Peacefully and without fuss my father, Wally, slipped away into the care of the Lord. Like most things Wally did in his life he did without fuss. Even though the family kept vigil by his bedside he chose to slip away without fuss.
Wally was a quiet man, a family man, a loving husband to Molly in a marriage of over 60 years. An inspiration to us all.
Wally got great joy from his Grandsons. Geraldine's Boys, Gavin, Killian and Ronan, who is currently across the world, but we know that Wally is very mush in his thoughts today. And My son Thomas. All loved him dearly.
Wally could be serious or he could be a joker. He could often be heard saying "Ah they're all the same the half of them", Wally was not the same as even the half of them. He was exceptional, receiving love and respect from colleagues, friends and family alike. Never have I heard his name used in a derogatory way, as might have been the case.
From an unlikely source, I heard someone say that Wally was their hero. He was a hero to me, an Olympian, an oarsman, a boatman, a president, a captain. A hero to me................yes, but also just Dad.
But where ever Wally went he was always drawn to Water. Water has a magnetic quality that attracted him. Canals, Rivers, Lakes or Sea, it didn't matter. Sometimes I wondered if he didn't have river water in his veins.
Now I picture him at the helm of his boat casting off on his latest voyage ……possibly his greatest.
go dteigh tu slan anois mo hathair,
go mbeigh tu saor on tribloid,
go mbeigh muid beo aimsir aris.
go safely now my father
may you be free from trouble,
May we all be alive again another time.
When you take a drink next time, Tea, coffee, beer, brandy or whisky, pause and think of Wally. For in his company you would surely have been wished : " Saol fada chuinn, agus bas in Eireann.
The Lord blessed Wally with what he would have wished for you; A Long Life and to die in Ireland. For this we thank you Lord and for the blessing of each other’s comfort in this difficult time.
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