Obituary of William (Bill) McNamara

McNamara, William (Bill) 1964-2020 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Bill McNamara on December 30, 2020. Bill is lovingly remembered by his mother Jeanette; siblings Joe (Margo), Trish (Andre) Lema, Sharon (Darren) Barnes and Marty (Darlene); nieces and nephews Allison, Egan (Crystal), Julia, Alexis, Rylee, Reese, Jessica, Jayden and great-niece Stella. Bill was predeceased by his father, Patrick McNamara. On Tuesday, January 12 at 11:00 a.m. a Private Funeral Mass will be celebrated with the family. To view a livestream of the service please visit http://www.stalbertparish.com/news/403-st-albert-parish-livestream Special thanks to Richard Durocher and the Select Rentals Team for their support, friendship and kindness over the years. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Matt Cook Foundation (Cancer Charity For Young Adults) https://www.mattcookfoundation.com/donate/ *************************************************************************************** Eulogy for Bill McNamara Bill was born on November 25, 1964 in Dawson Creek B.C to Patrick and Jeanette McNamara. He was predeceased by his father Patrick on Dec. 28, 2013 and is survived by his mother Jeanette and his siblings, Joe (Margo), Trish (Andre), Sharon (Darren) and Marty (Darlene). He was the third of five children. Our family moved from Dawson Creek, B.C. in the spring of 1971 to St. Albert, AB. Bill completed all 12 years of his education within the St. Albert Catholic School District and graduated in 1983 from St. Albert Catholic High School. During this time, he was active in sports and excelled in hockey, football and golf. Bill participated in his favorite activities with speed and passion. He spent many hours at the rink with his friends developing the hockey skills that later gave him the opportunity to play hockey for the St. Albert Merchants. He played hard, led by example and became a leader on the team. Being so close in age to my brother, we were classified as Irish Twins, meaning that we were born within 12 months of each other. We attended school together from grades 1-12. Fond memories include the early years in Dawson Creek. I could always count on my brother; he was there to make sure I had help when needed. I remember my brother rescuing me on his tricycle and racing away from the kids that were throwing rocks. During our school years, he was also the one that stood up for others that were being teased or picked on. In our teen years I remember being at a party and one of his fellow hockey friends approached me to talk. My brother was quick to intercept and send this young man on his way. Bill had always been a protector for me as well as for others in our younger years. Bill worked hard for his employers CN and Select Rentals. He was a caring individual who continued to help others throughout life. Bill was known to offer food or help to his neighbours and others he met throughout the day. He loved his family and he was especially proud of his nieces and nephews. As many of you know, my brother had his own challenges and difficulties that he was never able to overcome. Many times, throughout his life Bill relied on his family and friends to support him. He, as well as our family were very grateful for the kindness, support and encouragement offered to him. On behalf of my family, I would like to thank everyone for your thoughts, prayers and condolences. We have received many phone calls, emails, texts, cards and flowers. They have been comforting during this difficult time and also a reminder of the impact that Bill had on so many others. God comes to us through our encounters with others and the relationships we nurture throughout our lives. We trust in the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives to give us comfort now and to guide us and give us strength as we continue our own journeys through life. Bill, although you are no longer by our side, you are forever in our hearts. God bless you and may you rest in peace in the loving arms of God.