John was a kind person who was ‘happiest with family’

The late John Stones from Faheeran, Moate in Offaly has been described as a “genuine and kind person” who was “happiest with family”.

He passed away in Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe aged 33, following a road accident on the Ballinasloe to Shannonbridge Road at Cloneish, Co Roscommon on Saturday evening last.

At his funeral on Wednesday, October 18 in the Church of the Holy Family, Tubber, Fr Luke Ohiemi said John “loved and cared for family with great affection” and that he was a “huge support” to his mother Marian, especially after his father Joe passed away.

He described him as a “bit of an outdoor person” who was “happiest at home with family”.

Fr Ohiemi remarked that John's siblings could call him up at any time and that he had a “heart of gold”.

“He loved spending time with his nieces and nephews,” the priest said at his funeral on Wednesday, adding that John enjoyed commending them on their achievements and he was a “community person” who “connected with people in lots of different ways”.

The mementos brought up to the altar to symbolise John's life included a photo of family and friends, gloves to signify his hobbies and love of the outdoors, a photo of his dog Lucky, a photo of his car to represent his life as a mechanic and panel beater, and a photo of his motorbikes.

The funeral mass in Tubber heard John also loved fishing and spent lots of time in his youth fishing on the lakes and harbour in Mullingar with his grandparents.

Fr Ohiemi said that John loved animals and he “looked after any sick lamb that came to the house.” He added that John had a talent for “welding, fixing and repairing” and he had big plans for the future with aspirations to open his own panel beating shop and to travel the world.

Those in attendance at the funeral also heard of John's love of farming and the outdoors, he was a member of Tubber Gun Club and shared many “good times” and interests with fellow members.

Fr Ohiemi said that “losing a loved one, no matter the age, will always come with pain, grief and loss” but that it was made “worse” when it was just 33.

He is predeceased by his father Joe and grandfathers Peter and Joe.

John Stones is survived by his mother Marian, sister Katie and his brothers Brian and Joseph, sister-in-law Aoife, brother-in-law Brian, nieces Saoirse, Clodagh, Keira and Alesha, nephews Brian Óg and Caeden, grandmother Sarah, aunts, uncles, extended family, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

Following thefuneral in the Church of the Holy Family, Tubber, he was laid to rest in Kilcurley Cemetery.