Lavery, John
February 27, 2013The late John Lavery
1958-2013
The sudden passing of John Lavery of Toronto, Canada and Tarbert, Co Kerry, on Wednesday, February 13 has shocked and saddened his family and his many friends in Ireland, Canada and around the world.
John was born on February 26, 1958 to loving parents Frank (RIP 1989) and Joan Lavery. He enjoyed a happy childhood in Tarbert with his brothers Kevin and James and his sisters Mary
and Frances. He was educated at Tarbert National School; Mr Dore's Secondary School, Glin; St. Jarlath's College, Tuam; and Tarbert Comprehensive School. In all of these places of education, John formed long and lasting friendships.
The red and black of Tarbert was always very dear to his heart. John wore the jersey of Tarbert with pride, winning many medals with his club through his juvenile years.
In his early working life, John spent many happy days working at Dun an Oir Hotel in Ballyferriter, where his warmth of personality was much loved. John enjoyed working at Aughinish during the boom period while it was being constructed. During this period he also leased and managed Collins's Pub, East Square, Askeaton.
In the spring of 1980, while managing Collins's Pub, John met his future wife, Catherine. After being together for a few years, John and Catherine travelled extensively, visiting many countries, including Australia, China, Japan, Singapore, Burma, Bangladesh, Thailand, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
When he was young, John spent a lot of time in New York, and formed strong friendships there. He first went over at the age of 17, living with his close friend and uncle, Paddy Lavery
(RIP 1999). John later returned with Catherine. In fact, he proposed at the top of one of the Twin Towers. While the couple were living there, John managed The Irish Pub in the heart of the city.
John and Catherine were married on December 29, 1984 in St Joseph's Church in Limerick and resided at Ivy House, Tarbert. In 1986, the couple's first children, twins Jessica and Alison, were born.
Two years later, after a fire unfortunately destroyed the dry cleaning and laundry business owned and run by John and Catherine, the young family emigrated to Catherine's home country of Canada. In 1990, their youngest daughter, Ashling, was born in Toronto, where the family lived happily for many years. Their house became a home away from home to many Irish, who were welcomed to stay while they found their footing in a new country.
John worked at United Parcel Service for several years, and was a key member of the workers' union. While working full time and raising three children, John managed the impressive feat of completing a degree in Labour Relations at the prestigious University of Toronto, where he graduated at the top of his class.
John was diagnosed with a heart condition, the treatment of which required a transplant. He was blessed to receive a heart transplant in October 1999, thanks to the excellent work of the
transplant team at Toronto Western Hospital. John always spoke about how much he appreciated the prayers of the Tarbert community during this period. This very successful transplant allowed John to enjoy a full and happy life for his remaining 13 years and this gift was one truly cherished by John and his family.
Shortly after John's transplant, the family relocated to the town of Oak Ridges, north of Toronto, which has been John's home for the last 13 years. Here, he formed many close and meaningful friendships. During this time, John never forgot his roots, and visited his hometown of Tarbert several times a year.
John was a great sportsman, and loved to attend as many GAA, soccer and rugby matches as possible, particularly when his favourite teams were playing. John was, of course, an
avid follower and supporter of the Tarbert and Kerry GAA teams, and loved to celebrate a victory for the red and black or the green and gold. In soccer, John was a strong supporter of
both Celtic and Everton; and in rugby, John supported the Munster and Irish teams. When he couldn't attend a match in person, John could found watching the match at home or, more commonly, in his local Aurora Soccer Club with good friends and a pint of cider.
John was also passionate about the sport of golf. He was a lifetime member of Ballybunion Golf Club. Not only did he greatly enjoy playing, but he formed many great friendships through the sport, and made a successful career out of this passion. With the help of his brother James, John organised golf tours, bringing Canadian and American golfers to Ireland and the
UK to play the many fantastic courses on this side of the Atlantic. He was also in the business of golf art, promoting the work of artist and friend, Richard Chorley.
John is survived by wife Catherine; daughters Jessica, Alison and Ashling; mother Joan; mother-in-law Ruth; and siblings Kevin, James, Mary and Frances and their families.
However, the mourning of John's death will extend far beyond the members of his immediate family, as John was widely loved. John's generosity of spirit, lively sense of humour and genuine interest and concern for the lives of others helped him to cultivate an extraordinary amount of friends. The family wish to extend their heartfelt thanks for the love, support and prayers of all.
John was brought home to his mother Joan's house in Tarbert on Friday, February 15. His remains were removed from St. Mary's Funeral Home, Tarbert on Saturday, February 16 to St Mary's Church, Tarbert at 9pm. Requiem Mass for the repose of his soul was concelebrated on Sunday, February 17 at 11am by Fr. Danny Broderick P.P., Fr. Philip O'Connell retired P.P. Ballylongford and cousin to John and Fr. John O'Connor retired P.P. London.
Courtesy of The Keryman Tweet
