Douglas W. McGrath

photo2Loving Husband, beautiful Father and ever so affectionate Grandfather – Douglas W. McGrath unexpectedly passed away in Salem, Oregon while biking along the beautiful vineyards of Eola Hills, enjoying the summer weather among friends.  He was 60 years old.

Douglas was born August 15, 1954 in Northampton, MA.  During his youth, he followed his family – traversing across many parts of the United States – spending time in areas such as New Hampshire, South Dakota and Louisiana.  While serving in the US Navy, Doug had the opportunity to travel the world – especially the Philippines.  But eventually settled in the Pacific Northwest – living the last years of his wonderful life in Hillsboro, Oregon.

Douglas bravely served in the US Navy on the USS Shasta and rose to the rank of Petty Officer (3rd Class).  While in the US Navy he served during the Vietnam War Era and was honorably discharged on December 1977.photo3

It was while he served that Douglas met the love of his life (Salvacion Oriza) and her two sons.  Douglas and Salvacion later married (September 1977) and began a love story that was everlasting and true.  Apart from work, the two were inseparable.  To merely suggest that Douglas cherished Salvacion would undermine their world, their reality – for in truth they belonged to each other, for each other.  Douglas was her rock and strength.  Salvacion was his heart and soul.  Forever entwined in love that stretches beyond the heavens and stars.

Douglas and Salvacion made a life for themselves in the Pacific Northwest – experiencing all that it had to offer with their young family.  From camping in the Olympic National Parks, week long fishing/camping trips to Moses Lake, inner tubing down lazy rivers in Bend, water skiing in Clear Lake, leisurely bike rides in Suncadia, snow skiing in Crystal Mountain and many many more activities.  He enjoyed it all – with his loving family by his side.  So much laughter and joy was shared – and it was Douglas who helped make this life possible for us all.

photo1Apart from his deep love for his wife and family, he was also an avid musician – playing the guitar, writing songs and providing vocals.  Douglas played in a few bands that performed in a local bars – he was so animated and fun to watch.  His last big act involved engineering and producing a CD of his music with the Forest Creek Band; a tribute CD for one of his band members.  It is the same CD for which his family will always treasure – for it was Douglas’ hobby and passion in life.

Douglas had other interests.  He was a natural mechanic and tinkerer at heart.  In his house you can find all sorts of half-finished mini-projects (e.g. electronics, watches, and old cars) splattered across his den and detached garage.  Flexing his investigative, diagnostic skills to something that seemed broken, unusable and bringing them back to life.  He was a man of patience and endurance.

Douglas McGrath, the Loving Husband, beautiful Father and ever so affectionate Grandfather…left us too soon in life.  He will be sorely missed by everyone he met…but most of all by those whom he left behind.   Douglas is survived by
–       His parents William E. and Shirley Hathaway McGrath.  Both currently residing in Westford, MA.
–       Elder sister Lorna McGrath Zorko of Concord, NH.
–       Younger brother Dana Paul McGrath of Mount Laurel, NJ.
–       Adoring wife Salvacion Oriza McGrath of Hillsboro, OR.
–       Older son Manny McGrath of Tacoma, WA
–       Youngest son Michael McGrath of Renton, WA and his young family (Doug’s daughter-in-law Anh Luu and two beautiful grandchildren Kylie and Sydnee McGrath).

Memorial Service
A memorial service will be held at the Holyrood Cemetery on Tuesday, August 18th from 11:00 am – 1:30 pm.  It will consist of the following service(s):
–       Viewing (open casket) from 11:00 am – 12:00pm
–       Funeral Service from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
–       Burial Service from 1:00 – 1:30 pm

Holyrood Cemetery
205 NE 205th Street, Shoreline, WA 98155

http://www.acc-seattle.com/cemeteries/holyrood.htm

Reception – Celebration of Life
Immediately following the memorial service, we plan to host a reception (Celebration of Life) at the Nile Shriners Golf Center where drinks and small hors d’oeuvres will be provided to Doug’s family and friends.

