Austin Mcgrath

Heaven has another angel today

Austin McGrath passed peacefully early in the morning of

January 9, 2018, at the Canmore General Hospital. Austin was born with his twin brother, Patrick Joseph, on December 30, 1929 in

Knock, County Mayo, Ireland, as last born siblings to make 10 kids

in all. After leaving Ireland he worked in England until he arrived in Canada in 1954 and made his way to Canmore for work in the coal mines. It was in Canmore he met and married the love of his life,

his wife of 60 years, Phyllis Scott, on September 14, 1957.

Austin worked on oil rigs for a time until settling in Canmore in 1960, returning to work in the Canmore coal mines. Austin continued in mining until Canmore mines closed in 1979 during which time he also served 10 years as Mine Rescue Superintendent. Throughout these years through hard work and study he worked his way up to Mine Manager. He continued working as Project Manager of Construction of Kananaskis Country until his retirement.

Austin and Phyllis raised and loved 3 children in Canmore, Michael, Scott and Alison, and were an integral part of the town. They are very special grandparents to Alison's boys, Logan and Austin Gramantik. Austin was also grand-dog parent to Duke and Buster, and loved Harvey his cat.

Austin was loved and admired by many and enjoyed his life.

Think of him fondly when you next play darts or pitch, curl, golf,

plant a garden, cross country ski, ride your beloved bike, workout at Elevation Place or walk the beautiful Canmore trails.

And as Austin was, be kind.

Austin is survived by his wife, Phyllis McGrath, son Michael McGrath and wife, Malla Seljeseth, son Scott McGrath and partner Dan Planko, daughter Alison McGrath and grandsons Logan and Austin Gramantik.

In lieu of flowers, Austin would like donations to his grandsons (Logan and Austin Gramantik) Alberta Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer 2018. Austin loved his bike so much and loved that his grandsons also cycled and was so proud they are raising money for a cause that helps others.

Funeral service for Austin McGrath was held Saturday,

January 13, 2018, in the Our Lady of the Rockies Parish

(Sacred Heart Catholic Church) in Canmore.

Services provided by Russ Reynolds and Bow River Funeral Service.