George McGrath
George McGrath, aka Silver (and not because of his hair…Hi Ho, Silver), loved and liked by so many, was called home to Glory by his Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 1, 2022, after a hard-fought battle with congenital heart failure and kidney disease.
Born Oct. 14, 1936, to Thomas P. and Ruth M. (Smircina) in Prairie du Chein, where he grew up, he was one of seven siblings. Throughout the years, he regaled many stories of his youth. He graduated from Prairie du Chien High School in 1955, and then entered the military. He served in the Air Force and was stationed in Tokyo. After returning stateside, he returned to Wisconsin. He reconnected with, then married the love of his life, Lola LaVaughn Moen on May 6, 1961; their amazing marriage lasted five days short of 61 years. While first married, George and Lola lived in Kenosha, where he worked at American Motors. Working full time, he attended Kenosha Technical Institute and graduated with honors. Post-graduation, he accepted a sales representative position with Kohler Company. He and Lola had two choices to pick from for relocation, so they chose Spokane, Wash., where they moved and bought their first and only home in 1968. Years of adventures ensued. In Spokane, he transitioned away from Kohler and went to work for the State Department of Corrections/Correctional Centers Industries. He always referred to himself as a “peddler.” George had many favorite activities, from fishing and hunting, to travel (going to Germany to visit son, Erric was a highlight), handy man “stuff,” anything requiring hedge trimmers or a chain saw (George was the king of cutting things down). He was active for many years in Toastmasters and received myriads of awards and recognitions. He enjoyed Green Bay Packers and Gonzaga men’s basketball games to the fullest. He also had a two-year stint co-hosting a local radio show, “Right Spokane Perspective.” One thing he was most known for was his love of politics. Every Monday night for years, he attended Spokane city council meetings and spoke during open forum. He also researched everything so he could speak frequently on issues and topics that were relevant and could impact the city of Spokane. Silenced many times, he never backed down from truth and courageously spoke up. He was mentioned, quoted, and covered in “The Spokesman Review,” “Inlander,” and local radio programs—not always favorably—but he secretly loved the notoriety. He was fondly regarded as a patriot and champion of citizens to a beloved husband, dad, brother, uncle, grandpa, great-grandpa, and friend.
George is survived by his loving wife, Lola (Mother Goose); daughter, Sheryl; son, Erric (Patti Jo); grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Venessa Walker (Michael – Isaac, Owen), Randy Simmons (Melanie - Leina, Christian, Randy Jr., Destiny), Sheena Clem (Matt – Keara, Evan, McKenna), Aneka Norton (Jerry – Eli, Natalie); brother, John; sisters, Margaret Boll (Mike), Ruth and Pat; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bonnie Hager, Clayton and Sharon Moen, Mona Moen, Leo and Georgia (Moen) Lang, Erric (Madeline) Moen; Randy and Barb (Moen) Dorner; and countless nieces and nephews.
George was preceded in death by his daughter, Julia Jo; brother, Tom; sister, Mary; parents, Thomas and Ruth. We thank God, for the gift of George, an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and servant of others. We love and miss you, Silver. God's speed. Wait for us! Wait for us! (Ephesians 2: 8 & 9).
A celebration of George’s life will be Friday, May 20, at 1 p.m.. at the Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 4320 S. Conklin, Spokane, WA 99203. A reception with light refreshments will follow the service in the church fellowship hall.
