In memory of Kieran McGrath

It is with profound sadness that the family of Kieran Patrick McGrath announces his sudden passing on Sunda,y April 26, 2020, at the age of 51 years. Kieran will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Luwan, as well as his mother, father, sister and brother.

Kieran was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland and lived his childhood years in Sarnia, Ontario. He then made his way west to Alberta, Vancouver and Bermuda, eventually making his way back to Vancouver, his home now for over 20 years.

Professionally, Kieran initially dipped his toes into accounting, but his father knew his calling was in trades. He then studied engineering technology in college, after which he worked in the petrochemical industry in Sarnia. But his adventurous spirit emerged, and he wanted to explore the world. He knew he wanted to travel, and always be somewhere near water. He then ventured forward into the hotel industry working in Banff, Vancouver and Bermuda. Soon enough opportunities emerged in commercial real estate management and steered him to multiple companies throughout Vancouver, most recently at Park Royal. Kieran always had an entrepreneurial spirit and started many businesses while working. But in many ways, he was happiest puttering around the house, renovating and fixing things that may or may not have been broken. :)

Outside of his career, he was incredibly involved in the community, most significantly with the Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver where he was both an ambassador, and a Big Brother influencing many lives. His favorite pastimes included cooking, wine tasting, playing squash, golf, kayaking, crabbing, and watching rugby in locations all over the world with beer in hand. Even with his busy career and commitments to his community, he always had time to devote to his family and friends, and was always there when you needed him.

His sense of humour, contagious laugh and enormous heart won the heart of Luwan and countless lifelong friends.

One of his favorite sayings was Red Green’s, “If the ladies don’t find you handsome, they should find you handy.” Kieran was undoubtedly both.

He is survived by his wife Luwan, his parents Patrick and Marion, his younger sister Andrea and her family (Filo, Madeline, Theo and Cohen), and his younger brother Christopher. He is part of a large extended family that spans the globe, including his grandmother (Mommy B) and relatives "back home" in Belfast, and others throughout Canada, the U.S., Ireland, Spain, Denmark and New Zealand.

Donations in Kieran’s memory can be made to the Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver and Greater Vancouver Food Bank.