario, built by Mark and Joanne in 1967, was the big part of his life. Many summers were spent gardening, swimming, fishing, blueberry picking and paddle-boating while creating friendships. He was a former executive member of the Ingolf Campers Association and an active founder of the 39ers seniors club. Ingolf was a busy, relaxing place that brought family and friends together.
The family thanks Bethesda Regional Health Centre in Steinbach, CancerCare Manitoba, the Riverview Health Centre Palliative Care Unit and the Grace Hospice.
Cremation has taken place. A private family celebration of Mark’s life will be held at a later date.
If friends so desire, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, Grace Hospice Foundation and/or the Ingolf Campers Association.
Our family is very grateful for the words and gestures of support from family and friends during this difficult time. Life is precious. Every day is a gift.
