Obituary
With heavy hearts, the family of Joseph (Joe) McClure announce his passing on July 17, 2022 at the age of 78 years. Left to mourn his passing is Fran, his loving wife of 44 years and her children; Lynn (Ray) and Robert (Saundra). “Papa Joe” as he was fondly known, will be deeply missed by his beloved grandchildren Niall (Brittany), Hannah (Brandon), Erin (Derek); and great-grandchildren Thatcher, Parker, and Rory.
Predeceased by his parents, James and Annie McClure; five brothers and four sisters. Joe is survived by his sister Kathleen, sisters-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews in Ireland and the U.K.
Born and raised in Dublin, Ireland, Joe immigrated to Canada with Fran in 1977. An auto mechanic by trade, Joe served his apprenticeship in Dublin with his friend George Boland and worked alongside George when they both came to Calgary.
Joe continued his career with the City of Calgary before opening his own auto repair shop for some years and eventually with the Calgary Board of Education Highfield, until his retirement at age 60.
Joe loved to travel, taking many trips with Fran in the USA, Europe, South America, and Canada. He spoke fondly of their drive across Canada to Newfoundland and north to Alaska. Joe enjoyed horseback riding with his friends Chris and Don while camping in the Water Valley area over many years.
As a long-standing member and valued volunteer of the Irish Cultural Society (ICS), Joe was a regular attendee at social functions, even taking on a few acting roles in their amateur plays. The role he was most proud of and well known for was that of Mascot for the ICS during the Variety of Nations festival. Joe was delighted to be the resident Leprechaun, always dapper in full costume, he was a great ambassador for the ICS.
Joe’s hobby was restoring vintage British cars. His greatest find was a 1948 Willie’s Jeep purchased from a farmer’s field in the U.S., which he fully restored and used for off-roading in the Foothills, helping with the cattle in Water Valley.
Joe’s passing leaves a huge void in the lives of those he loved. Always young at heart, he had an infectious joy for life and filled his family’s life with love.
The family extends a special thanks to the staff at Age Care Glenmore for their care and kindness during Joe’s long illness.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Gerard’s Catholic Church (8944 Elbow Drive SW Calgary) on Friday July 22, 2022 at 11:00am. Graveside Service to follow at Mountain View Cemetery.
Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Joe McClure’s service livestreamed* on the day of the service.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Joseph (Joe) McClure, please visit our floral store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Joseph Joe McClure January 28 1944 July 17 2022 (age 78)..
Death notice for the town of: Calgary, Province: Alberta