Obituary of John M. McNamara

The death of John M. (Jack) McNamara, of 41 Barbara Crescent, Saint John East, husband of the late Madeline M. (Gallant) McNamara, occurred peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Wednesday, April 14, 2004 at the Saint John Regional Hospital, following a period of failing health. Jack was born in Saint John, a son of the late Frederick and Alice (O'Leary) McNamara. Jack was a lifelong resident of Saint John. He was formerly employed with and had managed Kirk Brothers Oil Service, for many years, and was employed with Fundy Energy before his retirement. Jack was a tireless Community volunteer, he was past chairman of the Citizen Committee that operated Forum Skating and Hockey Rink 1950-1954, Saint John District Credit Union Chapter, Past President of St. Peter's C.Y.O., St. Peter's Credit Union, St. Peter's Parish Council, North End Little League, Parkinson Society of Canada (Saint John Chapter) and was presently Co-Chairman of the Parkinson Foundation of Canada (Saint John Chapter), the Irish Canadian Cultural Society, St. Patrick's Day Committee, Belfast Children's Vacation Fund Committee, St. Peter's Non Profit Senior Citizen Housing Inc, past Chairman and current board member and executive Committee of the Cherry Brook Zoo, Rockwood Park Advisory Board, Past Chairman, Tenant Selection and Management St. Peter's Non Profit Senior Citizen Housing Inc. and was Secretary of Catholic Community Club. He was a member of the Volunteer Bureau, the Maritime Commercial Travelers Association, the United Commercial Travelers Association and St. Peter's Finance and Property Committee. Jack Volunteered with Ridgewood Alcohol and Dependency Rehabilitation Center and the Saint John Volunteer Bureau. Jack was a former Manager of the St. Peter's Credit Union and had canvassed for the Canadian Cancer Society. He was an Honorary life member of the Irish Canadian Cultural Association and the Parkinson Society of Canada (Saint John Chapter) and was 1st President of Happy Hearts Support Group, affiliated with the Saint John Regional Hospital Cardiac Rehab Program. Jack was a proud 54 year member of AA and a life long active member and Usher of St. Peter's Parish. He was a loving father and grandfather and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his children, Brian F., John P. (Donna), Beth (Paul) Creary and Ann (Bob) Glynn, all of Saint John; one sister, Marie McNulty of Saint John; two brothers, Paul (Norma) of British Columbia, and Bernard (Rose) of Saint John; grandchildren, Connie Leigh, Brianne, Jeremy, Marlee, Holly and Jody McNamara, Mary Ellen, Paula and Michael Creary and Amy and Laura Glynn several nieces and nephews and special friend, Anita Bradbury. He was predeceased by one sister, Betty Henderson, one brother, Joseph, and brother-in-law, Walter McNulty. Resting at Brenan's Select Community Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, (634-7424), with visiting on Thursday and Friday from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Peter's Church, Clarenedon Street, Saint John on Saturday, April 17, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. Interment in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Remembrances may be made to the Parkinson Society of Canada, Heart and Stroke Foundation of New Brunswick, or the charity of the donor's choice. “I never had a bad day”