John MCGRATH
John MCGRATH
John MCGRATH

Obituary of John James MCGRATH

June 10, 1939 – Bell Island, Newfoundland January 4, 2018 – Calgary, Alberta John, beloved husband of Joan Geraldine McGrath (nee Moore) of Calgary, AB, passed away on January 4, 2018 at the age of 78 years. John grew up the oldest of sixteen children and left home in 1959 to join the military. He served in Quebec, Germany, Newfoundland and Alberta and retired here in Calgary after twenty-two years of service. He also spent six month missions in Alert and Egypt. John’s mother purchased his first accordion for him at the age of fifteen and he quickly learned to play and entertain others. He carried it everywhere – if he went out or travelled it was with him. He even entertained his fellow soldiers in the desert in Egypt. He was a member of various bands playing local bars and private functions for decades and had many fans. We know he’s already met someone who loves music the way he did and there is a Good Ole Newfie Kitchen Party going on. John is survived by his wife of fifty-seven years, Joan McGrath (nee Moore), his three children, Cynthia Diamond (Michael), John McGrath Jr., Trina Keenan (Jody); grandchildren, Kelsey, Chad, Taylor, Georgia, Kade; and great-grandson Kingston. He was predeceased by his parents Susanna and Michael McGrath, and by a brother Vince and a sister Betty. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road S.E., Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 from 1:00p.m to 2:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road S.E., Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at 2:00p.m. Reception to follow at the funeral home. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca, or to the Canadian Red Cross Society, Southern Alberta Region, 2nd Floor, 1305 – 11st Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB T3C 3P6, Telephone: (403) 541-6100, www.redcross.ca. In living memory of John McGrath, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road S.E., Calgary, AB Telephone: 403-256-9575.
Share Your Memory of
John