The colleagues of Kevin McNamara, who was the chaplain of Letterkenny Hospital, have paid him a touching tribute after his sudden death.
It was with profound shock and deep sadness that we all learned of the sudden death of our Dear Colleague and Friend Kevin.
We were united in our sorrow when the news of his death filtered through the Hospital and we are overwhelmed by your kindness to us that day.
We will always be grateful to you for the outpouring of love, support, warm words, for the offers of help in preparing for Kevin’s time of Repose here in the Hospital , but above all, for your time, prayers, warm embraces, phone calls, cards, emails, floral tributes and visits to the Chaplains office.
We are so very grateful to you our Colleagues and to the wider Community for the attendance at Kevin’s Wake , Rosary and Farewell Mass, it was an expression of solidarity to us, but which touched and strengthened Kevin’s grieving Parents. Your presence, words of comfort and sharing wonderful personal stories of how much Kevin meant to you brought peace and courage to his Parents knowing how much He was respected and the high regard in which He was held. We are deeply indebted to each and every one of you , our dear colleagues and friends.
There are some colleagues which we have to give personal thanks and express our gratitude. The Domestic Services Department, for the offers of help to do absolutely anything to help us prepare the Chapel. The Catering Department for all your help and generosity and for the lovely mark of respect in closing the Hospital Canteen during the time of Kevin’s Farewell Mass, a touching tribute for all of us and one which Kevin would have been extremely proud. The staff at Euro Car Parks, again your offers of help and support were greatly appreciated , with such huge crowds in attendance you made it possible for Kevin’s Parents to be in the hospital without worry or concern.
To our dear colleagues in the Portering Dept, there are no words to express how grateful we are to you. Kevin had such regard for you all and you repaid this by being a constant presence with us during those difficult days, your help, kindness and prayerful support moved us beyond words. The End of Life Committee , again, thank you. Reaching out to us with kindness and concern was greatly appreciated.
Tina Porter, thank you so much for your beautiful gift. Mr. Paddy Rooney, Assistant General Manager, thank you so much for spending time with us and for the offers of help and support on behalf of the Hospital Management. Mary Kelly, Health Promotion, you were a constant companion, offering us strength and freedom to ensure we had everything necessary for the Liturgical celebrations .The wonderful and heartfelt support of the Maintenance Dept, you are always so helpful and kind to the Chaplains.
This time especially, you were there yet again, helping, providing and taking care of so many things. The Nursing Staff, HealthCare Assistants, Night Managers, Administration Staff, Lab and Medical Staff, Thank you.
We cannot find words to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to our colleagues in the Mortuary, Eamonn, Brian, Colm and Cathal. The care, respect, regard ,compassion and sensitivity we experienced by you is something we will treasure for a long time to come.
The Ambulance Personnel for the beautiful guard of Honour. To those of you who carried Kevin’s coffin, Ambulance Service, Portering, Social Work, Maintenance, Mortuary and Post Room. Our deepest thanks for such a dignified expression of respect and kindness. Noeleen O’Donnell, Consumer Services, thank you and Patricia for all your help and support and for arranging the Garda Escort for Kevin.
The Staff at Donegal Hospice, where Kevin enjoyed his ministry and especially Day Care, thank you for your kindness , loving support and for being present with us.
We are so very grateful to the Clergy from the Diocese of Raphoe and the Diocese of Derry who came to support the Chaplains and Staff during Kevin’s Wake and to the Priests who concelebrated the Farewell Mass for Kevin, especially, Bishop Philip Boyce, Canon Dinny McGettigan, Fr. James Gillespie, Fr. Adrian Gavigan , Fr. Francis Ferry, Fr. Stephen Gorman, Fr. Gerry O’Horo ( Ballina) Fr. John Carroll ( Chaplain, Sligo University Hospital) Canon Stewart Wright , Church of Ireland Chaplain and Rev. Jim Lamont, Presbyterian Chaplain, Mr.David Harding (Baptist Church), your Spiritual support, concern and presence with us strengthened and comforted us all. To all of you who took part in Kevin’s Farewell Mass, those who read, and carried gifts, thank you.
Mr. Sean Murphy for his kindness and support on behalf of the Hospital Staff and Management.
To all of you in the wider Community, for your prayers, kind words of comfort and support but above all for being with us during this painful and difficult time, thank you.
Mr. John Alcorn and all the staff at Alcorn’s Florist and to the staff at Donegal Printing, we are so very thankful for your kindness and consideration in providing us with the beautiful flowers and books at such short notice. For the lovely Liturgical Music provided by Kathy O’Hara , your contribution enhanced the Liturgy of the Mass so beautifully.
Finally, to our close friends and to our Families, for being with us and supporting us through this incredibly painful time in our personal loss of Kevin. Your love, kindness and concern has strengthened us beyond words.
It is impossible to thank each person individually, so we extend our gratitude to all of you who helped and supported us in every way.
The Holy Sacrifice of The Mass will be offered for your intentions by Fr. Martin Chambers and Fr. Shane Gallagher as a token of our thanks.
Kevin’s Months Mind Mass will be offered in the Hospital Chapel on Wednesday 8th June 2016 at 7.30pm.
“Those who die in grace, go no further from us than God, and God is very near”
Rev.Fr. Martin Chambers ,Rev. Fr. Shane Gallagher, Kathleen Doherty. Chaplains, Letterkenny University Hospital.
Tags: