Brian "Coach" McGregor

On October 21, 2023, we bid farewell to a legendary figure in our lives, known to most as "Coach". To his family he was simply "Gramps".
Edwin Brian McGregor was born on December 10, 1935 to Dorothy June Parke and Edwin Walker McGregor, in Saint-Lambert, Quebec, Canada. Forever proud of his Canadian heritage, Coach always maintained his Canadian citizenship. Coach was preceded in death by his parents, brother Peter, sister Lynne, his wife Margaret Ann, and his son, Keli. Gramps is now with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and is surely beyond joyous at being reunited with his wife, son and all those who have gone before him. He is survived by his daughters, Terri (Bill) Fieselman, Tammi (Joe) Reyna, Cindi (Tom) Post, Jennifer (Mitch) Morrison and daughter-in-law Lori McGregor (Greg) Alfred. He had ten grandchildren, Talya (Matt) Bishop, Jesse Reyna, Riley Fieselman, Jordan (Nate) Goergen, Hunter Reyna, Taylor McGregor, Kyler (Mia) Post, Landri (Quinn) Gasaway, Logan McGregor, Kynlee (Trevor) Lepke and six great grandchildren, Elliot Bishop, Aria Reyna, Keli Goergen, J.J. Reyna, Baylor Goergen and Parker Bishop. A memorial service will be held to celebrate Coach at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church, Lakewood, CO 80215.In lieu of flowers, and to honor Coach's lifetime commitment to serving others, we encourage you to donate in his memory to Children's Hospital Colorado Foundation to support the playrooms. To give, visit GiveChildrensCO.org/mcgregor.
Gramps was so much more than just our beloved Gramps; he was a lifelong educator, counselor, and a charismatic football and track coach and athlete who touched the lives of countless individuals. Coach left an indelible mark on the world of sports and education. His laughter, passion, and the countless anecdotes he shared with anyone who would listen, will forever echo in our hearts.
Coach's adventurous spirit and love for life were infectious, making him the heart and soul of our family. Throughout his incredible journey, Coach compiled a pretty impressive resume. Out of high school, he was chosen to attend the Canadian Olympic Track and Field Training Program, but when the University of Dubuque in the United States came calling with a scholarship offer to play football and run track, he couldn't resist the allure of American college sports, and so the path of our beloved Coach took a different turn. At the University of Dubuque, Coach carved out a remarkable legacy. He didn't just play football and run track; he conquered both. His talent and dedication earned him all-conference and all-district honors, and he even claimed the title of conference champion in track. He also met his beautiful life partner, Margaret Ann Smith, with whom he had four children, daughters Terri, Tammi and Cindi, and son Keli.
After earning his degree, Coach packed his bags and returned to Canada, where he embarked on a professional football career with the Montreal Alouettes. As much as he loved the thrill of the game, he found his true calling when he discovered a way to combine his love of sports, his athletic talents, and his desire to make a profound impact on young minds. Teaching and coaching was the perfect career for Coach, and he did it as well as it can be done for 34 years, 27 of which were at his beloved Arvada West High School. Coach's career as a Colorado high school football coach was nothing short of legendary. His record of 176 wins, 99 losses, and 1 tie is a testament to his coaching prowess. He didn't just teach football; he instilled values, discipline, and an unwavering spirit in both his players and students.
In 1992, Coach decided it was time to hang up his whistle after 34 years of service as an educator and counselor, but the world of sports couldn't let him go that easily. He packed his bags again, this time coaching football in four different countries on three different continents. His wisdom and guidance transcended borders and cultures, making him a universal mentor for athletes worldwide.
Coach was passionate about many things, from weightlifting and kayaking to running and skiing, and in his later years, he found solace (or aggravation and many beers) on the golf course. Another matter of his heart was his work at Children's Hospital from 2006-2014, where he devoted 1,450 hours as a volunteer on Tuesday mornings in the 6th floor playroom. From the Director of Volunteers at Children's Hospital, "What joy he brought to patients, families and team members during his tenure at Children's Hospital Colorado. His dedication was such that although he was notified of the passing of his beloved son while he was volunteering, he returned to his volunteer role the following week. We will so treasure his time with us at Children's Colorado and will remain forever grateful for the many acts of kindness that he showered on those we serve."
It's safe to say, Gramps tackled life with the same enthusiasm he had for sports. Coach's biggest win, however, was as a grandfather. He was a pillar of love, wisdom, support and FUN to his ten grandchildren, nurturing their dreams and cheering them on in life. There was never a dull moment when Gramps was around, whether he was telling tales of his coaching days or chasing them around trying to give them his "favorite kisses".
In his final moments, Coach was surrounded by the family he cherished the most. He faced an unfortunate accident about a week prior to his passing, breaking his neck, which left him unable to eat or drink. He knew, from a previous experience eight years ago, that he couldn't come back from this injury. At 87 years old, Coach decided it was time to rest, knowing he had given it his all and left an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He was peaceful, surrounded by his family. He is now in the arms of God, and is celebrating with his wife, Margaret, his son Keli, and all of his other friends and family that have gone before him.
As we mourn the loss of our dear "Coach" Gramps, let's remember him with a smile, for he would want nothing more than to see us celebrating the love, laughter, and wisdom he shared with us throughout his remarkable life. Here's to you, Coach. Your legacy lives on in our hearts and memories, and your spirit will continue to inspire us.
Cheers!