Michael "Mick" Edward McNamara Obituary (1953 - 2016)

Michael "Mick" Edward McNamara, 63, died October 13, 2016, after a courageous battle with heart disease, surrounded by his wife and children. He was born June 21, 1953, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, to Lucille Martin and Edward McNamara. Mick was the third born of six siblings: Linda, Thomas, Sharon, Carrie, and Mark. He married Annette Thomas on September 11, 1980. Mick graduated from Eastern High School and owned and operated businesses in Lansing: Fresh Pack Produce and K & M Mexican Foods. He was an entrepreneur with integrity and was known for his kindness, humor and charisma. Mick's proudest accomplishment was his family and the servant heart he taught by example. Mick volunteered with the Big Brother mentorship program, provided rides and assistance to fellow churchgoers and even took in a homeless man, Otis, and made him a part of the family. This servant hearted leadership led his three children to careers in public service: a police officer, respiratory therapist, and firefighter/paramedic, who also chose for their spouses nurses and a firefighter/paramedic. Mick enjoyed the last few months watching his grandchildren swim in the pool, having campfires on the patio, having dinner with his favorite Uncle Jerry Kincaid, and watching Gunsmoke with his longtime friend, Terry Riley. His wife, Annette, was tireless in her love, support, perseverance and vigilance in refusing to accept anything but the best care during his illness. The very best care was provided by Dr. Ibrahim Shah, Dr. Michael Dickinson and his team at the Richard DeVos Heart & Lung Transplant Program, and Dr. Shyam Bhupalam and his team at the Fresenius Kidney Care Center in East Lansing. Mick is survived by his wife and one true love, Annette; mother, Lucille; son and daughter-in-law Shawn-Michael and Christine, their children Aidan and Taylor; son and daughter-in-law Ryan and Theresa, their children Luke, Hudson and 3-week old Evy; daughter and son-in-law Sarah and Steve VanDyk, and their son Nolan Michael. He is also survived by siblings Linda (Mario) Pascotto, Tom (Terry) McNamara, Sharon McNamara (Terry Maag), Carrie (David) Muylle, and Mark (Rebecca) McNamara and many beloved nieces and nephews. Visitation will take place on Saturday, October 22, immediately before the service, from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m., at Olivet Baptist Church, 5455 West Willoughby Road, Lansing. Service will take place at 11:00 a.m., with burial immediately following at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Donations can be made to the family and will be dispersed to the Richard DeVos Heart Transplant Center, specifically for patient assistance and services and the Spectrum Renucci Hospitality House in Grand Rapids. To share memories and condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com