There are some people that live behind the scenes, in the shadows, but you can see where they have been. They are the quiet ones we depend on without even knowing what we are asking for or expecting.
The kind of people that keep our town moving and businesses open, people working, and putting food on the table. Between the twilight hours and the morning fog, work gets done, things get finished and we reap the benefits of knowing Joe McNarie.
To most, he is a quiet soul, a servant, the guy that just gets things done, who values integrity and hard work. He cares enough to go the extra mile, clearing driveways during snow storms, serving on our local fire department and working hard as a local rancher.
But to those of us who are honored to know him personally, he is probably one of the most infuriating, genuinely irritating, talkative and opinionated people I have ever met in my life!
This is a guy that will keep you up until 2 am around a campfire talking about all his ideas and dreams for his family and ranch. So many ideas!!!!
He will also completely ignore you while you are in the middle of a conversation to answer the phone or talk to customers with the expectation that you will still be sitting there when he is done, so he can continue to talk about all his amazing ideas.
What really gets me is the amount of time Joe devotes to being available, to help anyone, at anytime, for any reason, anywhere. Remember that time he just loaded up his family to head over the mountain during the fires in Sisters to help out? Yep, I remember!
He was probably just driving around talking about all his big plans
and ideas!
Joe has served Turner for over 35 years. From Precision Towing, serving on the Turner Fire Department, cattle ranching or working for the City of Turner, Joe has left his fingerprints on pretty much every aspect of our little community. (sometimes doing all of these simultaneously!) He gives without thought of himself and no matter how much he tries to deny it, Joe is a softie and loves this town and his dedication to it shows.
I write all this with a smile in my heart. (I may have even laughed a little!) He truly is the backbone of our local community and the heart of his family. As easy as it is to poke fun at Joe, where would we be without him!
Joe and Edie (The Country Corner Gift Shop) have been married for 30 years. Together they have 2 adult children, Dakota and Brandy, with her husband Jordan and daughter Reagan. Edie says that she is his greatest adventure, but I'm sure his grandbaby Rea Rea is at the top too.
Joe loves YouTube, country music, and spending time in the mountains with his family, driving the back roads. (so he can talk about all his ideas and they can't escape)
From Tow Joe to Mow Joe and everything in between, thanks for all you do for the community Joe, we appreciate you!
P.S. Joe has protested the content of this post, stating that he does not endorse or support it. Since he doesn't know how to work a computer and struggles with Facebook, email and let's face it... texting. I feel pretty confident that all will be well.
See You At The Corner!
😍 Great tribute! We need more real men like Joe!
I stand up and applaud!! Spot on! I’ve been fortunate enough to be caught in many of the dream and idea conversations, along with some light hearted, and difficult conversations too. (Will he ever quit speaking?! Yes he will, when he’s done processing.) We may not have always agreed on some things, but I have nothing but love and respect for this man. I‘ve been one of the lucky one’s to have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly through the years with him. Joe, quit protesting and just go with the flow! (I love that you didn’t win this one!) The recognition is well deserved!