Stephen A. McGrath

Stephen A. McGrath, 69, of Hornby, British Columbia, formerly of Kingston, died on March 23, 2017, in Hornby, BC. He was the son of the late Clara Michellini McGrath and Dr. Stephen Trombley McGrath. Stephen was born in Bethesda, MD, but grew up in Kingston, NY where he attended St. Joseph's elementary school, and graduated from Kingston High School. He then moved to California where he graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a Master's degree in American Literature. He taught English Literature at Lakewood High School for 25 years. Throughout his years teaching, his students described him as "the most amazing teacher", and "the funniest teacher ever!" He touched the lives of countless students, and was honored with the Teacher of the Year award. In the summer of 1992 Stephen first went to Hornby Island and began spending his summer vacations there. When he retired in 2001, he moved full time to Hornby Island, a place that felt like paradise. Stephen joined his wife Helen in owning and managing Middle Mountain Mead, and he hosted a radio show on CHFR 965 Hornby Island called Pat Chat. Stephen was an avid reader, taught himself to play the flute, and was passionately engaged in living. He was full of stories, engaging warmth and wit. Stephen will be so deeply missed by all of his family, friends and community. Stephen is survived by his wife Helen Grond; his son, Ian McGrath; his stepchildren, Jacobus Grond and Lilly Grond; his brother, David McGrath and his wife Jane of St. Remy, NY and their three daughters, Kerri, Elizabeth and Melissa; his sister, Lisa McGrath and her wife Marla Maritzer. A service honoring Stephen's life will be held at New Horizons on Hornby Island BC, Canada.