Burr Mcgrath

Burr McGrath, age 93, of Grand Rapids, passed away on Wednesday, September 16th, 2020. Burr and his twin brother, Blaine, were born May 22, 1927, in Edmore to Charles and Blanche (Kinney) McGrath; and moved to the Lee-Godfree area now known as Wyoming, Michigan. There he, along with his 5 brothers and lone sister (and many good friends), entered into any number of shenanigans. Burr was a scholar, and upon discharge from the Navy after WWII, attended college through the GI-Bill, where he obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Education. A life-long learner, Burr also obtained his Masters from MSU. Burr married the love of his life, Mary (Straw), after a blind date set up by one of his brother's wives. Married 63 years, he was father to three girls, and avid family man. While often found with a book in his hand, Burr would not hesitate to put it down to share some of his charming Irish Blarney with a neighbor, friend or family visitor. Burr retired from teaching at Godwin High School after many years of faithful service, and was once honored as "Teacher of the Year" by the class of 1975. As a teacher of History, Economics and other societal genres, Burr enjoyed exploring his hobbies and sharing his life stories with his students and those he loved. And what stories he had! A world traveler, golfer (once hit a hole-in-one), lover of nature, camper, fisherman, hunter, and student of the Civil War/WWII, Burr could spin a yarn, and recite poetry to everyone's delight. Burr is survived by his three daughters Maureen (John) Bilsky, Julie McGrath Renauldo and Shawn (Rex) Miller; sister Betty Taylor; sister in laws Pat McGrath, Dorothy Wade and Ruthe McNee; brother in law Morris McMurray; and many nieces, nephews, grand children and great grand children. He is preceded in death by the love of his life Mary; his grandchild Max Renauldo and five brothers. A graveside service will be held at Grandville Cemetery, Friday, September 25, 2020 at 1:00 pm followed by a celebration of life at 2:30 at Pinery Park, 2301 De Hoop Ave, Wyoming Michigan, 49509. Please join the family in sharing the stories you have of our Beloved Burr at the above celebration of life; or to send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Burr's online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 616-452-3006. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Burr Mcgrath, please visit our flower store.