Warm tributes paid to true gentleman Stephen
Many tributes have been paid to the late Stephen Burns.
West Mayo is mourning the loss of a true gentleman following the passing of Stephen Burns.
Stephen, of Garryduff Patk, Castlebar, and formerly of Peter Street, Westport, was a cherished friend and colleague to many and a devoted father and grandfather. Stephen died peacefully after a brief illness at Mayo Hospice, surrounded by his loving family.
Predeceased by his parents Michael and Delia Burns, Belcarra, Castlebar, and his parents-in-law Lawrence and Alice Cahill, Carrick-on-Suir, Co Waterford, he was dearly loved husband of Brid (née Cahill), loving father of Orla and Alan, adored grandad of Clodagh, Kaylin, Ailish and Ruth.
He will also be sadly missed by his son-in-law Tom, daughter-in-law Pauline, sisters Kathleen Healy (Milltown, Tuam), Mary Burns (Belcarra) and Nora Coyne (Partry), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, niece, nephews, cousins, relatives, neighbours and many friends.
A retired member of staff at the Revenue Commissioners office at Davitt House in Castlebar, Stephen was a dedicated public servant and a hugely popular colleague.
He was a driving force behind the local ‘Tops of the Town’, which saw companies compete in talent shows.
A tremendous supporter of community radio, Stephen was adept behind the mic and presented the political programme, ‘Saturday Forum,’ on CRCfm for many years.
Among those to pay tribute to Stephen was Senator Paddy Burke who said he was “shocked and saddened” to hear of his death.
“He was an absolute gentleman and so helpful to everybody,” said Senator Burke.
Former Castlebar town councillor Eamon Joyce also paid tribute to Mr Burns.
“He was such a gentleman in so many ways and always had a word to say if you ran into to him on his walks around town. He certainly made a considerable contribution to his community by way of him giving of his services to the people of his adopted town, especially in local radio.”
Well-known local broadcaster and writer Liamy MacNally said Mr Burns will be “a great loss”.
“Stephen was a perfect gentleman, always obliging, entertaining and full of knowledge which he willingly and loved to share.”
Stephen also gave tremendous service to Accord and the Pioneer Association and was hugely prominent in the Mayo branch of the Retired Civil and Public Servants Association.
He was a fantastic neighbour to all in Garryduff Park where his loss will be keenly felt.
Stephen was laid to rest yesterday (Monday) at the New Cemetery, Castlebar, following funeral Mass at the Church of the Holy Rosary.
