Blogs

My father, John passed away on April 28th after a long illness that he bore with great courage, strength and style . Family, relations and friends came to bid him his final farewell; My brother Sean made some amazing videos from old family photos and home movies, and I want to share some with you.

Also, here is  an extract from  the eulogy that I  delivered at the end of the funeral, which I hope gives you an idea of how proud I was to have him as my father.

He was a gregarious man, who took delight in company, who was unfailingly gracious.  Many of you will have been touched by his thoughtfulness and kindness, his capacity to attend to the small details that mattered to others. 

In the days to come, we will recall his enjoyment of life at the epicentre of Rathfarnham village, and how he loved being close to the business, which had been such an important part of his life

And he WAS the quintessential business man, ever interested in commerce, the vagaries of the market place, the motivations of the movers and shakers.    I am grateful for the privilege of having worked along side him.

But I shall also remember him as my father: - Held aloft on his shoulders, I had my first sweeping view of the world, a world that I now inhabit with the life skills he imparted.  I will remember him as a leader, open to adventure; an example to me in matters of practicality and preparedness and presentation. 

And as time passes, I will look fondly back at his inimitable style, his sartorial elegance, his distinctive wit, and his enjoyment of the finer things in life.

Now it is our turn to hold our father aloft, and carry him to his final resting place.

We have loved him.

We will remember him.

Stephen