Thomas "Tom" Chase Magrath

 

Friends and family will gather to share memories and celebrate the life of Thomas (Tom) Chase Magrath from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, January 5, 2012 at Kathwood Baptist Church in Columbia, SC.  Guests are encouraged to bring photos or mementos that may exemplify the loving, loyal, and funny man known to so very many as “Gramps.”  A lakeside dispersion service will be held in the Spring, per his wishes. Mr. Magrath, 57, of Columbia, died early on New Years Eve at his home.   Originally from New Providence, NJ, Tom was an EMT for the local Rescue Squad and involved with the Boy Scouts Explorers group before he moved to Columbia, SC with his wife and daughters in 1985. He became an involved member of Greenlawn Baptist Church and touched many lives over those years.  As a long-time employee of the Columbia Housing Authority, he enriched even more lives with his smile and ever-present sense of humor. Tom enjoyed the outdoors- hiking, camping, canoeing, fishing, topography, and nature-watching. He has hiked the Rockies in Colorado and salmon-fished in Danali National Park, Alaska.  He put his woodworking skills to regular use- making cabinets and shelves, a tree house for the grandchildren, or a handicap ramp for a neighbor. Before becoming too ill, he had just begun working on his newest project, a small wooden boat to be named the “Grand Thingy Dingy.”  Known for his vast knowledge of random facts, he was a self-read, amateur expert on a variety of subjects such as early American history, all types of local flora and fauna, Albert Einstein, Johnny Cash, Biblical history (in Greek), astronomy and constellations, knots and rope work, and many other things.   Above all, Tom loved his family.  Missing him are his daughters Meghan M. Marriott (Bobby), Lonnie E. Williamson (Aaron), and Niccole Wright Dunton (Todd); sister Kate Magrath (Mark); brothers Matthew (Nan) and Michael; and Leslie A. Harvel.  Also surviving are his biggest pride and joy, his grandchildren- Domnique, Vannessa, Phyllip, Alex, Tyler, Justin, Collin, Gabriella, Liam, and Drew.         Anyone wishing to make a memorial in Tom’s name is encouraged to consider United Way or Red Cross.