Harpur, John
November 09, 2009A shopping trip with his wife to Dublin to 'see the new road' last week was sadly the final journey for popular Wexford man, John Harpur, who took ill and died on Wednesday.
John, from 19 Whiterock View, suddenly 'took bad' in Dundrum Shopping Centre while on a pleasant pre-Christmas shopping excursion with his beloved wife Ellen. He was 77 years of age.
It had been 12 years since John had been to the capital, and he had looked forward to the trip to Dublin to witness the new bypass first hand for the first time.
Sadly for John and Ellen, who were inseparable throughout their married life, it was to be their last trip together.
John died at St. Vincent's Hospital on Wednesday afternoon.
Throughout his life John worked as a linesman for the ESB, and was known throughout the country.
He sustained a heart attack 20 years ago, and retired, and was lovingly looked after by his wife Ellen, who devoted her time to his care.
They were always together and Ellen revelled in her role as his partner and best friend.
One of John's great hobbies in life was keeping birds, canaries in particular, and he liked to breed and show them. He was also, very talented with his hands, and was always pottering about the shed putting his woodworking skills to good use.
John also enjoyed sports, particularly the GAA and he was an avid supporter of the Harriers and the Sarsfields.
In his younger years he played football with
the Blues and Whites, but when his own children were young he trained them for the Sars and was a selector for underage teams.
He was a devoted husband, father and a friend to many.
He is survived by his wife Ellen, his five children, Pat, John, Martin, Eileen and Kathleen; grandchildren, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, relatives and friends.
His remains were interred in St.Ibar's Cemetery, Crosstown on Saturday, December 5 following 11am Requiem Mass in the Church of the Annunciation Clonard.
Fr Martin Doyle officiated at the funeral
Courtesy of the Wexford People
December 9th 2009 Tweet
