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Verlyn McGrath Obituary
Verlyn "Buzz" McGrath
Buzz McGrath was born in Whitefish, MT on April 7, 1950 to parents Bette Jeanne McGrath and Alvin McGrath.
He graduated from Edmonds High School in 1968 and went on to graduate from Central Washington University with a Bachelors in Accounting. He was a cabinet maker for 20 years. Buzz was also a General Contractor and went on to build many homes, including his own, with the help of his high school sweetheart and wife of 40 years, Sharon (Davis) McGrath. Buzz also worked for Boeing as a Cost Accountant.
Buzz McGrath had many hobbies and interests, he was a voracious reader, and loved sailing, canoeing, long walks, ballroom dancing, and spending time with his family. Buzz was adored by his grandchildren, and he adored them just as much.
Buzz McGrath is survived by his wife, Sharon; son, Bron; and daughter-in-law, Heidi; grandchildren, Ashton and Jayla; and sister, Wylene (McGrath) McHolland.
Buzz had a heart transplant on August 24, 1999. Twelve years later, Buzz lost his battle to large B Cell Lymphatic cancer after enduring ten long months of chemotherapy on April 8, 2011, one day after his 61st birthday. Buzz was an inspiring soul, loving friend to all, his humor and quick wit will be deeply missed.
A Memorial Service will be held at Maple Park Lutheran Brethren Church, 17620 60th Avenue W, Lynnwood, WA 98037 on May 7, 2011 at 11:00 am.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Verlyn McGrath
Debbie O’Grady
April 25, 2021
Hey Buzz...thinking of you with kindness & love!
Debbie OGrady
April 25, 2019
Hey Buzz,
Still think of you...especially Valentines Day... you gave me my first box of chocolates so many many years ago! So do I hold you responsible for my love of chocolate?
Hope you have found peace and hear our conversations of love! See you sometime!
Patty Dental Office
May 11, 2011
We are all sorry to hear about Buzz. He lit up the office when he came in for his dental appointments and had many wonderful things to say. It was such a pleasure to have such a happy, fun patient so full of enthusiasm for every day life. He was a friend to us and will be missed.
Bill Darby
May 9, 2011
Sorry to here about Buzz. my heart goes out to Sharon and family. I was a High School friend of both Buzz and Sharon, sincerely Bill Darby
Robert Herrett
May 9, 2011
Ours thoughts and prayers go out to Sharon and family. We are sorry for your loss.
Rob and Debbie Herrett
Sherrie
May 9, 2011
Sharon, Bron, Heidi and family. You are in my thought and prayers. Thank you for letting me be part of his last days. I am so glade he got to spend his birthday with you. It was so special to see you gather around him and the love was very evident from all there. Again thank you for blessing me with being there to help him cross over. He is with all his loved ones in Heaven keeping watch over all of you and protecting you. Remember he is just a memory away.
Correy Tisdale
May 6, 2011
Dear Sharon,Bron,Heidi,
I send out my love and deepest sympathy to you all. I know that Buzz is in a good place right now and that he is up there pulling his jokes over on grandpa (Dale) as we speek... He is no longer in pain and is watching over you right now and still doing all he can for you...I love you all
Rick Davis
May 6, 2011
Dear Sharon and Bron,
I have nothing but loving, warm thoughts and memories of Buzz. He was part of many family events and outings in the early years when we were growing up. I always remembered his Chevelle in the mountains! :) with Dale Sr, Dale Jr, Sharon, and the other family members. He was also part of many personal moments the family experienced through the years. I was lucky enough to experience his kindness, family devotion and sense of humor and feel very fortunate of that. I will always keep those wonderful memories of Buzz and I wish You and Bron all the best.
Many Year's have passed, much has changed, but the love for our family will always remain! Love You, Rick, Jen, Ricky Jr, Rachel
May 6, 2011
Dear Sharon,
I was so very saddened to see that your loving husband passed away. Larry was in the hospital for a surgery and I was just going to tell him and we lost Larry just yesterday too. We all had such fun friendship back in Lake Stevens, so many laughs, so much love and life, our kids were so young. We all shared so much, you running over the night Chelsea was born to take care of Ian and Evan while Larry rushed me to the hospital.
