FATHER DESMOND THOMAS MCGRATH CORNER BROOK, NL Passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 28, 2009, Father Desmond Thomas McGrath at the age of 74 years. Father McGrath was ordained on June 4, 1961 at Holy Redeemer Cathedral in Corner Brook where he served as assistant pastor from 1961-1968. He served as pastor at Holy Family Parish in Port Saunders/Port au Choix (1968-1975), Our Lady of Grace Parish in Bird Cove (1975-1976), for another five years at Holy Redeemer Parish (1976-1981), at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Lourdes (1984-1989) and at St. Ann’s Parish in Codroy Valley (1996-2000). During his tenure at Port Saunders he and Richard Cashin formed the Fisherman’s Union -United Food and Commercial Workers Union which later became part of the Fisherman, Food and Allied Workers Union. He worked with the Fishermans’ Union from 1981-1984 and 1989-1996. For over 30 years, Father Des empowered workers in the fishing industry. Through his direction and involvement in the Canadian Council of Professional Fish Harvesters and numerous advisory bodies, he has helped establish this work force as a profession. In addition, he was instrumental in the organization and creation of his province’s Fisherman, Food and Allied Workers Union. He was also a key player in the development of educational programs for fishers, plant workers and their families, notably a province-wide literacy program. He was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Elizabeth McGrath, brothers, Frank, Alex and Dermot, and his sister Helen Rochester and nephew Michael McGrath. He leaves to mourn his sister, Elizabeth McGrath, nieces, Terry Janovick, Claire Pollok, Catherine Pedersen, Karen McGrath, Mary Ann McGrath and Heidi Spenst, all from British Columbia, and Alexandra Borden from Brampton, Ontario, nephews, Brian McGrath, Stephen McGrath and Kevin McGrath, all from British Columbia, and Tim Rochester from Montreal, Bishop Crosby, his brother Priests and many other relatives, friends and parishioners throughout Newfoundland. Visitation will take place from The Cathedral of the Most Holy Redeemer, Mt. Bernard Avenue on Thursday, 2-4 and 7-9:00 p.m. from where the Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 31st at 2:00 p.m. Bishop Douglas Crosby, OMI, officiating. Interment to follow at the family plot, Townsite cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the Shepherd's Fund, c/o Most Holy Redeemer Parish. The family guest book may be signed or a memorial donation may be made through our website www.fillatre.ca.