1986
Joy
2024
Joy Mcadam
May 30, 1986 — April 25, 2024
Joy McAdam passed away on April 25 surrounded by their true loves, family, and friends, in the ICU at the Royal Columbian Hospital, New Westminster.
Born May 30, 1986 in New Westminster, BC Joy led a vibrant life filled with passion and purpose. From an early age they were very active in Girl Guides and Hockey, forging lifelong friendships along the way. Joy’s life was imbued with adventure, so it was no surprise when they took off on a solo bicycle ride from Vancouver BC to the US-Mexico border in 2010. Their travels continued as their love of Hockey led them to Norway, Taiwan, and many cities across North America. Joy’s connection to nature (particularly their love for sea otters) was profound, and they loved spending time at the Community of Christ’s Samish Island Campground and venturing roads unknown with their wife in their campervan looking for the perfect stargazing spot.
Hockey was more than a sport, it was a lifelong passion for Joy. As a child, Joy wrote that the best gift to give their mother was the Stanley Cup. From learning to skate almost as soon as they walked, to attending hockey academy and playing Midget Tier 1, to refereeing countless games and tournaments around British Columbia, to Friday night beer leagues with buddies, they loved all aspects of the game.
Joy was light to the Vancouver queer community, an embodiment of queer joy, a true personification. A ray of light who shined upon everyone they met. A welcoming smile and warm embrace, Joy truly changed the lives of everyone around them. A handsome dancer who made Corsages and Boutonnieres for Queer Prom, who stood front row to support time and time again. Joy was a refuge to all those queerdos who wanted to find not only community but also home. The queer community will never forget their unwavering love, dedication, and passion.
Joy’s life took a beautiful turn when they met Haley Holloway, the love of their life. Joy and Haley married on August 3, 2018, at Queen Elizabeth Park, Vancouver. Their marriage was a testament to their shared spirit of fun and adventure. Together, they chased whimsy by following comets and eclipses, traversing the globe from London to Australia, or simply driving in any old direction with no plan other than to see what there was to explore. Open to the many realms colliding, be it dreaming of space or what is beyond, their love story was written in the stars. Infused with a fair share of nerdiness, they were happy taking in the latest sci-fi curled up on the sofa with their little family, their cats Luna and Rocket. They also were enamoured by the vast array of Drag Talent and couldn't get enough of the dazzling displays of queer euphoria. Never apart for long, together they danced and divined their way into stunning friendships and circles. Joy and Haley’s generosity made their home a welcoming place for all, and they were always happy to roll up their sleeves and help the people around them.
Joy’s love of life was fierce. Despite facing significant health challenges within their lifetime, including surviving Heart failure and living with Chronic Illnesses (Ulcerative Colitis and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)), Joy’s spirit and determination was inspirational. Joy never was one to let a rainy day stop them from shining, they had an ineffable defiance to give up or lay down when the going got tough. They wanted to keep dancing, keep laughing and smiling, keep hugging everyone, to keep goofing around and living life to the fullest. They fought silently and strongly for longer than anyone thought possible and against all odds. Bright spirits and laughter aplenty during the many visits will always be remembered. Joy was unshakable, a vibrancy unmatched.
The family extends sincere thanks to the staff of the Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Columbian Hospital who cared for Joy and supported their family and friends.
Joy is survived by their beloved wife, Haley Holloway, devoted parents Kathy (Beer) and Gary McAdam, sister Shannon McAdam (Matthew Graham), along with countless family and friends.
Joy truly embodied their name and will be remembered for invoking Joy wherever they went.
A Celebration of Joy will be held at 7591 Gray Avenue, Burnaby (corner of Rumble Street) on Tuesday May 7, 2024. The service will commence at 1 p.m.( Pacific Time) with a reception to follow. All who knew and loved Joy are welcome. Family and friends are encouraged to wear whatever they would wear when hanging out with Joy. Please come as your authentic self! Drag and Hockey jerseys welcome!
In lieu of flowers please consider making donations in memory of Joy to:
Vancouver Marine Mammal Rescue Society
https://www.vammr.org/
With your support, sick, injured, or orphaned seals, sea otters, sea lions, turtles, and small cetaceans are given a second chance at life.
Samish Island Campground and Retreat Center
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/97223
(select Samish Island Camp from the drop down menu)
80+ acres includes open space, forested areas and beaches, offering a unique and serene environment for peace, fellowship and learning in a retreat setting.