I don't have to tell you what a wonderful, wonderful man Buzz was. He was one of the most loving, most forgiving and funniest guy I've ever known. I'm imagining Buzz and Larry hanging out up there now sharing stories, telling jokes and talking about all our love and happy times together.
All my love to you Sharon and deepest, deepest sympathy .
Dawn Bergesen
May 6, 2011
Hi, we are all thinking of the family left behind. Our hearts are with you. Buzz, your a strong and caring person,your pain is over. Miss you, Rojie& Rick/ family Barclay's
Jack Roberts
May 5, 2011
On behalf of the heart recipients from the UWMC, we wish you our deepest sympathy of the loss of Buzz. Even though I didn't see him much, I considered him a good friend. Sharon, remember the eleven years you had with him since his transplant were a lot better than the alternative. I will miss him. I hope we can still be in touch. I am sorry I can't make the memorial as I have a family celebration to attend. Jack Roberts #130
Jeanne Bearman
May 4, 2011
So sorry to hear about your loss. Our love and prayers go out to you and your family. Only wished we could have gotten to know all of you better. Don & Jeanne Bearman - Portland, Or
May 4, 2011
Brother Dear, you are really going to be missed by all. You were such a sweet person. We had so much fun working together at the cabinet shop. I could alway count on you if I needed something, even if was just to talk. Now, you are with Mom, Dad, Verlene, Grandma and Grandpa. Take care of each other.
Your loving sister
Wylene (McGrath) McHolland, Tulalip, Washington
Phyllis Schrier
May 4, 2011
Dear Sharon,
Mark and I were so sorry to hear about Buzz. He was a great guy and you two were a wonderful team. Please know that you and Bron are in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
Jim and Terry Kane
May 3, 2011
Sharon,you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Buzz was one of the nicest people I knew.I have fond memories of both of you.Take care of yourself.
Heidi & Bron McGrath
May 3, 2011
We miss you so much, no words can even describe the pain we feel not being able to see you everyday. We know that at least now you are not suffering, and one day we will all re-unite again in heaven.Even though that is just too long to wait. Everything we do, we're doing it with you in our hearts Buzz, but we already know you know that. You taught us well, we truly recognize the beauty of life and not the materials in it, Thank you. You are the best husband, father, papa we could have ever had, no one will ever live up the standards you set for us. We love you, always.
Peggy Dunbar
May 3, 2011
Buz, You are and always have been an angel. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Sharon take care of yourself and Bron my best wishes to you and your family. I love you all and God Bless. Peggy
Willie Nelson
May 2, 2011
Hey buzz, u will always hold a special spot in my heart. U were always there for us in our younger years and that will never be forgotten! It was because of you that a lot of us learned how to un-tie a knotted up shoe lace. We love u very much and know that you are in a great place. My heart goes out to you Bron, Sharon, and the whole family. I love you all.
Sue and Bill Seling
May 2, 2011
Sharon, Bron and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. I am thankful that we have our memories of being great friends and neighbors and being a part of each others lives while our kids were young. We are sending hugs your way. Take care.
Tammy Adams
May 2, 2011
Sharon- You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Debbie (Collyer) O'Grady
May 2, 2011
Hey Buzz, My heart knows you are at peace and the emptiness your family is feeling must be so very sad. I am happy your suffering is over and that you are looking down upon us all with that cute little smirk you always had during our "younger" years! I reflect back on our fun days of grade school, junior high, and then in high school with a tugging of the heart strings. Take care my dear friend and I, too, know we WILL meet again.
Reece Morris
May 1, 2011
The suffering is over! I know with my heart that Buzzy is rejoicing with his Mom and Dad,gramma,grampa and all the loved ones in heaven. Rest in peace cuz,and we WILL meet again! Reece
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