JOHN FOLAN : Eulogy
Thank you to Veronica, Sean & Kevin for allowing me the honor of reading the Eulogy to their Dad & My Father-in-Law :
John was a lot of things to a lot of people Son, Dad, Grandad, Brother, Father in Law, Uncle, Nephew, Cousin, Workmate & Friend and for those that ever spent any time in his Company (or in the Duke of Buckingham, The Antelope or Coronation Hall) would testify – he was not a man you could forget once having met. His humor, his knowing Smirk, brash honesty & his generosity to those who came in his circle are well known.
We all have Special, Most Probably, Humorous and Funny memories of our time with John : In Celebration of the Man we all knew and loved, I would like to share a few memories from the Family :
Bridie remembers how her older Brother John would tease Her & Kathleen from a young age for them not being born in Ireland...
..and also remembers fondly an incident when she was very young where a doctor had prescribed some foul tasting medicine to cure her asthma...she refused to take it so John said ‘Look it’s all right watch this’...and proceeded to neck the bottle in one go...The doctors soon returned to attend to a very poorly John....Not the first time he would neck a bottle in one...
As Johns Teenage Quiff took shape he would sneak into Kathleen's room to use her Big Mirror to groom himself to which Kathleen would shout ‘Never-mind your Quiff John Get Out me bedroom!’...
Special Thanks to Bridie & Kathleen for all their Love & Support to him over the Years...
Thanks to Bridie for all her help to him & us after his Stroke & Thanks to Vera for her Support to us all these last difficult 6 months…
Veronica remembers how supportive he was when Leanne n Dani were born and how the girls would frisk him for sweets before he sat down…Veronica also recalls How Proud her Dad was on our Wedding Day, Proudly offering Champagne to all the neighbors as the Horse and Carriage trotted down Cleaveland Rd and also in closing his Father-of-the-Bride Speech Proudly announcing ‘’...you will always be Johns too me’’
Sean speaks of all the sporting events he went too with his Dad when he was younger first football match 1974, England v Ireland football 1976 & the Rugby 1978 and he copied his love of collecting Football Programs and a Special memory also was seeing Evil Knievel at Wembley when he attempted to jump 13 London buses in 1975, his Love of Sport Sean got from his Dad & Sean, Fiona, Daithi & Oisin always looking forward to seeing him on visits…..the boys playing with his Cap & Scooter...
Kevin recalls how he served his Drinking Apprenticeship with his Dad in the Duke of Buckingham....as John, like Kevin, was a perfectionist this apprenticeship lasted for 30 years…John and Kevin made the public bar in the Duke…They installed it over a few nights…this may have taken longer than expected due to the odd Guinness break...Kevin also met Jo in the Duke so the Pub has a rich Family connection...there was also a Great Christmas before last when Kev and Jo hosted the last time all the Family were together… a wonderful Christmas Day…
I have replayed so many happy, fond, funny memories of John,
I recall nervously asking John for Veronicas hand in marriage outside the Duke of Buckingham one Sunday afternoon...to be told by John ‘You are Joking arn’t you Steve ?’ and he disappeared back into the pub...I followed him back in, only for him & the whole saloon bar to erupt in laughter & joy as he hugged me & got the drinks in...
At our Wedding Suit Fitting in Kingston he liked the Silver Morning Suit trousers we hired so much...he didn’t return them...then proudly wore them at all the family do’s for the next 20 Years.....
A more recent Memory was the Duke of Buckingham Mini Bus trip to Kingstonian FCs visit to Wembley where we all had a few drinks and he got refused entrance by a steward…he laughed it off and went back to the pub...typical John, always up for the Craic!
Myself & Veronica & our girls loved spending every Christmas Day with him for over 20 years, Wonderful Days...
We also saw John every day in the first Lockdown at 28 Cleaveland Road – visiting him daily through his front window, with his Eggs Benedict Breakfasts, Open Dressing Gown, Cold Bottles of Moretti in hand, Sun Tanned from his back garden Sun Trap - he was happy, content, great Company and in good spirits and we both cherish those Special visits now...
As for me, he was & is, forever...my Father In Law, My Friend, My Old Drinking Partner, My Confidante, A Constant Support to me, Veronica & our Family in tough times and good times & a Wonderful, Generous Grandad to our daughters Leanne & Dani and also to Maddy, Freya, Daithi & Oisin….Thank You John !
Thank you to all the Family & Friends who enriched his life, Many of whom are watching this from a far on weblink & thanks to those who have travelled to be outside today to pay your respects....You know who you are....So does he...
The Family are grateful for all the love & support to us all at this time and ask kindly for any donations in memory of John to go to his Tribute Site set up by Kevin and Jo : Prostrate Cancer UK Charity details on the Service cards & from the family.
When we can...we will all Celebrate the Life of John as he would have wanted...in a Pub with many family & friends, many laughs…much colorful language & of course...many Drinks....and when that day comes...
Please all remember this....he will be with us in spirit....and will be first at the Bar and last to Leave....as always.....
God Bless You John.
Steve - Your Proud Son-In-Law 2.2.21