McNamara, Richard Thomas

Richard Thomas McNamara passed away suddenly on Wednesday, September 9, 2015 at home.  Born and raised on the family farm just outside of Stratford, Richard was well known for his knowledge and expertise in pedigree Holstein and Jersey cow husbandry.  Richard farmed for most of his life at 580 Mornington Street, Stratford.  He was involved with the Holstein Cattle Association as a buyer.  He also had a very keen interest in local history.  As recently as this summer, Richard has contributed to local township family histories.  He was an R.O.P. Tester of area dairy herds and in retirement Richard enjoyed delivering mail to his customers on Rural Routes until 2006.  He is predeceased by his wife, Marian (Cleland) in 2000, his parents Joseph and Camila, his sister Catherine and grandsons Jacob and Norman.  Richard will be deeply missed by his seven children and their families; Jane (John) Ottawa, Richard (Janice) Brechin, Dan (Marie) Stratford, Peter (Marlene) Stratford, Anne (St. Marys), David (Kitchener), and Mary (Milton); grandchildren Alex, Andrew, Jeremy, Dan, Michael, Bridget, Rachel, Shelley, Connor, Joseph, Dawn, Dylan, Evan and Jenna; and 6 great-grandchildren.  Richard will also be missed by his sister Mary O’Malley of Teeswater, brother-in-law Bill (Charlotte) Cleland of London and his many nieces and nephews.  He will be missed by his friends and colleagues in the dairy business and will be remembered fondly by all for his phenomenal memory and storytelling about Stratford and surrounding area history.  Friends and relatives are invited to call at the W.G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron Street, Stratford on Sunday, September 13 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm.  Parish prayers will be held at 6:45 p.m.  The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 96 Huron Street, Stratford on Monday, September 14 at 12 noon followed by interment in Avondale Cemetery, 4 Avondale Ave.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation through the funeral home.  519.271.7411  www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com