Summing up the life of a man who lived life to the fullest is a hard task, and Josh MacNaught did just that, live life like there is no tomorrow. His 51 years was abruptly cut short due to a tragic accident, leaving behind his parents, Tom and Jaime MacNaught, brother Damon, girlfriend Stephanie Eyles, business partner Ruben Canchola and friends from across the country. Josh did not have children, but he was the best dog dad to Bluto and Max, who undoubtedly met him when he passed away, and Loki and Darth who miss him dearly.

Growing up in Oneonta, NY, Josh quickly developed a passion for motorcycles, fast cars, the New York Yankees (we forgive him for that), and bartending. In Oneonta, he started his career as a bartender at The Black Oak bar. It was here that Josh developed his charisma for serving patrons, knack for telling jokes, especially the inappropriate ones, and ability to turn friends into family.

After his start in New York, and finishing his degree in history from Hartwick College, Josh decided to embark on a new adventure and headed out west to Breckenridge, Colorado. Working at the Gold Pan Saloon, Josh met his current business partner, Ruben, and they opened the original Jake’s Dive Bar in 2005. Breckenridge became one big, adult playground where Josh hiked with his dogs, skied with wild abandon, camped on days off, traveled often, and ran a business with one of his best friends. In Breckenridge, Josh started hosting regular “family dinners”, his signature dish being his chili, which tended to cause severe GI distress to anyone who ate it for days to follow. Josh’s condo was a home to many, and his door was always open to his band of misfit friends.

After nearly two decades in Colorado, Josh and his girlfriend made a brief move to Bend, Oregon. Though Bend was quick lived, he did perfect his craft of making specialty cocktails while serving all the hipsters. His last stop in life was Myrtle Beach. Living in South Carolina was a dream come true, as it was the first time in decades that he could ride his motorcycle year-round. For the last three years, Josh has been running the new Jake’s Dive Bar with Ruben, taking fashion cues from no one, being unequivocally himself, and regretting very little.

Josh was never one for sentiment or religiosity, but he would want his friends to know he will be saving them a seat at the bar. Rest easy sweet friend, your legacy will live on. The man, the myth, the legend, Josh MacNaught. 

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