Patrick
Joseph Egan
January 17th
1957 – 21st November 2006
Eulogy for
Pat
As many of you will know , Pat was a long standing member of
the miniature railway.
There are many things for which Pat will be remembered: his
love of motorbikes, the odd pint and, of course, all things about trains. He
loved the trips that we did to preserved railways, especially the Swanage
railway and the occasional steam excursion.
He always wore his highly polished steel toe capped boots even when the
temperature was 35 degrees centigrade and his Isle of Man tie on special
occasions.
I’d like to summarise some of the sentiments expressed to me
from friends at the railway recently. I’m sure that some of them will strike a
chord with you no matter how you knew him.
There was a general theme which emphasised his loyalty and
unending courtesy. Several people mentioned his dedication to the railway and
his eagerness in doing the jobs which weren’t glamorous or exciting but which
were essential none the less.
He was always working away in the background.
To quote a friend, “Patrick and I joined the railway on the
same day in July 1969.We were two twelve year olds just having fun and lucky
enough to get to play with a big train set. It is thanks to Pat and only Pat
and his constant encouragement that I rejoined the railway last year. He was a
steadfast and devoted member of the railway and we will miss him very much.”
Another friend who knew Pat from the early days wrote: “He
was a great character and a vital part of the operation, his enthusiasm and
commitment to the railway was what the railway is really all about”.
Patrick always enjoyed a good joke. He kept us amused with
tales of working (and misbehaving) at Wimbledon Park Depot and was able to
laugh at some of the problems he encountered there. His humour endeared him to
those who knew him.
Most people will remember Pat for his amazing ability to
recall dates, times and places. Birthdays and anniversaries were a speciality.
He came to our wedding in 1986 and could always remember the anniversary. He
was usually proved correct when recalling events from the dim and distant past.
He was always able to put a name to a face, a skill that I
sadly lack!
Whilst visiting Pat in hospital it became obvious to me that
he was extremely popular in all aspects of his life. Relations, old school
friends, neighbours, work colleagues old and new, drinking pals and of course
railway friends all came.
Pat was always so pleased to see everyone. He remained
cheerful and brave to the end.
Pat was a true gentleman.
Patrick will be missed by everyone who knew him, but in
particular by Angela and Paul and their families who meant so much to him.
I would like to finish with a poem which I think is
appropriate.
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You can shed tears that he is gone
Or you can smile because he has lived
You can close your eyes and pray that he’ll come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all he has left
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him
Or you can be full of the love you shared
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday
You can remember him and only that he is gone
Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on
You can try and close your mind
Be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what he’d want;
Smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
Thank you