John Patrick Michael McGruder, 77

John Patrick Michael McGruder, 77

“Well, I’m glad you got to meet me!” This proud, Irish, Leader of the Band would say, with his quirky, sarcastic quip for which he was known all too well. John P. left this earthly realm with his coveted family by his side to fly as our permanent guardian angel in direct alignment with Jesus himself, rising on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020. His parents, Maurice and Mildred McGruder, brought “Johnny” into this world to meet his watchful and protective sisters, Maureen and Michelle (Mickey), in Yakima, Wash., on the Ides of March, 1943. And so began the journey of one of the greatest men that ever lived.

John discovered the joys of his beginnings, including hunting, classic cars, civil air patrol, the Army National Guard, and his lasting friends in the high desert of Richland, Wash., where he was raised for most of his young life. It was here that his greatest connection was made to his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Kay (Begley) McGruder, whom he shared a beautiful, profound, and laudable 60-year journey of unending love, commitment, victories, resilience and joy that the two affectionately named “Toujours Vous” (Always You). It was upon this foundation that they created a family that was so deeply connected and intertwined that no separation will ever undo. Married in 1966 in Spokane, Wash., they soon welcomed their three cherished daughters. Lisa, Patty and Colleen then shaped the stage for a life where the most noteworthy brilliance of connected family endured that included unending softball, community, volunteering, motor home trips, the lake, friends, camping, air shows and hydroplane races, travel, beloved labs and simply love, laughter and memories to honor. Along life’s path, they welcomed Julie (Steve) and Claude in as their own, and many, many other cherished children into our family to complete us.

While John had “no quit in him” and enough work ethic to share (plus some), his ethic really afforded him just simply the opportunity to serve and connect with people. He had a successful career from the Northern Pacific Railroad and Jensen Byrd, to Bar-T Dairy and Rainier Distributing, until his drive for serving his own employees brought him to the beginning of more business ownership than we can even remember. The most notable employees that stole his heart and gave him purpose were those from All American Amusement, The Inkwell and to his final days with the O’Malley’s team in Rathdrum. He would want you all to know the deep gratitude he had for your service and support of him. In his own words, “May you never worship material things, but work for the joy of it.”

Many of you have shared that John was “bigger than life.” Truly! That stemmed from his big heart and sense of humor. Under those tenants, he lived a life of service, comedy and adventure, from winning Coeur d’Alene’s Citizen of the Year and the Ed Abbott Award to serving on the St. Pius, CDA Lakeshore and Avondale Boards, from his honored 17-year run as “Coach John” for hundreds of softball girls, and ultimately his valued involvement in Kiwanis and Coeur d’Alene Commodores, to which he dedicated endless hours and even more passion. He made every chore either hilariously offensive or hilariously comical, depending on your perspective; but no matter what lens you saw him through, he had an undeniable commitment to the Coeur d’Alene community and to each and every one of us. His good deeds were always quietly done, with no fanfare or requirement for repayment. The big and small gestures were plentiful no matter who you were. His loyalty to his friends was unrivaled, from the Richland gang to Avondale families, the Hunting Crew, to Rockford Bay and Lake Tower fans, to the exclusive Gin Club members and every Commodore, niece, nephew, sister and brother-in-law, provider, business colleague and employee in between. Make no mistake that his connection to all he loved was the major factor in his perseverance all these years. Loyal like no other, if he knew you, you were a friend. He was respected. He made us laugh and his smile and spunk could light up any occasion.

Ultimately, John saw his greatest joys and life’s true purpose within the big and small moments in our family, many of them extended, whom he enjoyed so much. As “Daubin” (Grandpa), his real loves- his grandkids, were welcomed as his legacy in life. Patrick, Tatiana (Matt), Cassie, Kennedy, Sabrina and Nikolaus brought joy and meaning to this great protector. As Daubin, he shared his wry-wit, sarcasm, business sense, life’s lessons, endless memories on the deck and docks of Lake Coeur d’Alene, froyo and errand trips, and countless moments around the dinner table. While tapping the side of his cheek for a kiss, watching the Zags and the Seahawks, asking for help with technology, gathering the manuals to absolutely everything, or asking for a cuppa coffee, while he would vetch, he loved every minute he had with all of us at his side. We stole 13 of the nine-lives God intended to give him so we could maximize our memories, and he never would have left us until he knew that his three respected and loved sons-in-law, Dennis, Scott and Kelly, would take the reins. And when he knew for sure that his wife, his girls and his grandkids were well-protected, with the sun on the lake and a sparkle on the water, he lifted to say his final goodbye. Never will we know another love like this, and we love you to Pluto and back. To our John, Dad, Daddy, Grandpa and Daubin: be free, and we, too, are “Glad we got to meet you,” and we cannot wait to meet again.

Arrangements are graciously supported by family friends, Yates Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be shared with Camp Stix Diabetes Programs, PO Box 8308, Spokane, WA 99203, or at stixdiabetes.org/donate. A celebration of life will transpire when our community can safely convene again. Please visit John’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.