Obituary of Bernard Gordon McNamara
With heavy hearts, the family of Bernard Gordon (Bernie) McNamara, beloved husband of Marie Rose (Rose) McNamara, announce his passing on Friday August 2, 2024 at the Saint John Regional Hospital.
Bernie was born on January 13, 1935 at his parents' home on Chesley Street in Saint John NB, and lived 57 years on Golden Grove Road.
As a youngster, Bernie spent time with his father, uncles and siblings in the family’s wood business. Later he worked at Lantic Sugar Refinery where he met the love of his life, Rose. In 1960, they were married. In 1974, Dad started working as a Millwright at Irving paper, until his retirement in 1991.
Bernie was a jack of all trades and could usually be found fixing or building things for family or friends. He was always happy to be the go-to guy for maintenance and repairs. From carpentry and plumbing, to landscaping, Bernie could do it all.
Bernie was active in his community, participating in a variety of volunteer activities. He was a member of the St. Ann’s Church, Knights of Columbus and United Commercial Travellers for many years. He enjoyed travelling, playing cards, and getting together with family and friends.
Despite his recent illness, Bernie never lost his sense of humour. He kept us all entertained right up until the end. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Bernie is lovingly remembered by his wife Rose, his 6 children Nancy McNamara (Bill Walmsley) of Newcastle ON, Kathleen McNamara of Saint John NB, Mike McNamara (Lynn) of Rothesay NB, Debbie McNamara (Donald Legere) of Fredericton NB, Susan Barazzutti (Michael) of Calgary AB,Terry McNamara of Saint John, his 12 grandchildren Clinton Upham (Lorisa) of Grande Prairie AB, Cortney Anderson (Brent) of Cumberland BC, Carrie Upham of Victoria BC, Natasha Gray (Mike) of Middle Sackville NS, Joey Marchand (Leah) of Bible Hill NS, Amanda Marchand of Oromocto NB, Chris McNamara (Amy Brown) of Calgary AB, Chelsea Blain (Matt) of Quispamsis NB, Kira Wassler (Faisal Tauqir) of Pickering ON, Lana Wassler of Whitby ON, Sarah and Jonathan Barazzutti of Calgary AB, his 15 great-grandchildren, his special niece Mary Ellen Martin (Bert) of Rothesay NB, his sister in law Norma McNamara of Delta BC, his cousin Gertrude Therien of Fredericton NB, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bernie was predeceased by his parents Frederick and Alice (O’Leary) McNamara, his foster sister Lillian Shonaman, his siblings Marie McNulty (Walter), Jack McNamara (Madelaine), Joseph McNamara, Betty Henderson (Mark), Paul McNamara of Delta BC, and his special son-in-law Gary Vincent.
Resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (506-634-7424), where visiting will be held on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from St. Ann’s Church, 135 Simpson Drive, Saint John, on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at 12:00 Noon. Interment will take place in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Golden Grove. Reception to follow at Brenan’s Funeral Home.
For those who wish, remembrances to Heart and Stroke Foundation or a donation of your choice may be placed at www.BrenansFH.com.
