Our world lost the brightest of lights on October 16, 2021 when Keenan Clark McNamara, 29, passed away. Keenan was a special soul on this Earth, and he illuminated the lives of everyone he met. Keenan had the purpose in life of serving people. He cherished his family and friends, and he gave to others as a mentor, through his sponsorship, as an EMT and a wildland firefighter. Keenan graduated Summa Cum Laude from Northern Arizona University with a B.S. in Biomedical Science, and he was so excited when he was accepted into medical school at the University of Arizona, College of Medicine-Phoenix, where he was a third-year medical student. He was at the top of his class. The medical school hosted a luncheon in Keenan’s honor after he passed and gave the students the day off. The family is so very grateful for this day, as we all grieved together and shared wonderful stories of Keenan’s triumphs, his antics and his joy. Keenan was admired and respected and beloved by his peers. He was going to begin his rotations in general surgery and was so looking forward to it.
Keenan was a natural athlete and excelled at every sport he participated in, baseball, soccer, golf, snowboarding, Lacrosse, fishing, you name it. He played a wicked Scrabble game, and he had a delightful, if not always reverent sense of humor, and his smile was a sight to behold. Keenan was respectful, compassionate with his words and actions and a kind and gentle man. He had a sympathetic ear, and a big and loving heart. Keenan was an inspiration for many, and a cheerleader in your corner. He was sincere and humble, and he possessed a special intellect. His accomplishments were hard-earned and immense.
Keenan is survived by his parents, Julie and Ted McNamara, his sister Flynn Cibik and brother-in law Fred, nieces Avery and Rowan, brother Kevin (Alex), the love of his life Sarah, and his hero, 3-legged Carbon. He is further survived by his Grandma Valerie McNamara (Tick Tock), and too-many-to-count loving aunts, uncles and cousins, brothers-in-spirit and countless other friends, and we all delighted in his smile and treasured his presence. We were blessed to have him, and he will be immeasurably missed by all his family, dear friends and so many people he has touched and helped over his brief lifetime.
Keenan had wisdom beyond his years and was strong and accountable. He radiated love. Keenan will live in our hearts forever.
Keenan’s Dad heard the song “Hold On To Memories” by Disturbed, for the first time on the day before Keenan passed. Have a seltz in honor of Keenan and listen to it. He’d chuckle at the band’s name, and he would tell you to:
So now go do the best things in life
Take a bite of this world while you can
Make the most of the rest of your life
Shine your light on this world while you can
Visitation will be from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm at St. Joan of Arc Church, 120 Nashotah Rd, Nashotah, WI 53058 on November 6, 2021. Funeral Mass and reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to New Freedom Foundation: https://www.paypal.me/NewFreedomFoundation
Sincerely,
Julie and Ted McNamara
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