Seamus Power: Founding member of Children's Group Link remembered as 'kind hearted and considerate' man

The death has occurred of Seamus Power, Slievekeale Road, Waterford, who died on Friday, September 27, aged 62.

Seamus passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, in the wonderful care of the staff of the Oak Ward, University Hospital Waterford.

At his funeral mass given by Fr. Gerry Langford at the Holy Family Church, Seamus was remembered as a down-to-earth, kindhearted, loving man who was deeply involved in his local community.

Seamus lived just a stone’s throw from the church, the same home he lived in all his life and the house in which his parents Michael and Bridget raised a family of four inside.

The funeral procession heard that "it was a home filled with lots of love, laughter, affection and kindness down through the years".

He was a sociable and friendly man, who made many good friends throughout the years due to his approachable and flexible attitude. He was known to be easy to work with and he always made a good team player and colleague.

Seamus was always keen to help out in the local community, and notably he was one of the founding members of Children’s Group Link in Waterford City, a vital service, which since 1979 has provided programmes, services and supports to countless children, teenagers, their families and the wider community.

He was instrumental in building the organisation and its facilities over a 40-year period.

The board, staff, volunteers and everyone associated with Children’s Group Link sent their condolences to Seamus and his loved ones upon hearing of his passing, saying: “Seamus was loved and respected by all his colleagues and friends at Group Link but most importantly the nearly 1,500 children and young people who have come through the doors at our centre who loved and adored him. 

"He remained as a board member and Trustee until his health deteriorated in recent years.

“He is a huge loss to us all and of course his family. Not a single person had a bad word to say about him. 

"His legacy will be one of unconditional loyalty, commitment and love.” 

Children’s Group Link was a major part of Seamus’ life and he always remained an active and dedicated volunteer with the organization.

The children and teenagers, who came through the service over the years, had a profound respect for Seamus, and he loved to be with them. His purpose was to let them know they were loved, that they were respected and cared for, and his kind-hearted gentle spirit always ensured that was the case.

At his funeral mass, Seamus was described as a gentle and considerate man who always saw the best in people no matter what their circumstances may have been.

Quiet and reserved, he was equally comfortable in his own company as he was in the company of his beloved family and friends.

Seamus filled time with reading, doing puzzles and was an avid bridge player. Perhaps his favourite hobby, however, was building Airfix models.

He became a bit of an expert, and spent endless hours going into the finest details of the models, producing exact copies of the originals right down to the tiniest details.

He was a lifelong supporter of Leicester City, and a mug with the club crest was brought to the altar during his funeral mass.

Seamus was also a man of deep faith and was an active member of The Legion of Mary for many years. He adored the various trips to Knock shrine and being with the many friends he made through the work of the Legion.

A bouquet of flowers was presented at Our Lady's statue by Seamus’ brother Michael during the funeral service, as a symbol of Seamus’ devotion and many years of involvement with the Legion.

Seamus had been battling illness in the latter stages of his life, a challenge which he approached with dignity and courage, never losing hope and carrying on with determination right until the end.

‘Humble in his manner, outgoing and friendly, simply a warm-hearted gentleman, Seamus made the world a better place, he was a big man with a big heart’.

May his soul rest in peace.

He will be sadly missed by his sister Maura, brother Michael, brother-in-law Jim, his nephews and niece, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Seamus is predeceased by his parents Michael and Bridget and his brother Sean.