Vance McGrath

Besides his loving wife Brenda, Vance is survived by his daughter Sarah (Jeff) Haynie and their children, Luke and Isla, of Georgia, USA; his parents Jim and Marj McGrath of Lethbridge; his brothers Darryl (Debi) McGrath of Red Deer and David (Sandra) McGrath of Lethbridge; his stepson Ansil of Edmonton; and his faithful support dog, Henry.

Vance was born in Calgary in May 1962. With his father serving in the RCAF, the family was posted to France when Vance was one year old, and later to Germany, where he attended a German Kindergarten. Upon their return to Canada, he attended several schools across the country. While living in Cold Lake at the age of 18, he joined the military, beginning a distinguished 28-year career that took him to many locations across Canada and to several troubled regions around the world, including Namibia, Cambodia, Bosnia, Croatia, and Afghanistan. He retired as a highly decorated Warrant Officer.

After retiring from the military, Vance moved to Lethbridge, where he met and married Brenda. They enjoyed their life together, travelling on their motorcycles and visiting the U.K.

Vance was a gifted and passionate musician. He loved playing his guitars, harmonica, and banjo. He was also a skilled bagpiper, performing proudly with various pipe bands in Alberta. His musical talents brought joy to many and remained a meaningful part of his life throughout his life.

In his retirement years, Vance worked as a tractor-trailer driver for a national company, hauling freight across Canada and the United States. He also enjoyed woodworking and created many service-related pieces that can be found in various locations throughout southern Alberta.

Vance never went anywhere without Henry. After adopting him from a foster home in Edmonton, Vance and Henry could be seen regularly on local walking trails in Lethbridge and Fort Macleod, and were easily recognized by the words “Blind Dog” embroidered on Henry’s harness.

The family would like to thank the many people who supported Vance during his battle with cancer, particularly the doctors, nurses and staff at the Jack Ady Cancer Centre. We are also deeply grateful for Dr. Steven Gerritt Beekman and the compassionate nurses and caregivers at the Community Support Beds in Fort Macleod for their exceptional care and dedication throughout his final days. We also thank Pastors Brian and Edith Beveridge (both retired) from the Salvation Army, Lethbridge, Pastor Captain Luke Watson from the Canadian Armed Forces, Lethbridge, and Vance’s many friends who visited him regularly throughout his three month stay in Fort Macleod. We are so grateful for you all.

Donations in Vance’s memory may be made to:

• Jack Ady Cancer Centre, c/o Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, 960 – 19 Street South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 1W5, or online at www.crhfoundation.ca

• The Royal Canadian Legion, General Stewart Branch #4, 2019 – 4 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 5X5, or online at www.lethbridgelegion.ca

• The Royal Canadian Air Force Association, 702 Wing, 174 Stubb Ross Road South, Lethbridge, AB T1K 7N3, or via e-transfer to 702winglethbridge@gmail.com

• The Salvation Army, 1302 4 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 0R4, or online at www.donate.salvationarmy.ca

A Celebration of Vance’s Life will be announced in Spring 2026.