MCGRAIL, Pat McGrail

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Pat McGrail (William Patrick McGrail) of Dover Centre on October 1, 2025, at the age of 70 at Chatham Kent Health Alliance. Pat passed away peacefully after having spent the entire day with his family by his side.

Pat was a loving father, beloved son and brother, and all-around good neighbour to many. He was the son of Joanne McGrail and the late Patrick McGrail. He was the proud and steadfast father of Meghan (Blake), Ethan (Natalie), Cullen (Sam), and Shannon (Cole). He was the cherished Grandpa “Paddy” of Anderson and Maclaine Ashton, Emmett and Luke McGrail, and the late Avery McGrail. He was a caring, albeit pesky, brother to Lu Flynn (Gerry), Stephen McGrail, Lisa Harris (Elmer), and Martha Zilberman. He was the smart aleck uncle to many nieces and nephews who will miss his potluck contributions greatly.

Pat’s true passion was farming. He worked the fertile Dover dirt his entire life and for as long as he could, planting, tending, and harvesting crops alongside his family. To his farming community, Pat was larger than life; a kind soul always ready to lend a helping hand or to talk for hours at the end of the driveway.

Pat was a jack of all trades, he could build a vegetable harvester from scratch one day, and perfect a homemade beaver tail recipe the next. He loved long drives (and longer stories), family road trips, 1950s diners, Canadian television, CBC Radio One, and a good game of cards. He sported hundreds of souvenir and swag hats and shared MANY terrible dad jokes. Pat’s children will miss his wealth of knowledge, spontaneous phone calls, tall tales, and generous spirit.

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Haycock-Cavanagh Funeral Home (409 Nelson St, Wallaceburg, 519-627-3231) where a private family service will be held next week. Friends and Family are encouraged to Celebrate his Life at an open-house on Wednesday, October 8 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Knights of Columbus Hall (800 Murray St) in Wallaceburg.

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

If you’d like to make a donation in memory of Pat, please consider the Children’s Treatment Centre Foundation of Chatham-Kent, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwestern Ontario, or Three Oaks Respite Cabin (Shetland, ON). All donations may be left with Cavanagh Funeral Home in Wallaceburg. Online condolences may be left at www.cavanaghfuneralhome.ca.