HARKINS, Ramond

HARKINS - Raymond, (First Anniversary)

The kindness and support shown to me during my brother Raymond’s devastating illness was truly overwhelming.

As the first anniversary of Raymond’s passing approaches, I would like to thank, most sincerely, all those who sympathised with me at the time.

Thanks to those who cared for Raymond during that time, especially Aisling and Fidelma (INMDA), Ena Moran and Annie Hoctor (ICS), Dee, my colleagues Linda O’Shea and Mary Murray and the rest of the Offaly Hospice team and the wonderful Banagher/Offaly Public Health Nursing team for their exceptional care, kindness and professionalism. It is difficult to find the words to describe the extraordinary empathy and support given by all these people who were always available and provided such wonderful care to Raymond. I would also like to acknowledge the support from Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Speech Therapy from the Westmeath and Offaly Palliative Care teams. Sincere thanks for the support and care provided by Dr Brian Murray, Prof Orla Hardiman, Dr Sinead Maguire, Dr Mike Cushen, Dr Tony Lowry (Athlone), Dr Shane Carroll, Diane and the staff at Banagher Family Practice.

It was an honour to see so many of our kind and thoughtful relatives, neighbours and friends who stood as Raymond’s funeral cortege passed on his journey from Banagher to his home in Athlone, stopping at Buccaneers’ Rugby Club on route to the Crematorium in Shannon and the Gardai support to facilitate this. It was a huge comfort to me during that dark time. To those who joined online for the Funeral service and left messages of condolences online a huge thank you.

Raymond lived life to the full, valuing his family and delighting in time with friends and colleagues. Many thanks to the family, friends, colleagues and neighbours, both here and abroad, for their kindness and support. Over the past year your thoughtful letters, cards, texts, flowers, kindness and donations to INMDA have been very much appreciated.

I would like to acknowledge my appreciation to Fr. Declan for his support, advice and wisdom in organising Raymond’s Funeral service. His kindness will never be forgotten. To McNeill’s Funeral directors for guiding me through that most difficult time and especially to Arlene for her professionalism and attention to every detail in arranging Raymond’s final journey with such dignity.

Raymond will always be loved, will be forever in our hearts and continues to be our inspiration. He was one of life’s true gentlemen and left us way too early. He is dearly missed by myself, Kay (Baba) and the extended McFadden family, his great friend Tom Boland who was a source of such comfort to Raymond in his final days, by all his friends in Athlone and his colleagues in the oil and gas industry around the world.

Velma Harkins