Loving 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.
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.
Apart 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/
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/