Ricky L. "Rick" McGrath

Ricky "Rick" L. McGrath

September 11, 1956-December 8, 2021

Ricky "Rick" L. McGrath, 65, of Moline, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at UnityPoint Health – Trinity, Rock Island. Visitation will be from 1-4 pm Sunday, December 12, 2021 at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 3030 7th Ave., Rock Island. Services will be 10 am Monday, December 13, 2021 at the funeral home and may also be viewed via live-stream by visiting www.wheelanpressly.com/live-stream. Memorials may be made in care of the Rick McGrath Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Rick was born on September 11, 1956 in Rock Island, Illinois, a son of Richard and Barbara Kerwin McGrath. He married Laurie Hemm on November 24, 2001 in Moline, Illinois.

Rick graduated from Rock Island High School and then went on to Black Hawk College. Rick ran track and cross country for BHC and one of his fondest collegiate memories was when he went to the NJCAA championships in Eugene, OR and met legendary runner Steve Prefontaine. Rick had been inducted into the BHC Alumni Hall of Fame. Rick continued his education graduating from Western Illinois University with his bachelor's degree.

Rick was a loving husband and father. He has always had a friendly smile and handshake and he opened his heart to people. He always made new friends and when new coworkers were in town or a new runner joined the running group, he always wanted to go the extra mile to make them feel welcome. Rick was a mentor and role model to so many people.

Rick retired from IMEG after 40 years and then continued his career with ICC, Inc. The majority of Rick's career both at IMEG and ICC was spent onsite at 3M in Cordova, IL Rick dubbed himself the "3M historian" as he was onsite longer than most 3M'ers. Rick was so proud when he could pull up files and facts for projects from decades ago.

Rick was passionate about running, completing 50+ marathons. His last marathon was in October. Rick has also completed a half Ironman and multiple triathlons. Rick has been an Assistant Race Director for the Quad City Times BIX 7 for 10+ years and a committee member for 20+ years. Rick also enjoyed placing all of the entertainment along the racecourse.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Laurie McGrath, Moline; children, Celina (Charlie Nermyr) McGrath, Minneapolis, Minn., Chris (Janie) Hickey, Manchester, Mo. and Jay (Rebekah) Hickey, San Antonio, Texas; granddaughter, Mariah Hickey; sister, Sue (Eldon) Sambdman, Rock Island; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, uncles and sisters-in-law.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

It's not goodbye, it's see you later.

Online condolences, memories and expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at wheelanpressly.com.