Funeral Expenses - McNamara Family

Ian McNamara died last week during an accident involving a brushfire. For those of you who knew Ian from our school days, you probably remember him as a quiet and thoughtful boy, who went out his way to be kind to others and was one of the most amiable people you've ever met. For those of you who knew him a little better, you knew that he was a tenacious debater and was compelled to search and find the answers to life's questions. He loved his Catholic faith and because of this love, he often would challenge his beliefs in an effort to understand the greater mysteries. Ian wasn't content with accepting things as they are, and his love of learning was apparent from both a faith and an academic standpoint. Ian's ability to think abstractly and see multiple perspectives made him both a delight and (at times) a frustration to talk with. In the middle of an argument he might stop and challenge you on the composition of the English language, questioning why/how our words have meaning, therefore making any response you could make be interpreted as nothing more than intoned escaping air. Or, he might listen politely to your line of inquiry and then challenge you to question your own line of questions. Demanding (in his quiet, sometimes almost-apologetic way) that you think about not just WHAT you are saying, but WHY you are saying it (or anything at all). Ian was also a true MN woodsmen. He seemed to find great solace spending long periods of time in solitude deep in the woods, was a devoted local environmentalist, and would lead groups on nature hikes in various parts of the U.S. One lovely quirk of his was that when he wanted to hang out, he would suggest meeting up in some outside environment; like an island in a nearby lake, or at a certain mile-marker on the Paul Bunyan Trail, or a park, rather than at a coffee shop or someone's house.

I apologize, I realize my penchant for rambling has manifested itself, I will summarize by saying that Ian is missed. Ian is loved. And Ian will be remembered. Please continue to pray for his soul and for his parents and siblings who bear the largest burden of our shared grief.

All the money raised will go to the McNamara family to offset funeral expenses or other expenses accrued during this time period. I will also include an option to offer a Mass on behalf of Ian's soul (https://forms.shrineofdivinemercy.org/mass/form.php) and here is a Catholic Environmental Group, specifically looking to combat climate change (https://catholicclimatecovenant.org/donate). If you'd like mail something to them here is their address (please no visitors at this time); 692017th Ave SW, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472