Kalem William McGrath Obituary
The stars are not wanted now; put out every one.
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun.
Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood;
For nothing now can ever come to any good.
-W. H. Auden, Funeral Blues
This is how we feel now, those of us who are Kalem McGrath's family, and how could we feel otherwise? Kalem was a wonderful son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend to a host of his peers. We are, at present, bereft, but our unimaginable grief will not last, as memories of good times with Kalem – of which there are so many with Kalem being the incredible person that he was – will break it. Eventually. One day.
His exuberance for life set him apart. Everyone that was blessed to know Kalem, and have him in his life, knew that Kalem was truly one-of-a-kind and could never be replaced nor replicated in this lifetime or the next. He was a trend-setter when it came to his style; famously known for 'rocking' his cowboy boots and beautiful brown curly locks. He had passion for life, for his family and friends, and he showed no hesitancy in both speaking and showing his love to all those in his close circles. He was born a talker, starting at one and a half years old and never stopped, being an exceptional conversationalist throughout his life. In many respects, Kalem, since his early years, was an old soul. He was polite to a fault and kind to everyone that crossed his path.
Kalem was a natural leader who loved pro-sports, especially the Red Sox, Celtics, and UFC mixed martial arts. As an athlete, in his own right, he excelled at mixed martial arts and won provincial/national handball championships. While attending Mount Royal's Business Administration program, his excellent results were recognized by his inclusion on the Dean's Honour's List.
We will remember Kalem for his tremendous capacity for friendship, the love and respect he had for both of his parents, his infectious sense of humour and smile, and his readiness to defend his views on numerous subjects against all comers. Only a very brave soul would choose to debate him on the merits of episodes of The Sopranos, the filmography of movie director, Paul Thomas Anderson, or the musical journey of performer, Tyler Childers.
Kalem's death leaves an unfillable void, but we trust he is resting peacefully in the arms of his grandmother, Lillian McGrath; his great-grandmother, Connie Jamart; and Frankie, his beloved first dog.
Left to mourn and remember the beautiful young man Kalem was blossoming into are his mom or 'Mommy', as he always affectionately still called her, Kerri McGrath; and his dad, Sean Weldon McGrath; grandmother, Christine Jamart-MacDonald (Darrel); grandfather, Ed Messom (Christine); grandfather, Bill 'Poppy' McGrath; uncle Jesse Messom, and his wife, auntie Jesica, along with cousins, Alexis and Alaya; uncle Brad Messom (Stacey), and cousins, Emerie, Everett, and Cedar; and Auntie Tanya Browne, uncle Shawn, and cousins, Samuel and Lillianna.
Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McInnis & Holloway (Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made in Kalem's honour to The Alberta Handball Junior Development Fund via cheque or e-transfer. Contact: Howard Strettle, President (780) 235-3001 or email directly: [email protected].
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Kalem's family here.
In living memory of Kalem McGrath, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.
Click the following link to view the Memorial Card for Kalem McGrath: https://indd.adobe.com
