The death has occurred of:
Gerard BLEE
We, Gerard's wife Mary, his daughters Stephanie, Rachael and Megan, his grandsons James and Eoin and wider family circle wish to express our genuine heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to everyone who supported us throughout Gerard's illness and during one of the most difficult times in our lives.
To our families, good neighbours and friends and all who called at our family home and attended the funeral, sent mass cards and sympathy cards, provided food and support, we thank you.
Also for all the donations in lieu of flowers for CCU, SWAH and Transplantation Unit, Freeman Hospital.
We wish to convey our sincere thanks to Fr Kevin McElhennon P.P for his support during Gerard's illness and for his heartfelt and moving Requiem mass and homily which was a fitting tribute to Gerard.
Special thanks to Noel, Jamie and Maeve for their comforting contribution of music that we will always fondly remember. Thanks also to Anthony, Sacristan and to the gravediggers, Aerin and Luke who prepared Gerard's final resting place with dignity. Thank you to the readers, gift bearers and Eucharistic ministers.
A sincere thank you to Fergal Farley for the professional and dignified manner in which he conducted the funeral arrangements and burial.
We would like to share our gratitude with the many medical, health and nursing teams, including the staff in Bradley's pharmacy, Mullaghmore that provided wraparound care for Gerard with such immense compassion and kindness over the years that brought challenge during his periods of sickness. Gerard bore all of this with dignity and with little complaint because he loved life and always gave a smile or wise crack. He met some very special people along his transplant journey, who touched his life and he undoubtedly touched theirs. He was an inspiration to us 'Team Blee' with his attitude to life and it's challenges and faith.
Words alone cannot begin to express our untold thanks to all the staff in Grange Family Practice, Treatment Room, Renal Home Therapies, Rapid Response, Diabetic, Respiratory, Physio, OT, Podiatry and Psychology teams along with the staff in SWAH and BCH.
To everyone Gerard encountered in The Freeman Hospital, Newcastle many of whom took us all under their wing. They helped him fight his corner at all times, enjoyed the craic for sure and knew he was a loveable rascal, always having the last word but above all this they never gave up hope for what he was able to achieve. They believed in him as much as we did and he proved them right time and time again.
To the team in the Critical Care Unit, SWAH where Gerard spent his final months, we will never forget their kindness, care and devotion at such a heartbreaking time for us. They carried us with Gerard every step of the way and allowed us a beautiful final day that will remain in our memory forever.
As it is impossible to thank everyone we hope this acknowledgement will be accepted by all in grateful appreciation.
Gerard's month's mind mass will be celebrated on Sunday 15th Nov in St Mary's Church, Killyclogher at 11.15 am.
Gerard will be forever loved and sorely missed by Mary, Stephanie (Calvin), Rachael (Sam), Megan (Tom) and his grandsons James and Eoin.
To live in hearts we leave behind,
Is not to die.