Nile Shriners Golf Center
6601-244th St. S.W.
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98155
http://www.nileshriners.org/

Special Request
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to support Emily McGrath by visiting: http://www.youcaring.com/emily-mcgrath-411695

9 Responses to “Douglas W. McGrath”

  • Jeanne McGrath Rodwell says:

    Thank you for writing such a wonderful tribute. I am printing it out and keeping it in a special place. I will be thinking of you all this week and especially on Tuesday. Aunt Jeanne

  • Grethe DeFaccio says:

    I am sorry I won’t be able to attend the service but you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers on Tuesday.

  • Debra Reese says:

    We will not be able to attend the service, but please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Doug was a very wonderful person; he will be greatly missed.

  • Jeff Kreuger says:

    Emily, I just heard from Joe, and I’m in shock. I’m so sorry. Leann and I are praying for you and the family.

    I met Doug and Emily in 1995. Doug and I were taking guitar lessons from the same instructor. We held a student jam in my shop, and it quickly became evident that we shared a lot of common interests, from classic cars to classic rock, to camping at Potholes, (Moses Lake) to Husky Football season tickets. We formed a band in 1996 and along with Joe Fata, played together for 10 years. Doug and I built 11 amazing guitars, and recorded 2 cd’s along the way.
    These things, along with the friendship with Doug and Emily, will be forever treasured memories. May God give you strength and peace through this difficult time.
    Jeff and Leann.

  • Mel Erickson says:

    I’m so sorry that Caroline and I will not be able to attend Doug’s service. Doug was a kind and sensitive soul. He will be missed by so many of us who knew him as a band mate and co-worker.
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  • Jim & Mikie Sequist says:

    Dear Emily and family, we just heard about Doug and are so sorry for your loss. Doug was a kind man and well liked. Our thoughts are with you all.

  • Robin Crabb says:

    Dearest Emily,
    I just learned of Doug’s passing, I’m so sorry I didn’t know sooner. I loved Doug and love you. Hoping you are well. Please be in touch.
    Love you,
    Robin

  • Larry Cornelius says:

    I served with Doug aboard the USS Shasta from 73 to 77 as Electronic Technicians. He was a Rader Tech. From day one he and I shared guitar and music interests and became lifelong friends through that bond. He was full of energy and life. I never had a bad moment when we were in each others company. We both met our future wives at the same time and place in the Philippines. He was my Best Man. I witnessed his love and devotion to Emily and he was a bonafide happily married man. After the Navy we both became employed as equipment techs at Fairchild Semiconductor in Mountain View CA which resulted in a lifelong career for us both. Doug was truly the best auto mechanic I’ve ever known, a natural. He guided me thru the rebuild of my 1968 Olds 442 engine which I still own thanks to his help and encouragement. I have McGrath-Kreuger USA guitar s/n oo9 of 11 which is a unique and gorgeous musical instrument. When I think of Doug I’ll always remember a great friend who I shared each of these milestones in my life with. Safe journey My Friend, I hope we’ll meet again someday.

  • Sandra Meesseman says:

    Tom and I are so grateful he lived such a wonderful life. He was a good man who had many talents. I remember how much he loved the Moody Blues, and played their songs all the time on his guitar. He also loved cars – taught me how to drive a stick shift in his parents’ Volkswagen bus. He was an adventurer, and had such a good heart and sweet smile. I remember once when he picked up a homeless man on the highway in Lafayette. The man was elderly and had no family. Doug offered to buy him a couple of Filet-o-Fish sandwiches at McDonald’s. He gratefully accepted and ate them very quickly before we dropped him off. Doug was not afraid to help a stranger. I knew him many years ago, back in the early 70s, and Tom met him when he was in the Navy. They were stationed on Treasure Island together, as well as Vallejo. My deepest condolences to his beautiful family. I pray you will have peace and keep the sweet memories close to your heart. God will bless you with a wonderful reunion again someday.

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