“Everyone is afraid of dying, until you lose a child… then you’re afraid of living.”

Those words have taken hold of Lilian McGrath, who just laid her five-year-old son, Bryson, to rest.

After 1,027 days of courage, laughter, pain, and unshakable spirit, Bryson gained his wings — but not before showing the world what it means to fight with joy in your heart.

Bryson Scott McGrath, lovingly known as “Goose” or “Goosie,” passed away peacefully in the arms of his family on September 26, 2025.
Though his time on this earth was heartbreakingly short, the joy, love, and light he brought into the world will ripple through eternity.

Goose was the silliest (and sometimes scariest) goose in the pond.
His personality was as colorful as his vocabulary, and his sense of humor often surprised adults around him.
He was vibrant, his antics unforgettable, and his heart pure gold. 

Bryson’s spirit was larger than life.
He loved trains — especially Thomas and Friends — and could spend hours building endless tracks with his beloved Dada.
SpongeBob was another favorite, and he never missed a chance to laugh at the nonsense of his underwater friends.

He had the soul of a performer, and a heart that beat in rhythm with music.
Bryson loved to sing and dance, often putting on shows for anyone lucky enough to be near.

His playlist was as unique as he was: from “Pink Pony Club” to “Chop Suey,” every song became his stage.

Food was another great love in Bryson’s world.
He delighted in steak quesadillas, Spanish rice with refried beans, spaghetti, and Caesar salad.

But nothing rivaled his passion for “white milk,” a request he never asked but demanded.
Bryson was most at peace at home, in the comfort of pajamas and soft blankets.

He cherished going to baseball games and became the world’s biggest Dodgers fan thanks to Shohei Ohtani.

He also loved playing Roblox and Minecraft with his “bro,” laughing and creating together in the digital world.

To know Bryson was to know joy.

His smile was magic, his laughter was music, and his tender heart left an imprint on everyone, even those he never met.
Even in the face of illness, he showed a strength and courage that humbled those around him.

He is survived by his devoted parents, Lily and Sebastian McGrath, and his loving big brother, Paxton.
His memory will forever be cherished by grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Though he was preceded in death by several family members, his spirit lives on in the hearts of all who loved him.

A Celebration of Bryson’s Life was held on October 12, 2025, inviting family and friends to share memories, favorite foods, and the joy he brought to everyone.

In honor of his bright spirit, guests were asked to wear gold, yellow, or any bright color reminiscent of Bryson’s joy and the awareness of childhood cancer.

In lieu of flowers, donations were encouraged to pediatric cancer organizations and research initiatives, supporting other children facing similar battles, ensuring that no family has to endure this heartbreak alone.

Bryson’s story is not measured in years, but in impact.
Even the smallest life can leave the largest legacy of love.

Every train whistle, every song, every silly moment continues to shine brightly in the lives of all who had the privilege to know him.

He taught the world courage, joy, and the purest love a child can offer.

Though gone too soon, Bryson’s spirit continues to guide, inspire, and fill hearts with hope.
His life reminds us to cherish every moment, to love fiercely, and to live fully in the face of adversity.

Bryson McGrath will be profoundly missed, but never forgotten.
Every memory of him — his laughter, his antics, his tender heart — is a gift that lives on.