Greg McPartlin joined the esteemed company of other San Diegans, including Jonas Salk, Sally Ride, Chester Nimitz, Juan Cabrillo, and important members of Coronado’s history like Vice Admiral James Stockdale and John D. Spreckels this week when Old Town Trolley Tours named one of their 27 trolleys in his honor.
A man of many facets, Greg McPartlin was a Navy Corpsman who served his country with the marines and then as a Navy SEAL, a minister, a realtor, a businessman, a devoted father, grandfather, and all-around generous individual, to name just a few hats that Greg wore throughout his lifetime. He opened McP’s Irish Pub in 1982 and it quickly became a Coronado haven for veterans and locals.
John Lindsey, Old Town Trolley Head Conductor, said that Greg was selected because he had a rich history of giving back to his community and his country. “That giving spirit left its mark on Coronado, San Diego, and even us here at Old Town Trolley. We wished to express our thanks to Greg, the McPartlin family, and the extended family at McP’s by naming one of our trolleys after him.” Jon Laws, a Coronado native and Conductor, said, “Greg was instrumental in getting the Old Town Trolley to have a stop in front of McP’s Irish Pub nearly twenty years ago. As we pull into the McP’s Coronado stop, we tell that story of McP’s and Greg, who is a recognized pillar of the community and the military.”
The ribbon cutting was performed by Mayor Richard Bailey, Holly McPartlin, and family and friends. Greg’s daughter Jessica said, “It’s an honor to carry on our Dad’s legacy. He would have loved this.” His wife Holly said he helped distinguish himself with his ongoing commitment to veterans by hosting monthly luncheons and as an advocate for the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). She also pointed out that he was involved with many community projects including the Chamber of Commerce, Concerts in the Park, MainStreet, the Midway Museum, and moving the Baby Del, to name a few. “He was also proud of being a minister and often performed weddings on the patio at McP’s. He was most proud of the marriages that lasted,” she laughed.
Old Town Trolley Tours are a popular tourist attraction with nearly 600 riders each day, accounting for 250 million guests each year. Lindsey said Coronado is the most popular stop for guest satisfaction. McPartlin passed away in November 2018 but he will have a continuous place in Coronado’s history as the trolley named after him participates in the annual Fourth of July parade and other military events.
