Eric Carter is fondly remembered

There was a deep air of sadness on Monday, 8 January when news broke of the death of former Bord na Móna employee, Eric Carter, 73 Derrygreengh Park, Rochfortbridge, father of Peter who has been a member of staff with Topic Newspapers for a long number of years.

Eric was born in Kildare on 4 May, 1932 and he was an avid follower of Kildare GAA. Spending a lot of time following the Lilly Whites led to him becoming a part Offaly man when he met his late wife Mary (née Moran) who he introduced to Kildare GAA at a football match in Tullamore.

Eric was a man of many talents and this led him to working in England where he and Mary started out, but it was not long before sickness kicked in and they returned to Ireland.

He and Mary got married in the Church of the Assumption, Tullamore on 1 August, 1955 after which they set up home in O'Molloy Street, Tullamore.

Just over a year later their first child was born and their second child was born two years later.

He worked for a number of different businesses during what were very tough times financially.

Eric then got the opportunity of working with Bord na Móna which meant for some time he had to cycle twenty miles to and from work on a daily basis which he did without making any complaints until he was able to purchase a motorbike.

Working with Bord na Móna was the start of a new adventure for Eric which spanned over thirty years until he retired having risen through the ranks to the position of supervisor.

Eric then was transferred to close to Rochfortbridge where he got the opportunity for him and Mary to move to their forever home in Derrygreenagh Park.

During this time their third son, Eric was born who unfortunately only lived for three days.

Their family continued to expand as did their growing circles of neighbours and life long friends.

Along with working long hours with Bord na Móna, Eric still managed to hand cut and save turf to provide the fuel needed to hear and cook for his family.

He was always willing to help a friend or neighbour in need.

He was a devoted and loyal husband to Mary for over 64 years and loving father to children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

His desire to live was proven after he suffered a life threatening brain haemorrhage which was followed very quickly by a stroke.

Eric worked extremely hard with the support of his wife and family to learn how to walk, and talk, read and regain his independence which he succeeded by getting back to his driving which he loved and enjoyed and continued doing until he reached the age of 90.

Eric passed away in the excellent care of the doctors, nurses and staff of the Cuin Suite, Midlands Regional Hospital, Mullingar with his heartbroken family by his side. He is survived by his, sons Peter, David and Michael, daughters Mary, Linda and Violet, daughter-in-law Patricia, son-in-law Gabriel, his cherished and adored grandchildren, step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family, wonderful lifelong neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

His Funeral Mass was celebrated on Wednesday, 10 January in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Rochfortbridge with burial afterwards in the local cemetery.

Symbols of Eric's life were brought to the altar by his grandson Shane, great-grandchild Grace, daughter-in-law Gemma,. grandson Charlei, daughter Linda, granddaughter Orla, daughter-in-lawPatrici and granddaughter Amy.

The readings were read by his daughter Mary and grandson Eric.

The Prayers of the faithful were read by his children - Peter, Michael, Mary, Linda, Eric and Violet. The Offertory Gifts were brought to the alter by his son Michael and grandson Eric.