HARDY GARY Superhero It's been 6 months to the day, on the day that would have been his 43rd birthday, since my son Gary passed away as a result of natural causes. Myself and his two sis- ters, Cailín and Aisling, were devastated, broken hearted and shocked at his un- timely sudden death. We still are, as is his uncle Basil who was always there for Gary and more like a father to him and for that I will be eternally grateful. “Basil? It's wee Gary here”. Even at over 6ft, and over 40, this was Gary's greeting to him, everytime. Gary was a truly lovely child, so gentle and such a loving boy, and a gentle and lovely man. He was the best in all of us, no worst, there was none. Gary loved his superheroes, as a boy and as a man, and in many ways he was his own super- hero, he was ours too. He fought and survived countless and constant battles that would have defeated most of us. Yet he never gave up, he endured, he fought and he survived. It was his body that failed him. It has been a very difficult time, and like many families who have lost their loved one recently, our farewell to Gary was hijacked by this pandemic. We feel robbed of the loving goodbye Gary deserved, that we deserved. Yet despite all this our friends, family and community flooded us with their love and support. We are all especially grateful for this and always will be. I want to share a special thank you to Celebrant Michael Conlon, who gave my son a very beautiful and personal service in our family home. A private send off that al-lowed us to share our memories of Gary in a special way and I have to say “Gary son, your sisters did you proud”. Also many, many thanks to Margaret McKee and her family, our extended family, for all they did for all of us. You helped us at our dark- est time, so thank you from me and my entire family circle. Thank you, Mariea Hardy
