LETTERKENNY librarian Gavin Burke was fondly remembered as ‘one in a million’ during his requiem Mass on Tuesday.
Mr Burke, of Moneygreggan, Newtowncunningham, passed away peacefully in the caring hands of the staff in the Donegal Hospice, Letterkenny, surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, July 19.
As hundreds gathered to pay their final respects in All Saints Church in Newtowncunningham on Tuesday, Mr Burke’s siblings delivered a heartfelt eulogy in his memory.
“It is hard to find the words to do justice for Gavin,” the eulogy began.
“He was more than just a brother, he was a guiding light in all our lives, a great friend and an irreplaceable presence in our lives.
“His infectious smile could light up any room, and his kindness touched everyone he met.”
Gavin was the eldest of seven children.
“He took that role seriously,” Mr Burke’s brother said.
“He led by example, always steady, always dependable.
“From a young age, he was always there for every one of us, protective, kind, generous with his time and love.
“He thought the world of our mother and father, in fact, one of the last things he said was that they were exceptional.
“He had the utmost respect and love for them and rightly deserved.”
Mr Burke worked in the family contracting business for years, fostering an even closer relationship with his mother and father.
He studied part-time in Magee and obtained a degree in Business Studies.
“Gavin enjoyed travelling and after finishing in the family business he did just that when he and Dearbhla went to live and work in Spain, where he taught English and was the unofficial town mayor,” his brother joked.
“He taught English to business people, police personnel and so on.
“He really had a great time there embracing the culture and learning Spanish in the process.”
When Gavin returned from Spain he taught in a few schools in Milford and Stranorlar.
Over the summer months, Gavin worked with Donegal County Council before he obtained a permanent job in the library in Letterkenny.
“He loved that,” his brother said.
Here, he studied further and completed a post-grad in the library in Information Studies and obtained a promotion shortly after.
“Gavin loved a nice car, from his red Audi back in the day to his GTI Golf, to his now black BMW,” his brother continued.
“He loved a spot of fishing in his younger days and throughout his life.
“He loved books, reading and researching everything and anything.
“That is why he loved his work in the library, surrounded by books and every day he loved to encourage the younger generation to read.”
“Gavin enjoyed walking, and he would have been known for his long walks and talks with Gary and with Hugo the dog,” his sister began.
“He also loved music and singing, and sang a song at family gatherings and parties.
“His rendition of ‘The Streets of New York’ was the most famous party piece.
“He played the guitar, piano and in more recent years he joined the choir Cór Ailigh, where he had many fond memories and had a special time in Rome last year singing in the Vatican.”
QUIET DETERMINATION
During Gavin’s illness, his sister said he applied a sharp mind with a quiet determination.
“Researching, organising, and even making spreadsheets for the nurses to help them manage the care,” she said.
“He received exceptional care in Letterkenny University Hospital Oncology Ward and the Donegal Hospice.
“He faced his illness with courage, grace, humility and dignity.
“His passion for life was evident in everything he did from his dedication to his work, to the love he showed to his family and friends, and the special bond he had with his brothers and sisters.”
Gavin will be remembered for his remarkable gift of finding joy in life’s simplest moments and sharing that joy with everyone around him.
“He enjoyed the chats with everyone, young and old, helping out the many elderly neighbours in Letterkenny and keeping a close eye on their well-being,” his brother said.
“He respected everyone for who they were.
“Though Gavin’s time was cut short, the impact he made will last forever.
“His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, and memories we hold dear.
“He was one of a kind and one in a million.
“We will miss you terribly Gavin, but we are grateful for the special time we all had together and the lessons you taught us.
“Your spirit and memory will live forever.”
After Mass, burial took place in the adjoining cemetery.
Meanwhile, Donegal County Library closed their doors on Tuesday as a mark of respect.
Paying tribute to the well-known librarian they said: “Gavin personified what it means to be a public librarian. His passing will leave a big void in our team.”
Mr Burke was a treasured son and is sadly missed by his mother and father, Annette and Martin, brothers Gary, Brian (Grace), Shane (Caroline), Martin (Neasa), twin sisters Elaine (Frankie) and Edel (Keith) and sister Dearbhla.
He is deeply regretted by nieces Alisha, Olivia, Zoey, Ava, Halle and Sofia, nephews Harry, Matthew, Luke Frankie, Charlie and Clarke.
He will always be remembered by his wide circle of family, friends and neighbours.
