Sean Roger McGrath
Sean McGrath was a man of deep gratitude, fierce love, and uncompromising honesty. He often said the two things he was most thankful for in this life were his sobriety and his beloved wife, Lailan. When he passed, Sean had proudly celebrated 55 years of sobriety, a testament to his strength, courage, and unwavering commitment to personal growth and service.
Born on July 18, 1940, at Seaside Memorial Hospital in Long Beach, California, Sean was the son of Agnes Cecilia Rogers McGrath and Roger William McGrath. His sister was Patricia Katherine (PK) Steers ( L. Rich Steers).
Until his 30th birthday in 1970, Sean abused both alcohol and recreational drugs “to their limits(!)” —his own words. But on that birthday, he chose a new path. From that moment forward, he became a beacon for countless others seeking sobriety, offering his no-nonsense counsel and deep compassion as a sponsor and friend in the AA community. He was part sage and unfiltered reality, and always full of heart and humor. Those lucky enough to know him would say he was one of the most forgiving and compassionate souls they ever met. He was usually the first person to approach a newcomer to AA and would listen non-judgmentally, giving his all to anyone who asked for his time.
He was a long-time fixture at many local restaurants/places where he would hold fellowship at the same table with the most esteemed people in the community, combined with someone who was experiencing a hard time. Sean and Lailan held legendary dinner parties, some attended by hundreds, and all joined by a beautiful cross-section of the community. He held all equally with the same love and esteem.
In the 1970s, Sean worked as a line mechanic for Vasek Polak, where he developed a deep passion for Porsches and went on to own many of them over the years. He also loved restoring classic sports cars, including a 1928 Topolino.
Sean had a spirit built for adventure. When he discovered commercial diving for abalone, he marveled that people actually got paid to do something so incredible. He also went on to become a commercial urchin diver, although he preferred canned chili over the delicacy he harvested. Sean was a marine mechanic whose lifelong love and connection with the Pacific Ocean was evident in his dedication to captaining and maintaining his boats, as well as collaborating with others on the water. In 1977, he became a Merchant Mariner, and he carried that identity with immense pride for the rest of his life.
He loved jazz—the voices of Miles Davis and Chet Baker, the smooth resonance of Johnny Mathis, the searching soul of Coltrane, the introspection of Keith Jarrett, the fire of Alfredo Rodriguez, and the quiet brilliance of Justin Kauflin. These sounds were more than music to him—they were reflections of his inner world: thoughtful, complex, full of emotion. But it wasn’t only jazz. His heart held room for the classics too—Rachmaninoff’s intensity, Beethoven’s thunder and grace. His soul moved in rhythm with it all. He eventually came to love the easy rhythms of Hawaiian slack key music, which also reflected his deep connection to the ocean and a laid-back, hands-on way of life.
Sean’s presence, especially driving his yellow Porsche around town, was unmistakable. He was incredibly handsome and larger than life and always in his infamous tank top and short shorts, even doubling up on the tanks when the weather got cold. “His heart was as big as his biceps.” That was Sean — practical, unpretentious, and uniquely himself. He was both intense and loving with a hearty laugh that filled the room.
He prayed every single day, asking God to help him be the best man he could be — and to those who knew and loved him, he truly was. He was the “coolest Godfather”, a guiding light to his extended family and a solid rock to his close-knit circle of “family by choice.”
Sean is survived by his cherished wife, Lailan McGrath, his stepsons Adam Fell (Lindsey Fell) and Noah Fell (Halley Jelks), and his beloved grandchildren Noah Faye Fell and Mason Mikala Fell. He also leaves behind a wide web of friends and chosen family who continue to feel his steady influence and profound love.
Sean McGrath lived life on his own terms — honest, brave, curious, and kind. His legacy lives on in the many people he helped, the adventures he chased, and the love he shared so freely. He will be greatly missed.
As the boats sail by, a casual Memorial Celebration will be held on Saturday, September 20 at Peninsula Park in Oxnard (3333 Peninsula Rd, Oxnard, CA 93035) from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM. Parking is limited and carpooling is suggested.
Memorial Donations can be made on Sean’s behalf to VNA Health (vna.health) for the incredible care they provided to him at Serenity House, or in any way that might help the Alcoholic or Addict who still suffers.
