Buddy Sutton - a true gentleman and Christian
The late Martin Buddy Sutton.
Buddy Sutton was a pillar of the local community, and his untimely death after an illness borne with great courage and strength on Friday, January 2, cast a dark cloud locally where he was remembered for his life of family, the church, Waterford FC, poetry and music.
Christened Martin but best known as Buddy, the 69-year-old Rice Park native, was a gifted songwriter and poet, and was remembered at his funeral Mass as a true gentleman and a true Christian, who always saw the good in everyone.
Married to Patricia, the couple resided at Cherrymount, where they reared three children, Kenneth, Damien and Lisa. His funeral Mass saw music rendered by Sarah Jane Lavery, accompanied by Paddy Butler, where a number of Buddy’s own written numbers were played during the service.
Much loved and respected by many who crossed his path, Buddy’s remains were removed from Thompson’s Funeral Home, Barrack Street, on Tuesday, January 6, to the Sacred Heart Church, the Folly, where Fr. Gerry Chestnutt celebrated his funeral Mass.
Symbols of his life were brought to the altar by his grandchildren, including a photograph, a Waterford FC jersey, a cross to express his faith, and poetry and music.
In his homily, Fr. Chestnutt said: “There are many words that have been spoken to describe Buddy as a person, with many saying that he was a true gentleman. He was a very religious man, but I have a better way to describe him – he was a true Christian.
“To say someone is religious is to say that they pray or worship, but to say that they are Christian means that they live a life based on the best of human values. The great irony about Buddy, who did so much and achieved so much, was that he was a very private, humble and understanding man.” Fr Chestnutt added: “We are also here to remember a life well lived and one lived to the full. We are here to celebrate who he was and what he did in his life. We say farewell to a very Roman Catholic Christian.
“A constant member of the congregation here until illness rendered him, he was a true follower of Jesus and left this world listening to 10am Mass on his laptop. He was a man for pilgrimage, as he went at least eight times to Medjugorje.
“He made a wonderful impact on so many lives. A cutter in Waterford Crystal, which was a great skill; he had many gifts and recognised all of them. He was a passionate songwriter and poet.
“Fittingly, we’ll stop at the RSC on his way to Buddy’s final resting place, as saying Buddy loved Waterford FC would be an understatement. He was a great volunteer with the club, and he did so with a passion for over 45 years.”
In a beautiful eulogy, his son Kenneth said: “Today we honour, but mostly importantly, celebrate the life of my father, Buddy. A man who lived 69 rich, meaningful, and deeply loved years amongst us. He gave so much of himself to so many people.
“He was an inspiration in everything he did. From a glass cutter in Waterford Crystal to becoming an award-winning musician. His talents were remarkable, but what totally defined him was how he lived – quietly, humbly and always with heart.
“Despite being unassuming and soft-spoken, he built a large circle of friends stretching far beyond Waterford and hearing stories over the last few days has been both heartwarming and overwhelming, where he didn’t just pass through life, but left a piece of himself behind.” Kenneth added: “He was a family man in the true sense. There was nothing that he wouldn’t do for people that he loved. No task was too small or no inconvenience too great. He deeply loved and idolised his parents.
“You could see how much family meant to him through his poetry and songwriting. He did it gently without fuss, simply because that’s how he expressed care. Anyone who knew Dad knew that music wasn’t just a hobby; it was part of his soul.
“Sport was another huge love in his life, especially football and his love for Waterford FC. His passion was unwavering, and his devotion unmatched. From early days as a stadium announcer to his work in the tea room, the RSC became his second home. The club was Dad’s second great love after us, his family.
“To Dad's friends in music, the choir and the church community, thank you. You were all such an important part of his life. The choir he sang with, the seat he sat in at Mass, these were the things that mattered deeply to him.
“Finally, you were everything to us. You gave us love with conditions, and you were the perfect role model. If I can be ten per cent the father that you were to me to my own kids, I’ll be doing incredibly well. You are and always will be our hero.” Buddy’s remains were carried from the church to the song “Thank You Jesus” that he wrote himself before he was laid to rest at Kilbarry Cemetery.
Predeceased by his parents, Martin and Anne, Buddy is survived by his loving wife Patricia, sons Kenneth and Damian, daughter Lisa, daughter-in-law Edel, grandchildren Tadhg, Cathal, Tiarnan, Chloe, Rebecca and Mia, brothers Joe and John, sisters Helen, Paula, Mary, Ann, Catherine and Claire, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends, to whom we offer our deepest sympathies.
May he rest in peace.
