Matthew Ward Mcgregor

Matthew Ward McGregor, 90, of Storrs beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away Wednesday, November 24th at home surrounded by his loving family. Matthew was born on October 15th, 1920 to John and Margaret McGregor in Montreal, Quebec, the last of eight children. His family immigrated to Detroit, Michigan when he was four where he became a naturalized citizen. Matthew grew up in Detroit during the Great Depression and in his childhood endured many hardships that would foster great strength, fierce determination and a true appreciation for the love of life. He remained in Detroit until after he graduated high school and worked briefly as a truck driver before joining the Navy in 1942 as part of WWII. He served as a Radioman first class aboard the Destroyer USS Roe and was involved the Asiatic Pacific campaign, European African Middle Eastern campaign, American campaign, Iwo Jima, Guam, and the Sea of Japan. Upon his honorable discharge in 1945 he took advantage of the GI bill and attended the University of Michigan and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in English Literature. He used his education and life experience to pursue a career as writer, poet and journalist. Matt met the love of his life, Patricia Jean Ingham in Larchmont, New York in 1956 and they were married in Selinsgrove, PA on September 21st, 1957. Matthew and Patricia spent the first years of their marriage traveling to Arizona, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Alabama before settling in Connecticut. In 1960, Patricia was awarded a Fulbright to teach in Devonshire, England. During this time Matt and Pat explored all Europe had to offer for a young married couple who were full of life and love. Upon their return to the United States, Matt and Pat settled in Storrs, CT where they would make their home for more than 30 years. Matt spent his life as a writer and journalist. He was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize in the 1960's and became a published author in 1969 for the short story titled "Pork Chops, Whiskey and Ice Cream". In addition, in 1969 Matt and Pat completed their family with the addition of their beloved daughter, Margaret. Throughout his life Matt worked as a journalist for several newspapers including the Norwalk Hour, Hartford Times and finally The Chronicle. Matt was a volunteer for the Salvation Army, a member of the Veteran's for Peace, and an avid Detroit Red Wings fan. On September 25th of this year Dad was honored for his service in WWII by the wonderful people involved with the American Warrior Project and was able to travel to Washington DC - we his family are very grateful to all those who made this special day possible. Matt lived his life to the fullest at every moment. He laughed, loved and lived with all his heart each and every day of his life. He loved writing, art, music and especially dancing with any pretty lady, young or old, who would take his hand. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Matt was married to his wife Patricia for 52 years, and for many of those years Patricia cared for her free-spirited, fun loving husband with unending love and patience. Matt returned the favor during the last 10 years of her life when she became ill, caring for her with incredible tenderness, loyalty and unwavering devotion; his goal always being to bring joy to her heart each and every day. Matthew was predeceased by his wife Patricia in May of 2009. Matt spent the last seven years of his life living with his daughter Margaret Christopher and his beloved granddaughter Danielle Christopher. Danielle was the light of his life, the joy of his heart and his greatest pride. His sense of humor, free spirit, fierce will, sheer determination and love of life will forever remain an inspiration for all who knew him. He lived each day with a song in his heart and a twinkle in his eye - he left all who knew him better for having him in their lives. It is with great sorrow we bid him goodbye but we also have great joy for having had the privilege of calling him Dad, Grandpa and friend. Matt's family would like to express our thanks to Dr. Michael Kilgannon and his staff; the wonderful nurses and staff at VNA East hospice. You all treated Dad with kindness, concern, respect and dignity - the care and support you provided allowed us to give Dad comfort and peace. These are gifts for which we shall be eternally grateful. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Matthew's honor to: American Warrior, PO Box 337, 35 Main St., Versailles, CT, 06383. All services will be private. For online memorial guestbook, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com .