Timothy Vance McGrath, 75, of Eldorado, IL left us on March 22, 2022, after courageously enduring a chronic medical illness for many years. His motivation to continue was rooted in his love for family and community. Despite the mounting discomfort he remained his ever positive, warm, supportive, caring self to the end. Tim was born in Murray, KY to Harry and Margaret McGrath. His family of six eventually settled in Waterford Township, MI. He was the oldest and boldest of the four siblings growing up – he loved to half-jokingly tell the story about his mom crying each day when she saw the bus approaching for fear of what he might have done at school or was prepared to do when he got home. He was full of energy from the beginning – this translated well to sports, where according to his famous glory day stories to his kids, he starred in football, basketball, and track. The latter holding the school record in the 110-meter hurdles for over 30 years. His high school superlative – Most All Around – shouldn’t be surprising to anyone who knew him because he loved people and being involved. After graduating high school, he attended Murray State University. This is where he met Robin – the undeniable love of his life. Coincidently, both from Detroit, Michigan with fate bringing them together for the first time some 600 miles south in Murray, KY. They pursued teaching degrees, graduated, and married a month later in June 1969 at the United Methodist Church in Eldorado, IL. Their low budget honeymoon story was one of the family favorites. Robin’s maternal family was from Southern IL, and Tim knew nothing of it. So the family was quite surprised with Tim’s choice for East Saint Louis, IL as a honeymoon destination. He was quickly re-directed to St. Louis, but they didn’t make it that far after a tornado touched down on their way. Tim’s 33-year teaching career started soon after being married. His first offer came from a small school in Brewers, KY where he student taught in college – he was offered $5,000.00 per year and all the milk and eggs he needed to teach, drive the bus, and coach every sport. He turned this down to become the head teacher at Raleigh schools at 22 years old for nearly the same money but no milk and eggs. Some of his best stories and relationships came from his time in Raleigh. He then moved on to teach at every level (elementary, middle, and high) for Eldorado schools. He also coached many years of basketball and baseball in both Raleigh and Eldorado. In the early days of teaching he took on 2nd jobs to help support his family. Riding a bicycle to Tri-county chemical after teaching a full day and mixing fertilizer until the early morning hours for years. In 1982, he and Robin bought Southern IL Pool and owned and operated it for the next 28 summers. Their employees became family always – he truly believed in the best in people – no matter their story he believed in opportunity, respect, appreciation, and trust – people worked hard and honest because he was sincere – no one wanted to let him down. The theme of his life was his genuine love of people. He had the gift of making you truly feel no one in the world was more important to him than you in that moment. In teaching, he was more than an educator – he worked hard on relationships – making kids feel special by recognizing what they might be missing in other aspects of their lives. He was affectionately and respectfully referred to as Mr. Tim in his teaching days, and nearly everywhere he went in retirement when seeing a former student from the early days in Raleigh to the last days of Eldorado. The relationships and trust he built with students was never more evident than Halloweens over the years. Cars would line up for blocks and lines would form outside his house as trick or treaters and many parents/former students just wanted to say hello to Mr. Tim. Ultimately, nothing was more important to him than family. we were his priority – he made the time not to miss anything because it was important to him to be supportive. He genuinely loved his kids and now grandkids – rooting for our success every step of the way. We truly believe this was his motivation to fight when his condition worsened years ago – to support and celebrate the accomplishments of us. He was so proud when his oldest grandson, Cole, followed his path to Murray State this year; he learned the sport of cheerleading and what made a great routine so he could support his granddaughter, Kylie and her competitions. He texted nearly every morning checking in on his youngest grandchildren -- Jack, Josie, and Ben, and trying to stay current on their many activities ranging from chess, violin, soccer, hockey, basketball, volleyball so he could ask questions and be involved from a distance. His approval meant so much because we knew how much he cared for each of us. Some of the things we remember most were his love of Kentucky basketball; his large coffees switching to large-iced teas mid-day. Sharing his iced teas and hanker chiefs with every grand kid along the way. He always carried a pocket-knife and a huge appetite. He loved the farm and making breakfast for the family on Sunday mornings. He didn’t believe you were on time unless you were 15 minutes early, and respecting yourself was the first step in being respected. Tim was a member of the Eldorado City Council and United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Margaret McGrath. He is survived by his wife, Robin McGrath, and their three children – Jerrod McGrath of Eldorado, IL, Megan (Dan) Ratermann of Aviston, IL, and Caleb (Erin) McGrath of Saint Louis, MO. Also survived by his brother Mike (Mary) McGrath of Plymouth, MI, Melissa Rose of Farmington Hills, MI, and sister Molly (Dale) Shaffenacker of Moweaqua, IL; grandchildren Cole and Kylie Ratermann of Aviston, IL and Jack, Josie, and Ben McGrath of Saint Louis, MO. Also survived by 3 wonderful cousins, and six amazing nephews and their families. Funeral services and burial will be held at Wolf Creek Cemetery on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 at 12:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Tim McGrath Scholarship Fund, which will annually award an Eldorado high school senior with an interest in elementary or secondary education.