Obituary of Richard Grogan
On January 26th,2021 heaven brought home a bright star. Richard Grogan passed away peacefully in his home without distress at the age 67. Richard was born on May 30 1954 in Brentwood Essex. He was a terrific father, husband and friend. Richard will be deeply missed by the love of his life Wendy L. Beckett and his beloved children, Kevan, Sean, Catharine, and Justine. Including Billy Knarr who he considered a son. Richard will forever be remembered by former spouse Judy Macintosh and his nieces, nephews and many friends. Richard was the youngest son of Patrick J. Grogan and Kathleen L. Grogan following siblings Patrick, Valerie, Martin and John.
Richard had many accomplishments such as George Brown College business degree, award winning Irish dancer, an proud sailor, a master carpenter, master diver, heavy equipment operator and a musician. But one of his biggest accomplishment was being a father. He was always there for them through their ups and downs, and taught them to enjoy every moment life has to offer. He had a passion for music playing acoustic guitar, piano or just making you chuckle, singing old funny songs.
Richard had confidence, strength and poise that radiated everywhere he went. People would go to Richard for advice and his door always stayed open for anyone. He may slide a little “I told you so” into the conversation but it was met with a bowl of his great traditional Irish dumpling stew and a joint.
Richard wasn’t afraid to be the center of attention with his jokes taking shots at you when you least expected it. If he knew it bugged you he would tease until he got you to smile. If you knew Richard, you would know he didn’t like pickles or correcting him when he was “right”. He was all the right kinds of stubborn, refusing to follow doctors orders and raising hell for more than six decades. He enjoyed rock and roll, cigarettes and loving his dogs Chico and baby till the day he died.
Richard would want anyone reading this to take time out of their day to listen, hug or spend time with a loved one. Or donate to heart & stroke foundation.
A Private Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, February 19th at 11 a.m. Please see live sream below.
“May the Irish hills caress you.
May her lakes and rivers bless you.
May the luck of the Irish enfold you.
May the blessings of
Saint Patrick behold you.
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal.”
EULOGIE
I'd like to thank everyone for coming today to celebrate Richards life and share in our grief in his passing, my name is Justine and I'm the youngest daughter of Richard. As I am standing here I realize how fortunate I was to have had him as my dad. Losing my father is one of the hardest things all were forced to go though. I know we all shared very special moments and to say we are going to miss him is a great understatement, words cannot express my grief and gratitude that I'm feeling today. Youngest of five children, he always looked back fondly on his childhood, my father had so many amazing stories growing up with his brothers Patrick, Marty John, sister Valerie and nephew David his parents Patrick and Kathleen were true soulmates traveling with their large family through out England,Ireland and Toronto. As Richard got older he really became a true jack of all trades he had so many passions and careers throughout his life. a businessman graduating from George brown collage, an artist in carpentry, a fighter training in the art of aikido and at a young age he practiced Irish dancing, winning awards and performing on many stages. traveling with his fellow dancers were some of his fondest memories, but I like believe his greatest accomplishments were rising his four children, like his favourite old t-shirt said in print "real men are called daddy" The man who lit up the every room whenever he entered. I have him to blame for my sense of humour, occasional temper and so many amazing things I used to overlook about myself that I now realize, I've gotten from you. Those special precious qualities that will live though out all of us and in our hearts. That laugh we will always remember echoes in our memory. the short time we had will be cherished and his loving sprit we will take with us forever. A kind, loving father, brother, uncle, son and friend. Always willing to help with raw and useful advice, he always listened and truly understood. He really shared a special bond with each of us and a big heart with a place for everyone. Richards love was unconditional, his character, charisma and charm unforgettable. his kindness and generosity will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. I know he wouldn't want us to be grim today but instead, let's celebrate the exceptional, one of a kind man he was, knowing he is smiling down proud, on all of us.
Thank you again for coming, I love you dad.
Justine
