Canadian Mt. Everest 2005: The sun shines on Sean's memorial service

Update: The sun shines on Sean's memorial service

Sean blessed us with bright sun shine in Almonte as we bid him a final farewell. The beautiful weather was a fitting change from the recent spate of grey, wet and dismal days. The church bell tolled the arrival of the funeral procession to The Holy Name of Mary Church, packed with family and friends, and the ark carrying Sean’s ashes made its way up the aisle. High above the congregation was an image of Sean, grinning and pointing to Mount Everest, with the words Ad Astra (Aim High) blazoned above him.

Two moving eulogies were delivered, before the mass. The first was by Terry Kell, Sean’s friend and sponsor, who broke the tension by leading a Sean-style fitness/aerobic session in the church. It got everyone laughing and out of their seats and it reminded people that Sean was a man of action who believed that we have to make the world a fitter, healthier place, starting with our children. The second eulogy was by Pat Kelly, an old friend of Sean’s who went to the same school in Ireland. He spoke of his love for the man and Sean’s positive outlook on everyone and everything.

A local guitarist sang a beautiful rendition of Danny Boy, in honour of Sean’s Irish heritage.

The service ended with a moving and wonderful piece of filming as the screen was filled with images of Sean in his younger days as a boxer, teacher and father, and then with clips from the Everest expedition where he was seen laughing and smiling. For a few brief minutes his spirit filled the church once again, his eyes twinkling mischievously, and then he was gone.

For those living in Ottawa, you can see the service on Rogers Television Channel 22, at 8pm on Friday 27th May.

The legacy lives on…. in memory and honour of Sean’s life a special fund-raising initiative has been set up. Sean Egan Memorial Fund – Ad Astra

Donations can be made at www.childhaven.ca/donate.htm

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