In Memory of Eamonn Lavelle:
'A-Man-in-a-Million'
 EAMONN LAVELLE |
WHITE ROCK - His many friends were saddened to learn of the death of Eamonn Lavelle, after a short illness on July 4.
In keeping with Eamonn's involvement in music, his funeral was attended by many musicians and band-members.
Eamonn was a long-standing member of the Enniskillen Accordion Band and several band members played before the funeral Mass at St. Nicholas's Church in Langley. In keeping with Eamonn's last wishes, he was buried in his band uniform.
Born in Cloonkeelaun, Co. Sligo, music was a large part of Eamonn's life. In addition to playing in the Enniskillen Accordion Band, Eamonn was also a regular performer at the White Rock Irish Club's Wednesday afternoon sessions where he played with Harry & Friends, and more recently with Pride of Erin.
Another of Eamonn's loves was hurling. He was a founding member of the Victoria Gaels in 1975.
It has become a tradition for the White Rock Irish Club to support bereaved families by providing an Irish wake.
On July 14, Eamonn's wife, Margaret, and daughter, Siobhan, met with about 200 friends at the White Rock Elks where the White Rock Irish Club president John Pye, and secretary Kathy King, organized a feast for the soul of Eamonn.
Eamonn's son-in-law, Jack deBad, created and shared a pictorial memorial of Eamonn's life. This was followed by more than "a few tunes" in accordance with Eamonn's wishes and lasted well into the evening.
Phrases like "a-man-in-a-million" and "the silent knight" peppered the recollections of those who knew Eamonn.
He is survived by his wife of over 40 years, Margaret (from Stranorlar, Co. Donegal), daughter Siobhan, son-in-law Jack deBad, and grandchildren, Jacob Eamonn and Scarlett Mairead.
At the wake there was an empty chair where Eamonn usually sat. In his memory, the chair will remain empty when Pride of Erin plays for the White Rock Irish Club at the Elks Hall.
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