YouCanPlay
https://www.youcanplay.org/
The You Can Play Project works to ensure the safety and inclusion for all who participate in sports, including LGBTQ+ athletes, coaches and fans.
Born May 30, 1986 in New Westminster, BC Joy led a vibrant life filled with passion and purpose. From an early age they were very active in Girl Guides and Hockey, forging lifelong friendships along the way. Joy’s life was imbued with adventure, so it was no surprise when they took off on a solo bicycle ride from Vancouver BC to the US-Mexico border in 2010. Their travels continued as their love of Hockey led them to Norway, Taiwan, and many cities across North America. Joy’s connection to nature (particularly their love for sea otters) was profound, and they loved spending time at the Community of Christ’s Samish Island Campground and venturing roads unknown with their wife in their campervan looking for the perfect stargazing spot.
Hockey was more than a sport, it was a lifelong passion for Joy. As a child, Joy wrote that the best gift to give their mother was the Stanley Cup. From learning to skate almost as soon as they walked, to attending hockey academy and playing Midget Tier 1, to refereeing countless games and tournaments around British Columbia, to Friday night beer leagues with buddies, they loved all aspects of the game.
Joy was light to the Vancouver queer community, an embodiment of queer joy, a true personification. A ray of light who shined upon everyone they met. A welcoming smile and warm embrace, Joy truly changed the lives of everyone around them. A handsome dancer who made Corsages and Boutonnieres for Queer Prom, who stood front row to support time and time again. Joy was a refuge to all those queerdos who wanted to find not only community but also home. The queer community will never forget their unwavering love, dedication, and passion.
Joy’s life took a beautiful turn when they met Haley Holloway, the love of their life. Joy and Haley married on August 3, 2018, at Queen Elizabeth Park, Vancouver. Their marriage was a testament to their shared spirit of fun and adventure. Together, they chased whimsy by following comets and eclipses, traversing the globe from London to Australia, or simply driving in any old direction with no plan other than to see what there was to explore. Open to the many realms colliding, be it dreaming of space or what is beyond, their love story was written in the stars. Infused with a fair share of nerdiness, they were happy taking in the latest sci-fi curled up on the sofa with their little family, their cats Luna and Rocket. They also were enamoured by the vast array of Drag Talent and couldn't get enough of the dazzling displays of queer euphoria. Never apart for long, together they danced and divined their way into stunning friendships and circles. Joy and Haley’s generosity made their home a welcoming place for all, and they were always happy to roll up their sleeves and help the people around them.
Joy’s love of life was fierce. Despite facing significant health challenges within their lifetime, including surviving Heart failure and living with Chronic Illnesses (Ulcerative Colitis and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)), Joy’s spirit and determination was inspirational. Joy never was one to let a rainy day stop them from shining, they had an ineffable defiance to give up or lay down when the going got tough. They wanted to keep dancing, keep laughing and smiling, keep hugging everyone, to keep goofing around and living life to the fullest. They fought silently and strongly for longer than anyone thought possible and against all odds. Bright spirits and laughter aplenty during the many visits will always be remembered. Joy was unshakable, a vibrancy unmatched.
The family extends sincere thanks to the staff of the Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Columbian Hospital who cared for Joy and supported their family and friends.
Joy is survived by their beloved wife, Haley Holloway, devoted parents Kathy (Beer) and Gary McAdam, sister Shannon McAdam (Matthew Graham), along with countless family and friends.
Joy truly embodied their name and will be remembered for invoking Joy wherever they went.
A Celebration of Joy will be held at 7591 Gray Avenue, Burnaby (corner of Rumble Street) on Tuesday May 7, 2024. The service will commence at 1 p.m.( Pacific Time) with a reception to follow. All who knew and loved Joy are welcome. Family and friends are encouraged to wear whatever they would wear when hanging out with Joy. Please come as your authentic self! Drag and Hockey jerseys welcome!
In lieu of flowers please consider making donations in memory of Joy to:
Vancouver Marine Mammal Rescue Society
https://www.vammr.org/
With your support, sick, injured, or orphaned seals, sea otters, sea lions, turtles, and small cetaceans are given a second chance at life.
Samish Island Campground and Retreat Center
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/97223
(select Samish Island Camp from the drop down menu)
80+ acres includes open space, forested areas and beaches, offering a unique and serene environment for peace, fellowship and learning in a retreat setting.
YouCanPlay
https://www.youcanplay.org/
The You Can Play Project works to ensure the safety and inclusion for all who participate in sports, including LGBTQ+ athletes, coaches and fans.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joy Mcadam, please visit our flower store.
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