FIT and healthy, Eamon Pattison had been speaking to friends just hours before his sudden death about his plans for family holidays next March to celebrate his 50th birthday. Sadly that was not to be.
Blessed of an outgoing and friendly nature, many struggled to comprehend the shock news of his passing.
Eamon was a warm, witty and kind person who was always immaculately turned out. He had a great interest in cars and all things mechanical, with his nickname of Percy adorning his latest acquisition.
Within the motor business he had many contacts and it was testimony to the high esteem in which he was widely regarded that so many from that community and others attended both his wake and funeral.
Eamon was the youngest son of the late Percy and Laura Pattison, having four older brothers - Paul, Franko, Brian and Mickey - and a younger sister Ann.
He grew up in Drumarg Park in Armagh during a difficult time of civil strife.
Like most young boys at the time, he went to the Pearse Óg GFC youth club but his main love as he reached adolescence was bikes and cars.
He was naturally gifted with his hands and found employment on leaving St Brigid's High School with the firm of Nugent & Gibney Ltd.
Throughout his long employment there he made many friends and contacts throughout Ireland and Britain, delivering and installing the latest in bar furniture and equipment. His loss to such a close knit group of workers is immeasurable.
Many in Armagh had the pleasure of Eamon's company and many more enjoyed his jovial take on life with the jokes and pranks that he shared on social media.
His brother Mickey and himself had many in stitches with their antics during the Giro D'Italia bike race when it came to Armagh, and were always prepared to poke fun at themselves.
At his wake many were the old yarns told about Eamon's take on life and they nearly all involved a humorous anecdote.
However, Eamon's love and main focus in life was for his wife Sharon and their two young boys, Ben and Ryan.
They were a well-matched couple - warm, welcoming and devoted to each other. The welfare and happiness of their sons was paramount in all they strived to achieve in life.
The example that Eamon gave to them will gently guide them forward in the years ahead and help Sharon through her grief.
Eamon Pattison died at his home at Abbey Park, Armagh on Sunday October 7.
His funeral took place to St Patrick's Cathedral and he was buried in St Patrick's Cemetery close to his beloved parents.
Go bhfuil sé fá shuaimhneas anois.
