Randall R. McGrath

Randy R McGrath of Woodinville, Washington returned to the arms of his loving Heavenly Father Sunday, December 4th, 2016 at Swedish Hospital, Seattle at the age of 69. He was surrounded by his family. Randy had complicated and extensive medical issues all of which arose after his kidney failed. Through the donation of a kidney from his dear friend Tom Meyer, Randy was given the extraordinary gift of twenty years extended life. Randy and Tom’s friendship remained very strong over the decades and they spoke on the phone and met in person regularly.

Randy was born on September 3rd, 1947 in Astoria, Oregon. He served as a Petty Officer in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War as an Aviation Structural Mechanic between the years of 1968-1972. He served on the USS Oriskiny, USS Ticonderoga CVA-14, and USS Constellation. Following his honorable service he received Associates Degrees from Shoreline Community College in both Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering. Randy was married to Anna Poluyanow on April 26th, 1974 in Seattle, WA. Together they raised four boys, Jesse, Shaun, Daniel, and Jordan, who were their pride and joy. He was an avid fisherman, crabber, waterfowl hunter, and outdoor enthusiast his entire life. He was an avid supporter of his children’s Boy Scouting, and accompanied them all on numerous treks throughout the Pacific Northwest. His greatest joy was being with his family and he spent as much time as possible with all of them. He loved his babies and looked forward to smothering them with love every time he could get his hands on them. He was never content until everyone arrived for family gatherings. You would often find Randy standing on the driveway giving one last wave goodbye after family members left gatherings. Randy was a confident hard-working man who openly spoke his mind. He instilled a strong work ethic in his children through his own example. He was always eager to help, and constantly made sacrifices for his family and friends.

Randy was converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1988, and raised his family in the church. He served in several callings, from the Sunday school presidency, to the Elders quorum presidency. Randy was dedicated to his home teaching responsibilities, and never forgot a birthday of the families he taught. He was called to serve at the Mukilteo Storehouse, and then served as an ordinance worker in the Seattle Temple to which he was currently serving. Randy and Anna McGrath were sealed in the Temple for time and eternity on May 1st, 2014. He loved his Savior and exemplified his love through serving others. Randy will be missed by all, but we have peace knowing that he has been welcomed into the loving arms of Heavenly Father, and reunited with the love of his life Anna.

He is survived by his four sons Jesse (Michelle), Orem, UT; Shaun (Sarah), Woodinville, WA; Daniel (Svetlana), Snohomish, WA; Jordan, Scottsdale, AZ; his sister Candy (Bill), Brinnon, WA; his nephew and nieces Michael, Cindy, and Jeannie. Randy had 7 grandchildren whom he cherished dearly; Anna, Spencer, Alice, Avery, Isla, Amelia, Curtis, and more to come. Randy was preceded in death by his brother Michael, his parents Phyllis and Eugene, and his eternal wife of 31 years, Anna.