Peter Patton from Dromore, Letterkenny had a life defined by family, faith and love, mourners at his requiem Mass on Monday were told.

Mr Patton passed away peacefully at his late residence on Friday, November 7.

Requiem Mass took place in The Church of the Irish Martyrs, Letterkenny where the large attendance gathered to say a final farewell to a much loved neighbour and friend.

Originally from Glasgow, in his younger years Mr Patton moved to Midcut, Drumkeen with his parents and older sister, Mary.

There, he put down roots and shaped a life defined by family, faith and a love of the land.

Mr Patton’s first job was on Roulston’s Farm in Midcut, a start that would shape his life-long connection to the land.

From the early mornings and long days, he learned the value of work, patience and pride in a job well done.

The next chapter of Mr Patton’s life took root when he was 15-years-old, after a move to Magheraboy.

The fields, the people and the rhythm of that place was said to shape him forever.

From his earliest days, Mr Patton worked on the farm. He had a great love of the plough, especially the horse drawn plough and of the life that came with it.

Chief Celebrant, Fr Ciaran Harkin said Mr Patton lived a life of purpose, devotion and grace.

“Peter was a worker all his life, a farmer, who also worked on the coal boats and in Kelly’s yard,” Fr Harkin said.

“He got up very early each morning to milk the cows, then went to work in Kelly’s yard and on the boats in the Thorn, unloading coal, salt or timber, before returning home in the evening to do the milking all over again.

“It was a life of quiet discipline and steady strength, work done not for recognition, but out of a duty of pride and love.”

Mr Patton’s neighbouring farmers were extremely important to him.

Fr Harkin said he helped out whenever he could, whether it was lending a hand in the fields, offering advice, or simply sharing a word of encouragement.

“Peter believed deeply in the bond of neighbours, a community built on trust, kindness, and shared work,” Fr Harkin said.

“He also loved to see people come to visit, the kettle would be on, the stories would flow and every visitor left feeling a little lighter for having called in.”

Another love of Mr Patton’s was music.

“Peter taught himself to play the melodeon and when his children would ask who had taught him, he would smile and say I just learned by ear,” Fr Harkin said.

“Just as his hands made music, they also shaped the land, careful, steady and full of heart.”

Beyond his work, Fr Harkin remembered Mr Patton as a man of “deep heart”.

“Family meant everything to him, his loyalty to them was fierce and unwavering.”

Following Mass, burial took place in Conwal Cemetery.

Mr Patton is predeceased by his parents, Peter and Bella, sisters, Mary, Bella, Rosaleen, Rita and Ethna, infant sister, Rose, and his niece, Emily.

He is deeply mourned by his sons and daughters, Isadore (Liam), Marie (Michael), Peter (Michelle), Rosaleen (Pauric), Louise (Bryan), Neil (Keara), Ethna (Kevin), Gerard (Ewelina) and Daniel (Tina), his adored grandchildren Aisling, Laura, Anraí, Sarah, Chanice, Adam, Leah, Grace, Stephen, Elyse, Daniel, Ruby, Peter, James, Kamil, Rose, David, Chloe, Mollie and Danny and his great grandchildren, Henry, Charlie, Robbie and Julia.

He will be forever missed by his brothers, Paddy (Letterkenny), Jim (Trimragh) and Tommy (Canada) and sister, Peggy (Listillion) and by his dear late wife, Rose’s family, the Mc Bride Family, Glenalla, as well as relatives, neighbours and friends.