RIP: Tributes paid across Offaly to ‘true gentleman’
Tributes have been paid to Tullamore man Geoffrey Kennedy who gave so much to St Catherine’s Church in the town in various roles.
A social media post on behalf of Church of Ireland Parishes of Tullamore, Clara, Tyrrellspass & Rahan said it was with “profound sadness that we share news of the passing of our dear friend Geoffrey Kennedy”.
“Geoffrey was a true gentleman, a man of strong Christian faith whose life was shaped and driven by his love of God. He loved St Catherine's Church and our parish deeply, and he gave his time and gifts freely and without hesitation. Over many years he served as Treasurer of the Charleville Centre, as a member of the Select Vestry, and as a Parish Reader. Each role was carried out with quiet dedication, care and generosity,” the post added.
“Many of us will remember Geoffrey's joy in hymn singing. His voice and his faith lifted those around him, and he will be greatly missed in our worship and in our community.
“Geoffrey has been taken from us too soon, and we know the last while has been incredibly difficult for his family. We hold Lynda, Keith, Gordon and the wider family close in our thoughts and prayers at this painful time. We offer them our heartfelt sympathy and condolences, and we pray they may know the comfort of God's love and the support of all who cared for Geoffrey.
“We give thanks to God for Geoffrey's life, his faith and his faithful service. We trust him into the loving care of the One he served so well.
"Well done, good and faithful servant… Come and share your master's happiness.” — Matthew 25:21. May he rest in peace and rise in glory,” the post concluded.
His death notice on RIP.ie says: “Geoffrey passed away peacefully on the 9th of November in the wonderful care of the staff in the Camcor Suite, Birr Community Nursing Home.
“He is pre-deceased by his parents Sylvia and Kenneth and his father in law John Hall. Geoffrey will be sadly missed by his loving wife Lynda, sons Keith and Gordon, sister Daphne (Caldwell), mother in law Annie (Hall), Keith's partner Murren, grandad to Molly and soon to arrive bundle of joy, brothers in law Derek and John, his nephews, cousins, relatives, neighbours and many friends. The Lord Is My Shepherd
“Funeral arriving to St. Catherine's Church of Ireland, Hop Hill, Tullamore, on Thursday 12th of November for reception prayers at 6pm. Funeral Service on Friday November 13th at 2pm. Internment after Service in St. Catherine's Church of Ireland graveyard, Clonminch, Tullamore. House Private at all times, please.
“Family flowers only, donations in lieu of flowers to the Camcor Suite, Birr Community Nursing Home (Dontion Box In Church). Funeral Service can be viewed on: https://st-catherines-tullamore.click2stream.com/
Many sympathisers commented what a gentleman Geoffrey was with memories of the table tennis club and his Black Fiat127 Sport being recalled.