Charles T. McGrath

Charles Thomas "Charlie" McGrath, beloved father, husband and friend, left this world on Wednesday, April 8, 2015, at the age of 74.

Charlie was born March 5, 1941, in Butte to Carolyne (Propp) and Michael McGrath. He came into the world just minutes after his "womb-mate" and twin sister, Carol. The twins, known to all as "Bud and Bunny," joined their older sister, Donna, and were later joined by their younger brother, Michael. Charlie's youth was spent exploring the neighborhoods of Butte, playing baseball and causing good-hearted mischief with his siblings and friends. Perhaps his most memorable times as a child were spent learning to fish and enjoying the great outdoors with his father figure and mentor, Joe Yakawich.

At the age of 15, Charlie lost his mother to cancer, an event that left him deeply saddened for many years. Following his mother's passing, he lived with his Grandparents Propp while attending Boys Central. At the age of 17, Charlie enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served as a storekeeper and traveled around the world. During this time, he played for the Navy league baseball team where he was an outstanding catcher, earning himself a tryout with the Cincinnati Reds.

After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Charlie found himself in the Black Hills of South Dakota, where he worked as a miner, attended college and taught shorthand. There, he met Doris Roberts – the two hit it off and were soon married. Charlie was excited and felt privileged to take on the responsibility of helping Doris raise the younger of her seven children. Soon they added to their brood, welcoming two sons of their own, Charlie Jr. and Casey.

In the coming years, Charlie and his family found their way back to Butte, where he worked various jobs to support his family, eventually becoming co-owner of the Speedway Tavern and later, Sparky's Bar. Charlie always carried with him an independent and entrepreneurial spirit. Aside from the tavern ventures, he began a wall-washing business, which later blossomed into a successful residential and commercial painting career. By 1982, Charlie and Doris had separated, but remained friends.

In the early '80s, Charlie met and fell in love with Lisa Sevores, whom he married in 1984. Together, they welcomed three children, Cody, Carter and Molly. It was during this time that Charlie discovered he was a writer at heart, penning countless poems and short stories, eventually publishing a book of poetry and gaining recognition in the "World of Poetry Anthology." In 1990, Charlie and family moved to Missoula, where he became known for his community involvement and activism, constantly striving to make a difference and never being afraid to speak his mind. He always stood up for what he believed in, whether or not it was popular. He loved coaching his children's baseball and basketball teams, and even as an older dad, Charlie made sure to take his kids fishing, camping and never missed a game, performance or recital.

In 1996, Charlie and Lisa opened Lisa's Pasty Pantry, where his job duties included doing anything that needed to be done, from waiting on customers to washing dishes to making povitica. He could often be heard singing opera and Irish music in the lunch room. Charlie retired from the pasty business in 2006 and spent his retirement years writing, creating numerous paintings and other works of art, and spending time with family and his many great friends. In 2009, with the help of friends and members of the Missoula art community, Charlie created and produced a stage production, "Making a Case for PEACE: Final Arguments," which featured his writing and his life's work.

Charlie had many other passions, including any and all things sports related, especially the Chicago Bears. In 2007, he had the great pleasure of attending a game at Lambeau Field, where he relished watching his Bears beat the Green Bay Packers. He enjoyed listening to all genres of music, bird watching and was a voracious reader. Charlie loved animals of all kinds and had many beloved pets throughout his life. In recent years, Charlie cherished the time he was able to spend with his siblings at family gatherings.

Having battled severe rheumatoid arthritis since the age of 33, Charlie found himself increasingly homebound. Despite his condition, Charlie maintained a positive attitude and filled his days by reading, listening to public radio and watching sports. Charlie left us peacefully, surrounded by love.

Charlie was preceded in death by his mother, Carolyne, and father, Michael; dear friend, Joe Yakawich; grandparents, Charles and Josephine Propp; first wife, Doris; mother and father-in-law, Norma and Jim Sevores; niece, Connie; close friend, John Elich; beloved aunt, Lydia; and his loyal companions, Vinny the dog and Muu the cat.

Charlie is survived by the love of his life, Lisa McGrath; his sons, Charlie Jr. (Karla), Casey (Shannon), Cody (Jenn) and Carter (Ashley); daughter, Molly (Luke) McGill; sisters, Donna (Mick) Kennedy and Bunny (Charlie) Aumell; and brother, Mike (Christy) McGrath. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Mike, Jane, Jesse, Bill, Donna, Patty, Bonnie and their families; many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and countless friends.

A church service and celebration of Charlie's life will take place this summer in Butte; details will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Western Montana. Charlie's family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Home Instead, Community Medical Center, Apple Rehab in Helena and the Village Health Care Center.

Charlie's wit, imagination, energy and presence will be sorely missed – we feel very lucky to have had him in our lives. May he rest in peace and tap 'er light!
Read Charles McGrath's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.