HUGH

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HUGH McGRATH July 20, 1926 - October 12, 2004 Peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, Hugh passed away at the St. Boniface General Hospital, at the age of 78 years. Remaining to cherish his memory are his beloved wife Ethel, of 56 years of marriage; and their seven devoted children, Pat (Linda), Geri (Anne), Mary (Harvey), Paul (Wenda), Kevin (Carol), Theresa (Rob) and Catherine (Barrie). Hugh was the proud and loving grandfather of his grandchildren, Jori, Warren, Kelly, Leanne, Peter, Michael, Suzanne, Sean, Paul Jr., Jason, Vicki, David, Lindsay, Adam, Jessica, Gregory, Hugh, Emily, Anthony and Alexandra, and his great-grandchildren, Isabella, Britanny, Cara-Lynn, Ashton, Toni and Jessica. He also leaves to mourn his sister and brother-in-law, Eleanor and Dick Browning; brothers-in-law, Bud (Lola) and Gerry (Jackie) sister-in-law Geraldine Naffziger; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Hugh will be greatly missed by his good friends, Jim and Judy McIntyre. He was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Muriel McGrath; and brother Gregory. Hugh was born in Belleville, ON and grew up in Toronto where he attended Holy Name School and De La Salle College. He valued the opportunity to serve with the Royal Canadian Navy in 1944-45. After the war he worked in sales and production planning for Atlas Steels Ltd. in Toronto, Welland and Montreal. In 1964, he moved his family to Toronto where he was employed by Axel Johnson Ltd. as Sales Manager. Subsequently, he transferred to Winnipeg as Area Manager for a subsidiary company, Western Alloys and Metals. After 33 years in stainless steel and specialty metals, he and two partners bought the commercial fishing division at John Leckie Ltd. As President and General Manager, Hugh guided this company (Lakefish Net and Twine) for seven years until his retirement in 1986. Volunteerism was important to Hugh. He served as board member and/or chairperson of the boards of Villa Maria Retreat House, Carleton Club, LArche, Deer Lodge Centre and St. Josephs Residence. Hugh felt privileged to serve with so many dedicated people in each of these organizations. The Catholic Church provided a foundation for Hugh throughout his life. Over the years in Montreal, Toronto and Winnipeg, he participated in many programs particularly those concerning marriage and family life. Hugh always expressed admiration and respect for the people with whom he worked. For the past 36 years, he was a devoted member of St. Paul The Apostle Church where he served as Minister of the Eucharist and participated in other parish activities. Hugh was a person who touched many lives. He used many forms of communication to maintain his connections with family and friends. His poetry marked special occasions for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Conversation was his preferred activity and Hugh always appreciated it when others laughed at his jokes. He particularly loved taking everyone to Dairy Queen. Any excuse would do. Hugh looked forward to spending time with Jim and Judy at Keewatin and cruising on their boat. Prayers will be held on Sunday, October 17 at 7:00 p.m. in St. Paul The Apostle Roman Catholic Church, 2400 Portage Ave. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, October 18 at 10:30 a.m., also in the church, with Rev. Fr. Mark Tarrant presiding. Interment will follow in Assumption Roman Catholic Cemetery, 3990 Portage Ave. Our family wishes to thank Dr. B. Mills, Dr. W. Czarnecki and Janice Samimi RN, the Emergency Staff at Grace Hospital, Fr. Roland Lanois and Chaplain Timothy Fenlon and the St. Boniface Hospital Critical Care, Palliative Care and Pastoral Care Units. In lieu of flowers, donations in Hughs memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 6 Donald St., Suite 200, Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6 or to a charity of ones choice. WOJCIKS ALL BELIEFS & FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM 897 - 4665

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 16, 2004