The family of tragic Lee Early have said a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all those who helped them following their recent loss.
Boat skipper Lee died when his car slipped off Arranmore Pier in the early hours of Sunday morning last.
His funeral took place on his beloved island on Thursday last amidst moving scenes.
Over the past week, hundreds of people have recalled fond memories of the hugely-popular 26-year-old.
Now his family have thanked everyone who helped them in any way in coping as best they can with the loss of Lee.
May he rest in peace.
“The Early family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to our many friends for the overwhelming love, support, kindness, generosity and thoughtfulness shown to us during these last difficult days. We were truly humbled by the efforts of the Arranmore Lifeboat Crew & Ambulance and Dr Quinn in their efforts to resuscitate Lee. Tragically for us, it was not to be.
“We acknowledge the compassion shown by The Gardaí & his crewmates from The Arranmore Blue & Red Ferries. To the many who came to sympathise with us at Mc Glynn’s funeral home. To the businesses who closed their doors from Dungloe to Burtonport Pier during his removal.
“To those who lined Burtonport Pier. To the trio of boats, all of which he had skippered in his career, and escorted Lee on his final sailing home ⚓ To the people of Arranmore who awaited Lee’s arrival at the ferry pier, we are very proud to be part of such a wonderful community. To John Mc Cafferty, the staff and the volunteers of the Community Centre, Thank You.
“To our many friends who have comforted & fed us & offered accommodation, Thank You. To both ferry companies for their generosity to those travelling to Arranmore. To the priests, the co-ordinators of the funeral, the musicians, the sound organisers at the Church & Graveyard & the Pall-bearers, Thank You.
To the Guards of Honour (the RNLI, the Irish Coastguard, the Irish Navy, the Ferry Crews and the Secondary School), many, many thanks. And the Guard of Honour on the Sea by the ferry boats, what a magnificent tribute to our Skipper on the journey to his final resting place.
“To Josie Gallagher and Shaun Mc Glynn Funeral Directors, many thanks for your professionalism and compassion.
“To the Glen Hotel, staff and volunteers at the funeral reception, Thank You.
To those who travelled from all parts of the world to attend Lee’s Wake, we will never ever forget the love and support you have shown to us and to Lee’s memory 💙
As there are too many to mention individually, we apologise but please know, we are eternally grateful.
“Lastly, for Lee’s friends…….you are all a credit to him and we have comfort knowing that Bruce’s songs, laughs and memories will be carried in your hearts forever. In the words of Taylor Swift, (one of Lee’s favourites), ‘You’ll never have to be alone, I love you and that’s all I really know’.
❤ Lee ‘Skipper’ Early, Watch Over Us All
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