Obituary of Patrick Joseph McNamara

McNAMARA, Patrick Joseph

Passed peacefully with his family by his side at Guelph General Hospital on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at age 82. Loving husband of Laura Mabel (nee Holliday) for 58 years; dedicated father of Anne (Tim) LeBlanc and Sean (Tamara) McNamara; proud grandfather of Leo, Edward, Juliette and Chloe; and brother of the late David (Ann) McNamara and late Anne Lawrenson (Skip). Patrick will be deeply missed by all his extended family and friends.

Pat loved his adopted country, emigrating to Canada from Preston, England, in the 1960s. He married Laura in 1967 and settled in midtown Toronto to start a new life and family.  They lived in the same house for 30 years on Davisville Avenue and loved the neighbourhood and all that Toronto had to offer.

A skilled carpenter by trade, Pat enjoyed many other pursuits, in his younger days in the Lake District, going on long hikes and mountain climbing was his passion. He had a lifelong love of music, singing in the bass sections of many community and church choirs, from the Scarborough AOTS to Leaside United Church to the GWSA Silvertones. The Globe and Mail cryptic crossword was no match for Pat’s sharp intellect, and he often solved these puzzles on a daily basis.

Pat was an avid sports fan and stayed up-to-date on the scores and dramas from all major leagues. But it was the highs and lows of Manchester United, the Maple Leafs, the Bills and his beloved Blue Jays that brought him much joy - and sometimes sorrow. 

Entertaining and sharing laughs and amazing stories was Pat’s forte.  He loved nothing more than spending time with friends and family; especially those who reveled in his Irish wit and dry sense of humour.  

As we remember Pat, there’s a traditional Irish proverb that he used to recite – “May your glass be ever full. May the roof over your head be always strong. And may you be in heaven half an hour before the devil knows you're dead.”

It’s easy to imagine Pat enjoying that head start, sharing a laugh, a song, and perhaps a dram or two with new friends along the way.

As per Patrick’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial and celebration of Pat’s life will be held later in the year; more details will be announced closer to that time.

Donations in Patrick’s honour can be made to The Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Hamilton or Toronto chapters of The Ronald McDonald House would be sincerely appreciated by the family.