Obituary of Alan Roy McGarrity

Alan Roy McGarrity, world-class musician of all instruments, died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday April 26, 2022. He leaves behind his loving wife of 54 years, Karen Rydberg McGarrity, to whom he would often shout, “Honey, have you seen my <insert whatever was likely in his jacket pocket, or sitting on his head, or in his hand>?” He also leaves behind his loving daughter, Cheryl McGarrity Quaine who inherited his love of luggage and water bottles, and her husband Patrick Quaine who shared his same political view that everyone in politics is an idiot. Most importantly, he leaves behind his little buddy Alan John “AJ” Quaine -- his grandson, namesake, and jam session partner.

For those closest to him, you will likely always remember is fondness for bacon and his particular flair for ordering it burnt. For the famous Alan McGarrity Bacon Sandwich, you are invited to try white bread, mayonnaise, and burnt bacon in his honor. Then an antacid.

For all who knew him, he will either be remembered for his music, his easy smile, or his shenanigans. He could play any instrument (piano, trumpet, saxophone, bass guitar, stand-up bass, bagpipes, etc., etc., etc.). At any point in his life, he was a member of at least 4-6 bands from rock to Dixieland. Alan could do it all and do it well! No matter how badly he felt in the last few years, he would greet you with an easy smile and a genuine interest in your life. He found his joy in putting musical notes out into the world, watching others enjoy that music, and sharing that music with his grandson.

For the shenanigans, well, there is only so much space on the Internet. Alan is legendary for night time golf, running golf carts off into the woods, driving a Chicago Transit Authority bus down an alleyway because of a wrong turn, misreading a musical score in college and clashing cymbals during a quiet moment, being color blind and wearing 2 different colored and styled shoes to church leading to insufferable laughter in the pews, and so much more……

Alan McGarrity was a great man and had a great many friends. We are all going to miss him, his music, his easy smile, and his shenanigans.