Obituaries and Friendship

I selected the subjects of the obituaries for one reason and one reason only — all of them, without exception, were my tried and true friends. Some I met while I was going to school and some were people I met during my leisure moments. Most of them I befriended at work, getting to know them over many days and many hours of conversations.

They were a varied group; some native born Irish, some of Irish heritage, and some born in the United States. A few passed away comparatively young, some were middle-aged, and some were quite elderly when "The Master called".

There was, however, one indisputable theme connecting all of them. I had their unflagging friendship and gave them mine in return. I cherished our friendship unto the end, and their memory will always remain with me.

I have no doubt in my mind all of them were people anyone would have been proud to have known. I am happy to share these memories with you.

YOU MUST NOT GRIEVE SO SORELY, FOR I LOVE YOU DEARLY STILL... TRY TO LOOK BEYOND EARTH'S SHADOWS, PRAY TO TRUST OUR FATHER'S WILL.