Hugh Joseph “Joe” McNamer passed away in Missoula, Mt, on July 11, 2024 due to an apparent heart attack at his residence. He was 67 years old.
Joe was born on August 7, 1956, in Conrad, Mt, as the youngest of Hugh and Patricia McNamer’s five children. The family relocated to Cut Bank at the end of 1960, and Joe completed his education at public schools there, graduating from Cut Bank High School in 1974. He excelled as a cross-country runner and had skills in horseback riding and skiing.
He pursued higher education at the University of Montana and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology from Southern Oregon State College in 1983.
His professional career largely revolved around aviation, starting with aircraft maintenance services in Phoenix, AZ, and later transitioning to being a weather observer at various airports from 1996 to 2015. In 2016, he moved to Missoula to be closer to family and worked at the Cracker Barrel restaurant after retiring in 2002. He found joy in the company of his colleagues and gained friendships with his fellow tenants at aspen Place.
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Joe was a gentle and inquisitive individual, maintaining a lifelong interest in history, human behavior, and the future. He had a remarkable memory for specific topics like the U.S. space program and significant dates and individuals that fascinated him throughout his life.
He is survived by his sisters: Megan McNamer (John Carter), Kate Gadbow (Daryl Gadbow), and Deirdre McNamer; niece, Alison Gadbow (Jason McMackin); nephews: Grady Gadbow (Betty Gadbow), Patrick Carter, and Willy Carter; and grand-nephew, Wells McMackin.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Burke; parents: Hugh and Patricia; and brother-in-law, Bryan di Salvatore.
Cremation has been conducted, and his ashes will be laid to rest at a family burial plot in Shelby, facing the Sweet Grass Hills.
The arrangements are being handled by Sunset Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory in Missoula.
