Obituary of Rufus MCNAMARA

Rufus Edward (Bob) McNamaraJanuary 30, 1918-January 17, 2011Bob was born January 30, 1918 in Crescent City, CA to Eva and Tom McNamara. He passed away January 17, 2011 at the age of 92 in the comfort of his home in Lake Havasu City Arizona with his family by his side.Bob is survived by his childhood sweetheart and loving wife of 72years Ruby Jeanne; his son Tom and wife Shirley of Orick CA; Grandson, Ryan McNamara and wife Erika of Eureka CA; Granddaughter, Misty McNamara and Jeremy Drummond of Ojai, CA; one great grandchild MaKenna McNamara; a brother, Frank McNamara and wife Patty of Crescent City; brother in-law Clarence Wallace and wife Nona of Salem, OR. Bob leaves behind many nieces and nephews and friends he dearly loved and appreciated. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Sharon Gregg his wonderful caregiver for all of her love and compassion.Bob and Ruby moved to Orick in 1940 making it their home for over 70 years. For 2 years he worked as a cheese maker for the Golden state Creamery in Orick. In 1942 they Built the Palm Motel and Café which they operated for 37 years. One of his most memorable moments was catering to the First Lady, Lady Byrd Johnson at the Dedication of the Redwood National Park's Lady Byrd Johnson Grove. In 1948 they built and operated the Orick Theater. They donated the property at the site of the Community and Fire Halls and he was there to help in the construction. He was partners in a Corporation that built the Orick Post Office and the National Park Visitors Center. He loved the town of Orick and enjoyed his retirement years there in his house on the hill as well at his home in Lake Havasu City, AZ.Bob was a gracious and giving person and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.Please join us for a Memorial Service and luncheon on Saturday January 29th at 2:00 p.m. at the Orick Community Hall. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Organization of your choice.Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home & Crematory.