Obituary of James McGrath

James McGrath Jr. On Tuesday, November 25, 2014 James McGrath Jr. left this world he loved so well. He was enveloped in love at the end, as family and friends gathered at his bedside ushering him on his way with kisses, poetry and so much love. Jim was an accountant by trade but he possessed the soul of an artist. He was a gourmet chef, painter, actor, pun miester, gracious host, unofficial toastmaster for Cabbage town and proud member of Actra. He celebrated life by fully participating in it and lived every second as if it was his last. In spring he would hail the return of the flowers with joy and in winter he looked to the bare trees to glory in the empty nests. His leaving is deeply felt by his loving wife of almost 68 years, Anne McGrath (nee Munro), his daughter Debra McGrath, son Craig McGrath and their spouses, Colin Mochrie and Jacquie McGrath. He leaves behind three grandchildren, grateful for the life of their Papa- Luke Mochrie, Kelsey McGrath and Connor McGrath. He loved them, he reveled in them, he painted them and made their lives sweeter by his very presence. He met Anne Munro when they were sixteen years old. She was, till the end, the love of his life. He served in the Canadian reserves and the American Navy, returning to marry his sweetheart after the war. Our only solace is knowing he will be reunited with his beloved mother and six of his nine siblings, as well as many other friends and family who have passed before him. Included in the many who mourn his passing will be every animal he ever knew and the multitude of strangers he has shown kindnesses to. Heartfelt thanks to Dad's doctor, Dr. Fegelman, who always treated Dad with such respect and tenderness, and to the staff and Chester Village who cared for him so well and who are mourning his loss with us. Even the birds will miss him. A funeral service will be held to honour his life at GLEBE ROAD UNITED CHURCH, 20 Glebe Road East on Saturday, November 29th at 11:00 a.m. If desired, donations may be made to The Alzheimer Society of Canada, 20 Eglinton Avenue West, 16th Floor, Toronto M4R 1K8, donorserve@alzheimer.ca. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.