We Remember
McNAMARA, Joseph Thomas
July 19, 1942 — June 26, 2024
Joe McNamara passed away peacefully on June 26, 2024. He is survived by his beautiful wife of 54 years, Beverly; his daughters Aileen (Mike) Pearce, Bridget (Steve) Smit, Katy (Henrik) Drago, and Meghan McNamara (Nathan McCully); grandchildren Breanna Payne, Thomas Payne, Brayden Smit, Ethan Smit, Emma Drago, Austin McCully, and Brinley McCully; and his brother Daniel McNamara. He was predeceased by his daughter Mary McNamara, grandson Liam Payne, and brother Francis McNamara.
Born in St. Patrick’s Parish, Wigan, UK, on July 19, 1942, Joe emigrated to Canada in June 1965 to join his brother Frank, who had immigrated the previous year. In July 1967, in Terrace, BC, he met the love of his life, Beverly Anne Curtis.
Joe was deeply involved in the Catholic community and engaged in numerous charitable endeavors. He was also the lead singer of the Irish traditional music group “Ceol na heireann”. His passion for world travel, especially beach vacations in places like Aruba, was a highlight of his life, cherished alongside his wife on their yearly getaways.
A lover of Guinness, which he humorously referred to as “medically-approved” by his doctor, Joe enjoyed his favourite drink until the end. He was a fixture at the local pub, where he could be found enjoying sports, especially hockey and REAL football. Joe was also a lifelong supporter of the Wigan Rugby League Football Club.
Quick-witted, funny, loyal, and the life of the party, Joe McNamara will be remembered as a devoted husband, an immensely supportive father and grandfather, a fantastic friend, and a cherished member of his community.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2024, at 10:30 AM (PDT), at ST. CHARLES GARNIER PARISH, 3645 Benvoulin Rd, Kelowna, BC. A private interment for the family will be at Immaculate Conception Cemetery following the service. A public reception will be held at St. Charles Garnier Parish. If you are unable to attend the in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
LIVESTREAM:
Service
Thursday, July 11, 2024, at 10:30 am
Location
St. Charles Garnier Parish, 3645 Benvoulin Rd, Kelowna, BC
Share with Others:
Canadian Cancer Society Link: www.cancer.ca/en/
Service Information
Service Details
The service for McNAMARA, Joseph Thomas is scheduled for Thursday, July 11, 2024, at 10:30 am. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
St. Charles Garnier Parish, 3645 Benvoulin Rd, Kelowna, BC
3645 Benvoulin Rd, Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
My heartfelt condolences go out to Bev and family. Although I had not seen Joe for a while, I considered him a very dear friend. We shared many a laugh and song. Rest in Peace dear “Mr. Gill” and I hope there’s a Guinness waiting for you in Heaven. ❤️
So sorry Katie and family
Larry and Stacey
Aileen, Bridget, Katy, Megan and families,
Our deepest sympathy on the passing of your Dad. He was one of the first connections we made with the Irish Community here in Kelowna, even before we moved here, as I met him at the Nissan Dealership. He was indeed a pillar of this community, especially the Irish diaspora. We fondly remember one celebratory event at our house, where we finally turned off the lights to gently remind Joe the party was over!.
Joe’s faith, through this illness, was an inspiration and I especially treasure an evening spent at McCulloughs with him just two weeks ago and yes indeed we shared some good medicine.
No doubt he is now serenading the heavens with his magnificent singing of “The Fields of Athenry” and “Pat Sweeney”.
Ar Dheis Dea go raibh a hAnam Dilis.
Sorry we will not be able to attend the funeral as we are out of country on that date. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this sad time.
Dear Joe’s family our heartfelt condolences go out to you all. Joe was one on a kind and a special part of and supporter of the Okanagan Irish Society Family.. Rest in Peace Joe and know that you will be missed. Have a Guinness on me.
Vincent Sherry, President Okanagan Irish Society.
I am so sorry to read of your Dad’s passing, Aileen. My sincerest condolences to you and the rest of your family at this very difficult time. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything, or just a shoulder to lean on.
Our sincere condolences to all of Joe’s family on the occasion of Joe’s passing. You will be greatly missed by family and friends alike. We treasure the times we spent together in the many gatherings of Ceol na hEireann. Rest in peace.
Dear Bridget, we are sorry for your lost. Our condoleances. Take good care of yourselve, Steve and kids in this very inconvenient time.
Lots of love, Gert-Jan en Maud
Aileen, Bridget, Katy and Megan,
Our deepest condolences to each of you and your families on your dad’s passing. Praying for you in this time.
love and hugs -Lisa
Dear Bev, Aileen, Bridget, Katy and Meghan….I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your
husband and father. I knew Joe through Ceol na hEireann. I have so many fond memories of him and Bev at all our practices and performances. I remember his wonderful voice and I’m so glad I have the CD so will always be able to listen to him singing Fields of Athenry. I hope all your memories will comfort you in the days ahead.
Sending my condolences to Bev & Family .
We will always remember Joe with his beautiful smile and his friendliness and send you warm thoughts and hugs.
With sympathy Gary and Barbara Dickinson
Remembering Joe and his warm smile and friendliness With sympathy Barb and Gary Dickinson