Bub Mcgrain

Bub’s sparkling eyes and bright smile were dimmed on Saturday January 17th after a very brief illness and are now being enjoyed by all his family and friends who passed before him.

Born on March 23, 1927 in Saranac Lake he lived his entire 87 years in the town he loved and cherished.

Bub is the son of the late William A. and Irene (Charland) McGrain. He and his sister “Tillie” were raised by his aunt and uncle, Ida and George Facto whose unconditional love and support made him the man he became.

An outstanding high school athlete, he attended Saranac Lake High School excelling in basketball, baseball and track and was awarded three varsity letters. He was also awarded 1st team All Northern status in basketball.

Bub was subsequently inducted into the Saranac Lake Hall of Fame recognizing these accomplishments.

After high school sports remained a very important part of his life. He was a first baseman and catcher for the Brighton Blues, a semi-professional baseball club. He was well known throughout the North Country as a high school and college basketball referee. His easy going manner on the court and knowledge of the game earned him a reputation as one of the best in the North Country. He was even invited to be a guest referee at a local performance by the Harlem Globetrotters, a moment he often spoke and laughed about.

Bub was an unwavering fan of the New York Giants, the San Francisco Giants and the Saranac Lake Redskins. He was overjoyed by the championships won by all three teams.

He enjoyed attending the practices and games of the high school football, basketball, baseball and track teams. In one touching moment of appreciation after practice the entire football team lined up to shake his hand and thank him for his support. It meant so much to him and he spoke of it often. He will forever be a Saranac Lake Redskin.

He was a lifetime member of the Saranac Lake Elks BPOE 1508 and served on the Saranac Lake Hall of Fame selection committee.

Bub was a larger than life figure and was honored in 2008 by being chosen as King of the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival. It confirmed his standing as one of the best of Saranac Lake’s 5,000 “friendly” people. He enjoyed attending all of the events throughout the week and was particularly happy about the New York Giants Super Bowl victory that happened during that week.

Bub loved to sing and had a great voice. Whether it was singing in church or in the choir at Will Rogers it always gave him joy.

There was nothing more important to Bub than his family who surrounded him in his peaceful final hours.

Bub is survived by his wife Joanne, his daughter Luanne McGrain and her husband Eric Brauer, his son Stan McGrain, his granddaughter Casey McGrain and her fiancé Matt Hess and his grandson Kyle McGrain. He was predeceased by his parents William and Irene McGrain, Ida and George Facto and his beloved sister Margaret “Tillie” Duesler.

Calling hours will take place at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 20, 2015 from 2:00 PM -4:00 PM and 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 AM on Wednesday at St. Bernard’s Church. Burial will be in St. Bernard Cemetery in Saranac Lake in May.

Friends wishing to remember Bub may make memorial contributions to St. Bernard's School (to be used for a scholarship fund to assist with student’s tuition) in care of the funeral home. Family and friends can also share their memories and sign the online guestbook at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.