Joseph (Joe) Arthur McGrath

Faith, family, friends – those are the things that mattered most to Joseph (Joe) Arthur McGrath.  It is with great sadness that we announce his passing at the age of 67 in Moose Jaw, SK on January 1st, 2014.  He passed away at Moose Jaw Union Hospital with loved ones after a long battle with his health.  He was born on December 13th, 1946 in Regina, SK to Arthur and Catherine (Reidy) McGrath.  Joe grew up in Regina, SK.  As a boy he enjoyed playing sports, especially hockey and football.  He graduated from Campion High School in 1965.  He played for the Ram Football Club winning the championship in 1965.  Joe was an amazing athlete and received a football scholarship to Idaho State University.  It is there that he met his wife of 44 years, Vicky Povey.  He graduated with a bachelor’s in Education while being the captain of the football team in 1969.  He played for the Montreal Alouettes in 1970.  In 1971 Joe returned to Idaho State to receive his masters.  He taught and coached football throughout Saskatchewan and Alberta till he settled in Moose Jaw in 1979.  He coached, taught and was the Guidance Counsellor at Vanier Collegiate until his retirement in 1999, due to his health.  He was an active member of St. Joseph’s Parish, a member of the Knights of Columbus and guided many youth into gaining sports scholarships.  Joe impacted many lives by instilling the importance of faith, family and friends.  He loved being a grandpa and spending time with his grandchildren.  He was a world traveler and one of his favorite places was Ireland.  He loved football and enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play sports.  Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur McGrath and Catherine (Reidy) McGrath; and his brother, Michael Patrick McGrath.  Joe is survived by his spouse, Vicky of Moose Jaw, SK; his daughter, Sherri Jo (Daniel) Garner of Clifton, Idaho; his son, Michael Patrick (Annette) McGrath of Minot, ND; his daughter, Patricia (Chad) McDonald of Moose Jaw, SK; his son, Joseph McGrath of Edmonton, AB; his daughter, Elizabeth (Sikotilani) Palanite of Bismarck, ND; his son, William (Autumn) McGrath of Minot, ND; his grandchildren: Lyttia, Tyrel, Annah, Tucker, Jewellyn, Molly, Travin, Elizabeth, Madison, Michaela, Macy and one on the way.  An Irish Wake/Viewing will be held at Moose Jaw Funeral Home at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 7th, 2014; come and celebrate his life.  The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Parish, 1064 3rd Ave NW, Moose Jaw on Wednesday, January 8th, 2014 at 1:30 p.m.  The family will be greeting friends and relatives at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday.  Father Rick Krofchek will officiate and burial will follow at Rosedale Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Parkinson’s Society, P.O. Box 21010 Gardiner Park RPO, Regina, SK S4V 1J4, Heart and Stroke Foundation, 279 3rd Ave. N., Saskatoon, SK S7K 2H8 or Diabetes Foundation, 917A Albert St., Regina, SK S4R 2P6.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Gary McDowell, Funeral Director 306-693-4550.