In Memory of Eamon Billings
Dublin born, Eamon (Nick) Billings passed away peacefully on June 22, at Vancouver General Hospital. He loved the Irish ballads and passed away listening to one of his favourites: I’ll Take You Home Again Kathleen. Proud of his Irish heritage, he was a strong supporter and volunteer with the Vancouver Irish Sporting and Social Club where he will be sadly missed at all their tournament events. Eamon will be lovingly remembered by his wife Shirley and family of eight, April (Bruno); Kathy (Tim); Nicholas; Colleen; Billie-Jo (James); Patrick; Kellie (Andy); Michael (Crystal); as well as 30 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. We offer deepest sympathy to all the Billings family members. May he rest in peace.
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EAMON BILLINGS
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Eamon Billings: ‘A Man You Could Count On - Week In and Week Out’
By BRENDAN FLYNN, ISSC Harps Manager
VANCOUVER - Every Sunday morning last season, there was one constant for the Vancouver Harps soccer team: Eamon Billings. Week in and week out, without fail, no matter how early the hour, Eamon was there waiting for us. It just didn’t happen now and again, Eamon was always there doing his best for the players and the team he loved.
Every Sunday morning Eamon would give the manager the money to pay the referee for the game. One never had to go to Eamon and it never varied from week to week. In fact, Eamon’s actions were just about the only consistency for the team from one game to the next.
Eamon would always stand on the side line and watch the team do its best to get a result. There was never criticism, never blame, just support for the players, the manager, the coach and trainer. His banter with supporters and players alike at games was always a welcome relief when things were not going well for the team.
When the final whistle blew, Eamon was there again to give out the beverages that helped the team financially throughout the season. Again it was always the same, Eamon would see to it that the fields were left the way we found them by making sure there were no discarded cans and bottles. Most days he would be the last member of the team to leave the ground for that reason alone.
When it came time for the players to vote among themselves for Player of the Season, it was Eamon Billings who got the votes, not as a player, but one whose contribution to Harps was held in such high esteem by all players and supporters. Harps players knew to a man only too well how much Eamon’s efforts helped them every week over the years.
Thanks Eamon, for all your efforts, for all your help, for your advice, for your friendship, but mostly for being there for Harps over so many years. You will be sadly missed.
Thank You From the Billings Family
The Billings family would like to sincerely thank everyone who offered condolence and support at the recent passing of our dear father Eamon (Nick) Billings. Our mother, Shirley was very grateful and surprised at the spontaneous support from everyone. As a family we know that we have a lot of tough times ahead but we take comfort in knowing how much Eamon was loved and will be missed in the community.
We would like to offer special thanks to all the members of the Vancouver Irish Sporting and Social Club and their friends, particularly Paul McGinley, Sean Quinn and Paul Stack, along with Sue, Bonnie, Michelle and Nuala. Thanks also to The Celtic Connection newspaper, The Celtic Society of Canada (benevolent fund), and all those who offered comfort and support at our time of loss both before and after the funeral.
Your help and support was just so overwhelming and so very appreciated at this sad time in our lives and from deep down in my heart, I give you all a loving and warm thank you.
Most sincerely,
Billie Billings on behalf
of all the Billings family
Vancouver, B.C.
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