The late Brendan Parsons.

Passing of Castlebar businessman

THE death has taken place of businessman Brendan Parsons, Springfield and Main Street, Castlebar. He was one of the town's best loved and most respected personalities.

A member of an old Castlebar family, Brendan was proprietor of Parsons Shoe Shop on Main Street.

A post on the Parsons Shoes Facebook page this morning read: 'Our heart breaks for the loss of our friend, dad and work buddy, Brendan Parsons, RIP, who passed away peacefully yesterday after almost a year-long battle with cancer. The shop will remain closed 'til further notice." 

Brendan, who was 64, was known far and wide as a gentle, good humoured person with an abiding interest in all kinds of music.

Up to his retirement some years ago, he ran the family shoe business at the junction of Main Street and Castle Street.

Brendan had been ill for some time, an illness which he bore with patience and optimism.

Despite failing health in recent months, he never failed to enliven any local musical gatherings he attended with a song.

His repertoire included choral and gospel but in social company of friends he was most inclined to sing a country and western or blues number.

Brendan passed from this life yesterday at Galway Clinic with his loving family all around him and some of his favourite songs playing quietly in the background.

He is survived by his wife Helen, daughters Sinead, Claire and Miriam, grand-daughter Isla, sons-in-law, brothers John, Eddie and James, sisters Liz and Catherine, extended family and many friends, to whom we extend deepest sympathy on their loss.

His remains will be reposing at the Coady Funeral Home tomorrow (Wednesday) from 5.30 p.m. with removal at 8 p.m. to his residence.

Removal from his residence takes place on Thursday at 12.15 p.m. for Requiem Mass at 1 p.m. in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar, with burial afterwards in the New Cemetery.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.