Search by Name

Search by Name

Patrick MCGRATH Obituary

McGRATH, Patrick Jarlath:
Of Nelson (born Tuam, Co. Galway, Ireland). Died May 7, 2020 aged 85, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's. Teacher, librarian, artist, political and environmental activist. Mourned by his wife Patsy, sons Brendon and Sean, daughter Siobhan, daughter-in-law Sandy, grandchildren Sophie and Zack, surviving siblings Billy, Martin, Theresa and Mairead, and a large extended family worldwide. Special thanks to the exemplary staff at Tasman Rest Home and Flaxmore Rest Home for the loving care they provided Patrick in his twilight years. To be cremated and his Celebration of Life held at a later date.

Published by Nelson Mail on May 8, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Patrick MCGRATH

Not sure what to say?





23 Entries

Aine O'Connell

May 16, 2020

Condolences to all the McGrath family from Aine and Noreen Gormley, Demesne Cottages (now Kinvara and Enniscorthy). P.J. was in the same class as our brother, Johnny, RIP. The Tuam Herald,Aug.15,1953 recorded their names as two of the pupils from the CBS who passed their Leaving Cert exam, taking Irish, English, Latin, History, Geography, Maths, Agricultural Science, Chemistry and Art. I am sure P.J. excelled in the last subject! A great achievement for two lads from the Cottages. Johnny drowned in Montreal in 1960. On their next visit home, P.J and Patsy came to our house to sympathise. My mother cried and cried with P.J. Patsy took me on her lap and chatted gently with me (aged 9). I thought she was a beautiful, exotic princess with her hair in braids. Memories and condolences with you all.

Steve & Bedelia

May 14, 2020

Dear Patsy & Family condolances at the pasing of Patrick, thinking of you all at this time, and remember fondly our times around the Winter Soltice bonfires. RIP

Brian Mcgrath

May 14, 2020

Deepest sympathy to Patsy and family and to my cousins Billy, Mairead, Martin and Theresa on the death of PJ.
Thanks to my uncle and aunt Willie and Bridie, my cousin Michael and more recently my sister Gerri PJ was always in my life. PJ and Patsy's book is a treasured possession of mine and is safely filed for current and future Leixlip McGraths. PJ's lovely drawings of Tuam streetscapes periodically published in The Tuam Herald newspaper are also treasured possessions. Just two of his many talents. Like his brother Michael who died just 11 months ago PJ never stopped working for the betterment of people and their environment. Mind you that said when they meet again I can see the pair of them trying to oversing each other with different versions of "My Way".
I am proud that they were my cousins. PJ in his book left fair warning that he will be keeping an eye on things. I hope he is from the peace and happiness of his "Arcadia".

Sean Manning

May 13, 2020

Fond memories of PJ when visiting Nelson, Ireland and here in Sheffield. Our thoughts are with all the family in New Zealand and beyond.

Julie hagerty

May 13, 2020

Remembering fondly the childhood memories of times with my Uncle PJ. I always looked forward to his visits when he would have little gifts for us of the freebies given out on the plane. He had a motorbike with a side car and was always happy to take us for a spin when he visited. I remember as a 6 year old enjoying the experience while also feeling somewhat conspicuous as Uncle PJ revved up the engine and set off on a circuit through the Dundalk neighborhood and I waved to my friends a little self consciously. His marriage to Aunt Patsy was the first wedding I attended while in the care of my grandmother as a toddler.

Dermot Mc Grath

May 13, 2020

Remember with fondness uncle P.J's trips home to Tuam. Picnics in the wild west of Ireland and later folk sessions in the local pubs. He loved his trips to Tuam but also loved living in NZ. A well read and informed man of the earth. Never bored in his company. Suaimhneas síoraí. Eternal rest. Dermot Mc Grath.

Pat Phillips

May 13, 2020

RIP to my Uncle Patrick and condolences to all the family at this difficult time, he was a talented man who will be missed by the family.

Paul Mc Grath

May 13, 2020

Fond memories of uncle 'PJ'. He was the antipodean version of his brother, my Father who passed away last year. His departure has broken the direct link to Ireland, but no doubt has passed his roots and values to his kin who are always welcome to the homestead. https://youtu.be/wzLuS-OOrO0

Alan McGrath

May 13, 2020

Thoughts and fond memories of Patrick RIP, Clan Mac Craith, at this sad time. Sharing stories of his many visits home. His deep Irish roots and his unbreakable family binds. Déanaimid comhbhrón libh go léir. Marian, Alan & Family Tuam

Gerri Bennett

May 12, 2020

I will arise and go now, for always night and day
I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore;
While I stand on the roadway,or on the pavements grey,
I hear it in the deep heart's core.

Partick did for sure. RIP.

Tara Robinson

May 12, 2020

Sending love and thoughts to all the whanau. I have many a memory from my childhood with Patrick and Patsy and family. Lots of love, Tara x

May 12, 2020

A true Irishman at rest. I enjoyed meeting him in ChCh when he visited his late sister Ann. Love and sympathy to you all. Diane Elvidge

Angie & Sefton SHARP

May 12, 2020

Condolences to Patsy, Brendon&Sandy, Sophie & Zack, Sean & Siobhan and extended family.

Claire Oxnam

May 12, 2020

Condolences to the family. Patrick was one of those teachers who really made a difference in the lives of those he taught.
Claire (Paterson) Oxnam

Virginia Ward

May 12, 2020

Many happy memories of shared times and values. Patrick earned great respect from so many people.
Love to all the family
Ginny

May 12, 2020

Rest peacefully now Uncle Patrick. With all our love Mary, Jon, Ben and Jessica xxx

Irene Burden

May 12, 2020

Rest in peace uncle PJ.
Sending condolences to Patsy, Sean, Brendon and Siobhan and families.
Love Ray, Irene, Mark and Kathryn

Denise Rawlings

May 11, 2020

RIP Uncle PJ..lovely memories of his visits to our home in England over the years..and so glad we got to visit the family in NZ a few years ago. Sending love and condolences to his family . Denise and Jon x

Veronica Makepeace

May 11, 2020

I have fond memories of PJ visiting Cubbington on his motorbike with tales to tell. He was very encouraging to me and was interested that I read as much as possible. An inspiring man with an early desire for a better world.

Irene

May 11, 2020

Uncle PJ a very talented artist, teacher and historian. Loved music, life and his family. Together again with my mum and his siblings.

May 11, 2020

Mr McGrath was an inspiration teacher who encouraged students to extend themselves and try new opportunities. He was my teacher at school, I but went on being involved with the school library throughout the years at nelson central school. Thoughts to family. Diane Chandler (nee Shirley)

May 11, 2020

Mr McGrath was a truly inspirational teacher. He taught me at Nelson Central school. His stories about Ireland, little people and the giants causeway were the inspiration for a recent trip. I thought of him often on that trip. He was one of the best. I will miss him sadly. Jon Hunter

Linda Larsen

May 11, 2020

A great lovely lovely man.He was my teacher at Nelson Central School and i have remembered him all my life plus his bread recipe which my dear mum always made.Thankyou for being in my life..Linda (Scott).

Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results

Memorial Events
for Patrick MCGRATH

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.