Donald Charles McGrath

Donald Charles McGrath, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, was the youngest of three sons born to Irene Cox and George Frederick McGrath on September 1, 1943 in Macomb, Illinois. He moved to Phoenix, Arizona with his family when he was ten years old, attended West High School and Phoenix College, and earned bachelor's and master's degrees in education from Arizona State University. Don met his sweetheart, Marjorie Ann Weedon, in an art class at ASU, and they were married on November 22, 1966 in the Mesa, Arizona Temple. They bought their first and only home shortly thereafter, and continually remodeled and redecorated it together ever since. Their golden marriage was blessed with four children and six grandchildren, who have all spent countless happy hours making memories on Laurel Lane. He considered his family to be his greatest achievement, and he dedicated his life to loving and taking care of them. Don was a hard worker who had a variety of careers. He taught art at Chaparral High School for 13 years, and spent his summer breaks working unique jobs: as a Keebler truck driver, as the wildlife specialist at Camp Geronimo on the Mogollon Rim, and as...[more]

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artist-in-residence in Silverton, Colorado. After teaching, he owned and operated Arizona Shutter Place, worked for the state of Arizona as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and Independent Living Specialist, owned and operated AZOT Occupational Therapy, and worked as a Geriatric Counselor for Jewish Family and Children's Services. Don had many talents and a wonderful heart. Throughout his life he was an imaginative artist who created unique furniture and sculptures in ceramic, metal, rock, and fused-glass that are treasured by those who have them. He explored every back road corner of Arizona, and was inspired by the beauty of the desert. He adored the ocean and took family, friends, and even boy scouts on camping trips to the beach. He enjoyed planning and preparing gatherings with Margie, and they regularly hosted memorable dinners and celebrations together. His good-natured sense of humor and entertaining stories will be missed. He was a creative problem solver, particularly in finding ways to help those in need. He had a soft spot for animals and happily provided a home to lots of rescue cats and dogs. Don was a convert to and active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he loved serving others. He saw the best in people, made friends wherever he went, and was kind and generous. He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife, Marjorie; children Kelly Jennings, Don McGrath Jr. (Karla), Shannon McGrath, and Bradon McGrath (Laura); grandchildren Zachary Jennings (Alexis), Mason Jennings, Katherine, Clara, Christopher, and Lucy McGrath; cousin, Marilyn de von Flindt; brothers and sisters in-law Bill Weedon, John and Carol Banker, and Jean McGrath; and nieces and nephews, Jon, Annie, Margarita, and Tyler McGrath, John, Anna, and William Banker, Thane Weedon, and Brienne Krebs. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, George and Jim McGrath, and his niece, Susan Connors.