Obituary of Patrick McGirr
Patrick McGirr
February 20, 1928 – September 9, 2020
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Patrick McGirr (born in North Bay, Ontario), on Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at the age of ninety-two, after a full and happy life. Beloved husband of the late Irene (Schiavo) McGirr. Cherished and loving father and father-in-law of Brian and Yvette, Gary and Sue. Proud and devoted grandfather of Tiffanie, Kristen and Caitlin; great-grandfather of Kiera Labarge. Dear brother of Sister Marie McGirr.
Patrick (known as Pat) will be deeply missed by his family and all of those who knew and loved him.
Pat worked for the CNR/Via Rail for 41 years, was a passionate football fan of the Green Bay Packers/The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame and an avid Hearts’ card player. He was a gentle man who would put a smile on anyone’s face with his railway stories and his one liners.
Heartfelt gratitude to the Ottawa Heart Institute.
A service will take place on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at Heritage Funeral Complex, 1250 Trim Road, Orleans, Ontario. Visitation is at 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., service afterwards followed by an individual meal service.
Due to COVID-19, attendance must be registered with the funeral complex prior to visitation. Please confirm your attendance with the family. Masks are mandatory.
In lieu of flowers the family kindly asks for donations to the Ottawa Civic Hospital Heart Institute.
To plant a tree in memory of Patrick McGirr, please visit Tribute Store
Ceremony / Cérémonie
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
Complexe funéraire Heritage Funeral Complex
1250 Trim Road
Ottawa (Orléans), Ontario, Canada
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Patrick
McGirr 1928 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Ottawa, Province: Ontario
Dear McGirr Family,
Please accept my sympathy on the death of your Dad, Grandfather and Great grandfather! He was a gentle, soft spoken, caring and thoughtful person.
Yesterday, I was sad to hear that he died in September.
I met Patrick at the 5 pm Saturday Mass at St Mary’s Church several years ago. He always came early to pray the rosary. Over the years, I learned what a shining light he was. He started taking up the collection during Mass and when I learned his age and some other things I could not believe how he quickly walked down the aisle and up the stairs to the altar to deposit the collection there.
I carry a box of kitty litter in the trunk of my car during the winter because of Patrick. One Saturday before Mass, I got stuck on a sheet of ice in the parking lot. Without hesitation, Patrick went to his car, drove over to mine, deposited kitty litter around my tires and then drove my car over the ice! My heart was in my mouth the whole time as I was concerned about him slipping on the ice. Patrick was oblivious to that situation. Just last winter, I was able to help a woman in a similar situation.
Once Covid hit and the Churches were closed, I called Patrick a few times to see how he was doing. He told me he was OK and saving lots of money not being able to eat out everyday. He also told me looked like a hippy because his hair was so long. He was happy when he could go his (same as Irene’s) hairdresser.
When the Churches opened up, we had to book our Mass time to ensure people could attend safely. Patrick was on my list of parishioners I helped to book their Mass. That provided me the opportunity to chat with him once a week. One of the things he told me was the movie that was made starring James Gagne that was filmed in North Bay and the connection with the family property.
I last saw Patrick before the 5pm Mass on September 5th. I was going home after a parking lot confession at the back of the Church. As I walked around to the front of the Church, I saw him walking up the stairs into the Church. I called out to him, caught up with him and asked if I could give him a hug. I had not seen him since March. We had a great hug! I knew I should not have done that because of Covid, but I was overjoyed to see him. I walked home with a big smile on my face and with joy in my heart! I had no idea that would be the last time to see him.
I continued to leave Patrick messages about being booked for the 5pm Mass. I thought it strange he didn’t pick up the phone or call me back, but thought he was back to being more active outside of his apartment.
Then I could not call through. By this time I was getting concerned, but had no family contact info. Yesterday I had the thought to check obituaries. I was sad to see Patrick’s name, but happy to see his smiling face photo.
Yesterday, I realized the Lord gave me the gift of seeing Patrick on September 5th and getting that hug. Also, it was significant that I found his obituary yesterday as that was the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. I then pictured Patrick saying the rosary in Church before Mass.
Sorry for the long story, but I am sure there are a lot of people who met Patrick whom you do not know who have “Patrick stories” – like the woman who tried to pick him up at Kristie’s; he stopped going there for lunch for three month!
He was a wonderful person. I will certainly miss him and started yesterday to pray for the repose of his soul. May he rest in the peace of the Lord and may the Lord give you His strength as you adjust to life without Patrick.
Love, hugs and prayers, Linda Cobb