Mike McNear

Michael Allen McNear, forever loved husband of Brenda (Brown) McNear and father of Jodi Hartford (Calvin) passed away peacefully on Sunday April 24, 2016. Mike was born on November 18, 1957; the year that Gordie Howe of the Detroit Red Wings was recognized as being the Most Valuable Player in the NHL and the Milwaukee Braves won the 1957 World Series.  He lived his life being a sports fan, especially of hockey and baseball in both the major leagues and locally as he played on many teams over the years and he was a huge fan of the Blenheim Blades.

Mike was a great guy. Not only was he a loving husband and an outstanding father, but he was an awesome son to his late parents Buck & Dorisann McNear and an awesome brother to Mark McNear (Debbie Wardell), Mickey McNear and the late Matthew McNear.  He will be remembered as a great son in law by Loretta Brown and Vern & Cathy Brown, a great brother in law by Deb Pinsonneault (Dan Ball), Shelley Brown (Chuck Howard), Jim Brown (Bobbi) and Bob Brown (Kit).  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Mike was a long time employee of Dajcor Aluminum in Chatham where he was able to share his dry sense of humor and opinions on what mattered most in life (sports) for over forty years. In his spare time he enjoyed sitting in his garage with friends, discussing whether the Kansas City Royals and the Chicago Blackhawks were worthy of their 2015 titles, listening to the radio and cracking the top off a cold beer.  He enjoyed destinations far and wide travelled with friends, always appreciating their good company and bad jokes.  Through his journey with cancer, Mike always remained positive and treasured the time he was able to share with Brenda, Jodi & Calvin, family and friends.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday April 27, 2016 where visitation will be held from 1 – 4 & 6 – 9 p.m. Cremation will follow.  A public graveside service for Mike will be held at Evergreen Cemetery the following Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.  Friends are welcome to gather at the Legion Chapel at Evergreen Cemetery and at the Blenheim Legion following the service for lunch.

Given Mike’s admiration for the Blenheim Blades, it was his wish that friends wishing to remember him with a memorial donation would consider them or another charity of your choice.