Obituaries

Steve McGrath passed away on Friday April 9, 2021 at age 61, from complications of Erdheim Chester Disease, with his daughters by his side. He grew up in San Antonio Texas and moved out to California in the early years of his life. He spent many wonderful years with his family in San Jose, California. He is survived by his daughters, Brittany and Micaela; his father, Arthur; his sister, Malinda, his brother, David; his nephew, Forrest and his niece, Morgan. He was preceded in death by his mother, Anne Marie, and his step-mother, Mary Ellen.

Steve was an amazingly talented artist and contributed to a legacy of characters at PDI/Dreamworks, Pixar Animation Studios, and Industrial Light & Magic. As a Computer Modeler, he helped create some of the most loved characters in animated movie history. This included: Jessie the cowgirl from Toy Story 2, Gloria from Madagascar, Viper from Kung Fu Panda, Lord Farquaad, Dragon, King Harold and Queen Lily from the Shrek Franchise, and Shu Mai from Star Wars Episode II.

Steve was the kind of person you met and after having a conversation with him, you would walk away smiling. No matter how busy he was, he’d help a friend or colleague out in the drop of a hat. His benevolence touched people’s hearts and made an impact in many lives. He was a passionate artist who sketched and sculpted throughout the entirety of his life. The world is a little dimmer without his spark.

He loved silverback gorillas and was able to go with his daughters to the San Francisco Zoo to see them one last time. Steve will be remembered as a caring friend, loving dad, son, and brother. He will be forever missed and loved to Infinity and Beyond by the McGrath family <3

He will be laid to rest at Lone Tree Cemetery on the 30th of April 2021 with family and close friends present. There will be a celebration of life at a later date.