George Raymond McGrath

MARQUETTE, Mich. — George Raymond McGrath, 99, of 1901 Division St., Marquette, entered eternal life Monday morning, April 29, 2013, at Brookridge Heights, surrounded by his loving family.

George was born Dec. 12, 1913, in Oakland, Calif., a son of Patrick and Dorothy (Rigsbee) McGrath. During his younger years, he enjoyed participating in football, basketball, boxing and dancing.

While at the Brooklyn Home for Destitute Children, he met and married the love of his life, Lucille Davis, beginning a marriage that would span 67 years.

George graduated from Pace Institute in New York City, receiving his degree as a certified public accountant, working for a time as a CPA in New Jersey. He retired in 1975 as president of Copper Range Company and White Pine Copper Company.

He possessed a love of karate, holding a sixth-degree black belt, and shared that love, teaching the sport in White Pine for 45 years.

George also took first place in karate in Japan and is recorded in the Finnish Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest medal winner in international competition. His other sporting activities included running in marathons, which be began at age 65, and being an avid golfer. During his lifetime, both as pleasure and for career, he enjoyed traveling the world.

Survivors include his three daughters, Dorothy (Sherman) Salonen, of Dana Point, Calif., Lucille (Michael) Chaput, of Marquette, and Kathleen (Robert) Marchand, of White Pine; his grandchildren, Nancy (Jeff) Leishman, Craig (Natasha) Salonen, Susan (Tommy) Haner, Dr. Sherri (William) Duncan, Kathleen (Myles) Marietti, Whitney (Jon) Ollila, Stephanie (Andrew) Winslow, Dorothy (John) Pintar and Kenneth (Linda) McGrath; and 14 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by his wife, Lucille; his son, Kenneth McGrath, and daughter-in-law, Patricia McKenzie McGrath; his grandson, Christopher Marchand; and a brother, James.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the Fassbender Funeral Home on Thursday evening, May 2, from 5 p.m. until the time of service at 6 p.m.

Burial will be made in the Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to ALS Association of Michigan.

Condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderfuneralhome.com