‘Our calm in the storm’: Tributes paid to much-loved Leitrim nurse
Tributes have poured in for Kevin Lacey, a much-loved nurse manager at Cavan General Hospital, remembered for his kindness, compassion and dedication to his work.
An outpouring of tributes has been paid to a man described as “one in a million” from across communities in Leitrim and beyond.
Kevin Lacey, of 26 Shannagh Grove, Mohill, and formerly of the Isle of Wight, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, October 14.
Kevin is deeply missed by his beloved partner Paula, daughter Sarah, mother Margaret, the Lacey family on the Isle of Wight, his sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, his beloved goddaughter Jane, and a wide circle of wonderful neighbours, great friends and work colleagues.
Kevin worked as a nurse manager at Cavan General Hospital, where his dedication to his profession and the people in his care has been highlighted in many tributes on RIP.ie.
“A great colleague and nurse of the highest order. A huge loss to his patients and fellow health care workers. An even greater loss to his family and friends,” one tribute read.
Another colleague recalled working alongside Kevin as a manager, writing: “Working alongside Kevin as our manager was a true honour. No matter how chaotic or high pressure a shift became he was always our calm in the storm, fiercely protecting and supporting his staff. His cheeky smile said everything. Kevin you will be greatly missed beyond words.”
A further tribute paid tribute to Kevin as both a colleague and mentor, reading: “Kevin was so much more than a colleague and mentor, he was a gentleman, a gentle giant with a rare gift for making everyone feel valued and heard and his heart was a big as the moon.
“Kevin will leave an indelible mark on all of us who were blessed and privileged to work alongside him and I'm personally a better person for knowing him.”
Kevin’s funeral service took place at Lakelands Crematorium, Cavan, on Sunday, October 18.
The many other tributes left in his memory reflect the impact he had on those around him, with people describing him as “kind,” “knowledgeable” and “generous.”
“Kevin was an absolute gentleman and a wonderful nurse and manager. He will be remembered for his kindness,compassion and his sense of humour,” another tribute read.
Another tribute captured the deep sense of loss felt by those who knew him: “Kevin, you were one of those rare souls - a manager who led with wisdom, a mentor who guided with patience, and a brother who cared beyond the boundaries of work. Words can never truly express the pain of losing someone who was so much more than a manager.”