With sorrow in our hearts, we must share the sudden death of our father, Patrick McNamara.

On Thursday August 20th on a painfully beautiful morning here on our land in Nova Scotia, his heart stopped beating and his soul slipped peacefully from his body.

At 72 years old, he was still a strong and capable man. In the days before his death, he'd been working in the bush here, clearing trails through to the pond, for his grand-daughters to play. He died among wildflowers and under a clear blue sky - no pain, no fear, no fuss. Exactly where and how he would have wanted to go. 

Although we are grieving, it is easy to see the beauty in his death and to be grateful for all the time we had together. 

My Dad was a writer, a wanderer, an artist, a story-teller, a teacher, a builder, a sports fan, a history buff, an inventor, a music-lover, an activist, a dreamer, a schemer, a fighter, and a gentle old bear. 

He loved bluegrass music, old western movies, nature walks, puzzles, Rickard's Red on tap, going fishing, peanut butter sandwiches, bears, collecting sticks, carving sticks, giving people sticks. Fingerless work gloves, lupines, fixing toys, draft horses, and finding the first blossom in spring.  Ma's cookies, live music, teasing, chainsaw-ing, math problems, bird-watching, and a hard day's labour to look back on. 

My Dad cherished the memories of his parents, Linus and Marie, and spoke of them both often. He loved my sister Melanie and I, his son-in-law Simon, and of course his two grand-daughters, Bijou and Remi. There was never a more devoted Grampsy than he was. 

We needed more time together, even though we were together every day. 

It will be easy to remember him and feel his spirit here. His work and love are everywhere you look, and we are so grateful that he found peace and purpose for his final years. 

Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of Kaulbach Family Funeral Home in Bridgetown, NS.  Following Pat’s wishes, there will no public visitation or funeral service.

A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to the McNamara family may be made through the link provided below. 

https://gofund.me/53a18107b