Death in Mayo of one of Ireland's leading furniture designers and makers
The death has occurred of Noel Forde, Westport Road, Castlebar.
Predeceased by his parents James and Maura, he is deeply regretted by his daughters Nessa and Olenka (both in Canada), brother Ken (New York), granddaughter Roisin, nieces, Jessice and Jillian, cousins, relatives, neighbours and friends, to whom sympathy is tendered.
Removal from The Coady Funeral Home, Linenhall Street, takes place on Tuesday morning at 10.20 a.m. to The Church Of The Holy Rosary for Requiem Mass at 11 a.m., followed by committal service in Shannon Crematorium at 3 p.m.
Noel's Funeral Mass can be viewed on the Castlebar Parish Webcam http://www.castlebarparish.ie/web-cam/ or listened to in Castlebar on the Parish Radio Channel 105.3FM.
In a tribute, his brother Ken wrote: "Noel was born on December 19, 1951 the same month and day as our father, James Forde.
"He attended St. Patrick’s National School and later Cistercian College Roscrea where he played rugby on the school team.
"He studied furniture design at Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario, graduating with a Bachelors of Craft and Design.
"Noel had a passion and an eye for design and craftsmanship. He was internationally recognised and granted numerous awards.
"The President of Ireland and the Crafts Council of Ireland recognised him as one of the leading furniture designer/makers working in Ireland.
"Noel lived and worked all over the world. He spent many years in North America, residing in New York City, Fairbanks, Oakville, Hilo and, finally, in Calgary.
"In Canada, Noel built a canoe that he loved to paddle along the Bow River. Our mother’s (Maura Hayes Forde) most memorable overseas holiday was her trip to Hilo, on the Big Island of Hawaii to visit Noel and her grandchildren, Nessa and Olenka.
"The trip involved stopovers and plane changes in Los Angeles and Honolulu, experiences she never forgot.
"As Noel travelled, he brought music (singing, banjo, guitar, mandolin and the pennywhistle) with him, playing in pubs in Alaska and across Canada.
"Noel returned to Ireland and worked for several years as a woodworking secondary teacher.
"Residing in Castlebar, Noel built a beautiful garden filled with a variety of berries, vegetables and flowers.
"He was an avid deep-sea diver, going as far as the Mediterranean and Red Seas. He loved an adventure and from 2013 to 2014, he had the adventure of a lifetime in Africa.
"Noel signed on with VSO Ireland, an aid organisation involved in economic development in rural Uganda.
"Noel applied his skills and experience to assist with the youth development programmes. He loved Uganda and its people.
"Noel had a kind heart and a gentle soul. He leaves behind many friends and family.
"He will be greatly missed by his daughters Nessa and Olenka Forde; his granddaughter, Roisin Forde; his nieces Jessica and Jillian Forde and his cousins in the Hayes, Murray, Mundow, Hade, Stimpson, McMahon, Downey and Moynihan families.
"A special work of thanks to the medical and non-medical staff at Mayo University Hospital for their care and kindness to Noel these past few weeks. The family is most grateful for everything you did for Noel."
May his gentle soul rest in peace.