Kevin Patrick McNamara

Kevin Patrick McNamara passed away on December 6th, 2022, at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital after a battle with cancer at the age of 53. Kevin was born on November 21st, 1969, in Perth Amboy, NJ. He is survived by many close loved ones. His two sons, James and William McNamara reside in Golden, Colorado. His two brothers, Derek, and Douglas, who live in Hood River, Oregon, and his father, Gale, who also resides in Hood River. Kevin has a nephew Riley McNamara, also in Hood River, and many cousins throughout the country. His partner Stephanie Faren resides in Louisville, Colorado with her son and daughter, Tommy and Katie, who Kevin was a stepfather to.

Kevin loved his family and his two sons most of all. He worked to share his knowledge and passions and provide a good life for them. Kevin loved spending time with all his family. He would always travel to see his family and be with them. His times with his family, particularly his sons, were his most treasured memories.

Kevin was a friend to all who knew him, with an infectious personality that warmed those who met him immediately. Kevin could start a conversation with anyone, relating to them on a personal level, and as a result, he made many deep connections throughout his life. He was often the life of the party, whether it be telling stories or playing his guitar; Kevin was the center of many gatherings, with his enthusiasm and zest for life.

He also knew and loved many canines in life. Companions of all sizes, shapes, pedigrees, and temperaments. He rescued and adopted dogs throughout his life and brought them on adventures with his family and friends. Whether he was running, backpacking, skiing, or surveying, hounds always had a special place in Kevin’s life. He would light up at the sight of any dog, especially a Beagle.

Kevin was a geographer at heart; he was deeply interested in the natural world, having studied Physical Geography at the State University of New York and the University of Wyoming. He was curious about many things and researched the world, from archeology to politics, climate, and the physical world. He made a lifelong friendship with a Professor at his school. 

Professionally, he ended up being a Software Engineer, developing software to support the Utility industry. After a few years, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to start his own company. He brought his brothers into his company to work with him, providing a working environment for his disabled brother. Kevin led his brothers into the software field, imparting knowledge, and his spirit. Kevin's entrepreneurial spirit was also infectious and led to his other brother, Derek, starting his own company. They worked together for each other's companies throughout the years, and Kevin was always a counselor to Derek in business and technical issues.

Kevin also loved travel, the physical geography and climates of different places, and the varied people found throughout the world. He traveled throughout North and South America, from Prudhoe Bay in Alaska to Tierra del Fuego in South America. Any trip with Kevin was an adventure; you never knew where it would take you or when you would return. There was always a new road to see, a new mountain or ridge to climb to see what was over the horizon. He took the path less traveled.

In his travels in Alaska, working in the fishing industry, it was not enough to drive from New Jersey to Alaska. After several weeks along the coast, he started hearing of adventures in the arctic. He got the car ready, and started traveling, in a Dodge Colt, the Dalton Highway to Prudhoe Bay, looking for employment in the oil fields. To say this was an unusual site along this highway, and to see a Dodge Colt show up in Prudhoe Bay, does not adequately portray the situation. Nonetheless, his gumption quickly resulted in the procurement of a job, working in a supply store for the rest of the summer, and driving forklifts.

However, Kevin's heart was always in the hills of New England. He spent many hours in the New England Woods, lakes, and rivers. He spent many summers when young picking blueberries, and apples in the fall, as a job. He hiked from Vermont to New Hampshire, climbed many High Peaks, and paddled the waters. He loved the New Englanders, their stories, and their character.

Kevin lived a remarkable life, and he left us too soon. He touched many lives during his time. We will miss Kevin and remember the joy he brought into the world. His personality and spirit will endure in all those he knew and loved. He wished to be remembered with levity, for friends to recall adventures they had and times they laughed together, for music to brighten the spirits that join him in celebration.

His Celebration of Life will be held at 10am on December 17th at The Church Ranch Table Mountain Meetings and Events Center at 16035 Table Mountain Parkway, Golden, CO 80403. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Aplastic Anemia, MDS Foundation: https://www.aamds.org

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