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Kyle McGaw Obituary
Born in Grafton, Mass., Kyle earned his bachelor and Master of Divinity at Boston University. Ordained in June 1984, he shared his passion for the Gospel as pastor of the Agawam United Methodist Church in Agawam, Mass., and South United Methodist Church in Manchester. Most recently, he was a substitute preacher in various churches in the area. An advocate for social justice, Kyle served with the Appalachian Service Project, and for people with disabilities. Understanding the power of humor to bridge the gap between communities, he attended clown college for two summers as well. Kyle's love for his daughters and their sports teams meant he was a constant, vocal presence on the sidelines at their games. He passionately supported their teams, particularly Trinity College's women's ice hockey, the Village Lions Rugby Football Club and Smith College's soccer team. A pioneer of a bone marrow transplant protocol, he received treatment at Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, beginning in 1987. There, he met his medical advocates and close friends, Grace Clark and Dr. Len Zon. Kyle passed away on May 25, 2011, in Manchester.
Predeceased by his father, Wilbert, Kyle is survived by wife, Corinne Colman and daughters, Celia Colman-McGaw and Caitlyn Colman-McGaw. His extended family includes mother, Flora; sister, Caryl and husband, Gary Dlugy; sister, Kristyl and husband, Jim Downey; brother, Clay and wife, Robin Tremblay-McGaw; nieces and nephews; and brother-in-law, Kevin Colman.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 31, 2011, at 6:30 p.m. at North United Methodist Church, 300 Parker St., Manchester. A reception will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to North United Methodist Church, 300 Parker St., Manchester, CT 06042-3632, Manchester Area Conference of Churches, P.O. Box 3804, Manchester, CT 06045-3804, and/or Hartford Area Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 1933, Hartford, CT 06144.
The Watkins Funeral Home in Manchester is assisting with arrangements.
To sign the online guestbook, please visit
www.holmes-watkinsfuneralhomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kyle McGaw
Anthony Adamczyk
June 28, 2011
Women's World Cup started. Enjoy Gaw.
Mark Demers
June 13, 2011
I was a classmate of Kyle's at BU School of Theology, and all these years later I still remember a sermon he shared with us in Chapel - a wonderful reference to how our understanding of the "boot" changed as we tried to park on Commonwealth Ave. We've not stayed in touch, but news of his death saddens me. I'm remembering him fondly...
Lorna Peterson
May 31, 2011
Dear Corinne, Caitlyn, and Celia,
I am so sorry ... Kyle had such a fun sense of humor ... I treasure his visit to Buffalo and Niagara Falls with all of you and am glad to have that memory. My deepest sympathy and much love to you, Lorna
Br. Ronald Roggenback, FSC, DMin
May 30, 2011
Corinne, Celia & Caitlyn: I am so sorry to hear of Kyle's death, it took me completely by surprise this morning, Memorial Day. I remember Kyle most fondly and the three years we spent together at BU-STH. We had many good experiences together and a lot of conversations. He was truly a loving man who was concerned about those to whom he ministered,especially those most in need. Although we have only carried on our relationship through messages from a distance, he was always in my prayers and will continue to be. I know that he is now at peace and fully enjoying the Person he served magnificently during his life among us.
May 29, 2011
Please accept our condolences and pass them on to Aunt Flora. Bruce and Carol Frieswick
Paula Adamczyk
May 29, 2011
I miss the phone calls already, and the conversations and advice that survivors give each other. Kyle had great courage and a will to go on no matter what he faced--Paula Adamczyk
Anthony Adamczyk
May 27, 2011
Corinne, Celia and Caitlyn, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so sad to lose my friend Kyle. Anyone touched by cancer hates to lose a survivor - it hurts doubly it seems. I will miss our phone conversations about "today in history", politics, medicine, home or car repair, religion, our daughters, college, teaching, and..."oh, gotta go!"
I had to pay attention in Church if he wasn't there because he would always ask about the sermon when he called. I drove "Gaw" to a few of his preaching "gigs" and we'd joke that I was then entitled to heckle during his sermon. (He'd sometimes call on me during his message!)
I have a sudden craving for homemade pizza. May your memories of his triumphs, quirks, and passions sustain you. Czyk.
Robin Sargent
May 27, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you all your during this time of loss. May we remember and always be inspired by the gifts of Kyle's, Corinne's and the girls example's of faith, strength and courage during his illness. God Bless
May 27, 2011
So sorry to hear about Kyle. I remember when he was at SUMC and got sick but persevered and got better. Corinne and girls I'll keep you in my prayers. Kathy Zodda(San Antonio, Tx)
Cindy Caneen
May 27, 2011
Corrine, Caitlyn and Celia, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. We have good memories of the family during the girls soccer years. Kyle was so proud of his girls. May his memories get you through these tough times
Jan and Lindsey Orszulak
May 27, 2011
Corinne,Celia,and Caitlyn,Lindsey and I were very saddened to hear of your family's loss. Kyle loved his family and was very passiate about sports and life. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Barbara&Frank Philip
May 27, 2011
Kyle was a special man. He witnessed Gods love to each person he came in contact with. May the Peace of God and Love of family and friends help you all get thru this difficult time.
May 27, 2011
Corinne, keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry
for your loss.
Brenda Bourne
May 27, 2011
What an amazing man. We should all aspire to be as strong in our convictions and to remain as relevant as Rev. Kyle, throughout our lives. My thoughts are with you. Sharon Berger (Village Lions)
Holmes Funeral Home
May 27, 2011
With deepest sympathy during your time of mourning.
Mike Goulet
May 27, 2011
Corrine, my thoughts and prayers go out to you, Caitlyn and Celia at this time. It was a pleasure spending time with you and re-connecting with Kyle at your daughters hockey game this winter. Many times growing up i would find myself at the McGaw dinner table or the annual beach trip on the day before school started each year..what a great family and i am thankful for being a small part of it. Mike Goulet GHS class of 1975
Paula Smith
May 27, 2011
My thoughts & prayers are with the family at this time of grieving.
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