RIP: Tributes pour in for Leitrim man who ‘left a lasting mark on everyone’
Heartfelt tributes have been shared for Seddie McGovern, with many remembering his decades of service to Ballinamore and the lasting impact he had on the town.
Tributes have been pouring in from across Leitrim following the death of a man remembered as “a true gentleman who was always so pleasant and had time for everyone,” and a pillar of the Ballinamore community.
Seddie (Thomas Edward) McGovern of Church Street, Ballinamore, passed away peacefully at home on July 15 in his 95th year.
He was predeceased by his wife, Josie, and their daughter, Deirdre. Seddie will be sadly missed by his daughters Mary (Dwyer) and Briege, his sons Frank and Gerry, his sister Mary Collins (Ballinteer), sons-in-law Brendan and Kevin, daughters-in-law Jackie and Rosie, treasured grandchildren Shane, Aisling, Niamh, Conor, Tadhg, Olivia and Javier, his sister-in-law Lily Stretton, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Many of the tributes shared on RIP.ie reflected the esteem in which Seddie was held, particularly in Ballinamore.
“Seddie was a man from, by, and always for his community. His generous spirit, selfless advice, and deep understanding of people left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed,” one person said.
“He was woven into the fabric of Ballinamore and always met you with a great smile and this set up the tone of the chat to come,” said another.
Another shared: “Seddie built our beautiful town and gave more to this town in his long life than generations of people. He spent many days in our home and I was always in awe of his sharp brain, vision and tenacity for all things needed in Ballinamore. He was a man way ahead of his time but we were lucky to have him to make Ballinamore a great place for all of us to live in.”
Reposal will take place at Smith’s Funeral Home, High Street, Ballinamore, today, Saturday, July 18, from 3pm to 6pm.
Funeral Mass will take place at St Patrick’s Church, Ballinamore, at 1pm on Sunday, July 19.
“He was truly Mr Ballinamore for so many decades and he was the symbol of what the Friendly Town epitomised. It was my privilege to have had many in-depth conversation with Seddie and his advice was always thoughtful, consistent and honest. He will be greatly missed, but never replaced and his vision and community spirit will always be evident in Ballinamore,” another person shared.
“We will all miss him but he has left a wonderful legacy. His enterprise, energy and commitment to all the organisations both commercial and voluntary he was involved in over his lifetime are a testament to a man who dedicated himself to his town and the local community,” said another.