The family of long-term Nelson resident, Paddy Horan, would like to announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, uncle and husband on September 23, 2011.
Paddy was a jolly, kind-hearted Irishman who arrived in Canada from his dear homeland in 1956. He and his wife of 53 years, Frances, settled in the Kootenays after meeting in Ontario. A hard-working man his entire life, Paddy worked as a pipefitter while raising his children, Paddy Jr. and Mary. In 1970, Paddy and Fran built and ran the Willow Bay Motel at Six-Mile until 1983, where Paddy was rarely seen without his cherished young grand-daughter, Michelle, and at least one dog happily tagging along at his heels.
After selling the Willow Bay Motel, Paddy, ever the hopeful entrepreneur, opened up a new business, Six-Mile Repair. While Paddy’s fix-it skills were outstanding, the business wound down quickly as he chose to have a cup of tea or a nice cold beer with his customers rather than charge them properly for his labours.
Paddy will be fondly remembered for his unconditional love of his children, grand-children, nephews and nieces (who all loved the golf cart!), and his kindness toward the elderly and every animal that walked the earth. His Irish Eyes A-Smilin’, Paddy was at his best delighting his many visitors with Irish jokes and his infectious laugh. We will miss his generous heart, legendary hospitality and gracious spirit. We know for sure that Paddy’s enjoying Heaven where he was met by a tail-wagging Teddy, his favorite black lab and soul-mate, where both are now contentedly walking rolling green meadows. To his dear loved ones and friends, he leaves an old Celtic blessing:
May there always be work
For your hands to do.
May your purse always hold
A coin or two.
May the sun always shine
On your windowpane.
May a rainbow be certain
To follow each rain.
May the hand of a friend
Always be near you
And may God fill your heart.
Paddy’s family would like to thank the caring staff at Mountain Lake and all who touched his merry, Irish heart. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 1, at 2 – 5 pm at Paddy and Fran’s place at Willow Point, 2653 Highway 3A, just above Hellman’s Canoes.
Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of Thompson Funeral Service Ltd. Online condolences may be expressed at www.thompsonfs.ca.