Funeral takes place for Waterford man who passed away while working in Germany

The funeral of Aidan Atkins, Bracken Grove, has taken place at Sacred Heart Church, The Folly in Waterford City.

The mass was celebrated by Fr. Gerard Chestnutt, who said they were gathered to celebrate a “life well lived” and lost too soon.

“Aidan had a passion for life. And passion is another word for love. A love of life. A love of all that he did. A passion and a love for all his family throughout the generations,” said Fr Chestnutt.

Symbols of Aidan’s life were laid on his coffin. A hurley for his love of sport, an empty can of Heineken and teabags to represent the “copious cups of tea”. 

“This is part of who he was and part of the person you love and will always love," said Fr Chestnutt.

He paid tribute to Aidan’s work as a plasterer, his love of sport, especially hurling and Manchester United, and his local club Erin's Own.

Aidan’s brother Dermot spoke on behalf of the family. He said his brother had an unwavering support for his family and those he cared about.

“Don’t get me started on Man United. Aidan seemed to watch a completely different game to the rest of us when it came to Man United. No matter how bad they were, Aidan used to say they should have won the game. But I think that sums up Aidan in a nutshell," said Dermot.

Dermot described his brother as his best friend and paid tribute to his dedication to his wife and children.

“Aidan was the greatest father, brother and best friend to Kerry Ashlee, Austin and Noel, you were his life and he dedicated his life to you, everything he did was for you so you would have a better life and he loved you all dearly,” said Dermot.

Fr Chestnutt said those gathered had every right to be angry and upset at his passing.

“It was fair to say that when news filtered through on the ninth of January that Aidan Atkins had died, it was met with immense shock, sadness disbelief and grief.

“And I wish we were not in this church this morning. I wish we were anywhere else except here for this funeral,” said Fr Chestnutt.

Fr Chestnutt said his family told him Aidan was “by nature a bit of a messer, hilarious and also very kind with a passion for people,” said Fr Chestnutt.

He paid tribute to his 22 years as a husband and acknowledged that to be too short for his wife Kerry.

“But you have lived a wonderful life together with your contrasting personalities,” said Fr Chestnutt.

Dermot also paid tribute to their mother, who has lost both her husband and a son.

He described her as the strongest person he knows and promised to support him no matter what.

Dermot thanked all those who helped bring Aidan home from Frankfurt and supported him and his family.

He thanked the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust for their assistance in bringing Aidan home.

“They were brilliant from the word go,” said Dermot.

He also thanked the hospital who cared for Aidan, the German police and Luke Hennessy for his assistance.

“Aidan, you are finally with our father PJ. I’m sure both have a lot to catch up on and a laugh at our expense you might finally find out the soccer team the father really supported,” said Dermot.

PASSING 

Aidan Atkins passed away on January 9, 2025 in Frankfurt.

He is missed by his wife Kerry, his children Ashlee and Austin, his loving mother Patricia (Trish). Aidan is also missed by his brothers Brian, Niall, Dermot and sister Deirdre, Kerry's grandad Noel (Penkert), sisters-in-law, nieces and nephew, extended family, relatives and many friends.

He is predeceased by his father PJ.

A GoFundMe to repatriate Aidan was established but has since been cancelled by the family as it was no longer needed.