Cemetery caretaker Eddie will be missed
OUR Lady's Island lost one of its favourite sons last week.
Edward ' Eddie' Redmond passed away on Wednesday, January 25. He was 85- years- old.
Eddie was born and reared in St Awaries, Our Lady's Island. He was one of Martin and Elizabeth Redmond's two children and is predeceased by his sister Mary Ellard.
He married Bridgie Ryan from Carne and the couple lived together in St Awaries until Bridgie passed away four years ago.
Eddie worked for many years on farms and on building sites in Our Lady's Island and the surrounding areas.
He was also very active in the community and was a member of the Carne Coast Guard unit and always helped out with the pilgrimages at Our Lady's Island.
Eddie was caretaker of the cemetery in Our Lady's Island and it was a job he took very seriously, tending to it with great care for 40 years.
He took great pride in his work, which was always greatly appreciated by those with loved ones laid to rest there.
Eddie also liked to visit the old cemeteries in the area, but not only did he visit them, he spent many hours doing voluntary work in them to ensure they were kept in good order. ' We have to look after our old family and friends too,' he used to say.
Eddie was honoured by the community in Our Lady's Island when he retired as caretaker of the cemetery and presented with a lovely clock for his home.
He was also very proud to receive a Benemerenti medal from Bishop Denis Brennan in recognition of his long and valuable contribution to the Church and parish in Our Lady's Island.
Eddie was a wellknown and very popular character in Our Lady's Island and could be regularly seen on his bike as he cycled almost everywhere.
He was a great friend and neighbour who was always happy to lend a hand whenever and wherever he could.
His Requiem Mass was celebrated in Our Lady's Island on Saturday and he was laid to rest in the cemetery where he had worked for so long.
May he rest in peace.
