TOUCHING tributes have poured in for an 89-year-old man who died after his Westmeath house went up in flames.
John (Jackie) Smyth’s was killed on June 4 after his Gilberstown home near Castlepollard caught fire.
Fire and emergency services rushed to the scene at about 1am but sadly Smyth was pronounced dead at the scene.
His body was removed to the mortuary at Regional Hospital Mullingar and a post portem is set to take place in due time.
Sharing the news of Smyth’s passing, his death notice reads: “The death has occurred on Wednesday, June 4 of John (Jackie) Smyth at his residence in Gilbertstown, Castlepollard, Co. Westmeath.”
It goes on to state that Smyth is “deeply regretted” by his brother Paddy, sisters Nuala, Phyllis, Olive, and Ethel, as well as nieces and nephews.
He is also mourned by a wide circle of friends and neighbours.
Smyth’ was laid to rest at St Michael’s Church, Castlepollard on Saturday.
It was followed by a burial is St Michael’s Cemetery in Castlepollard.
Heartbroken mourners have paid tribute to the elderly man, calling it a “sad passing”.
One person said: “Deepest sympathy to all of the Smyth families on the sad loss of Jackie.
“A great neighbour, may he rest in peace.”
Another said: “Sincere sympathy to Paddy, Phyllis, Olive, Nuala, Ethel and the extended Smyth Family on the very sad passing of Jackie. May he rest in peace.”
SINCERE SYMPATHY
A third penned: “My sincere condolences to the Smyth family on the passing of my cousin Jackie, although I only met him on a few occasions I still remember his very warm and friendly personality. Requiescat in pace.”
And a fourth said: “Deepest sympathy to the Smyth family on the sad passing of Jackie. May his soul rest in peace.”
Gardai said they do not suspect foul play in relation to Smyth’s death.
A spokesperson said at the time of his passing: “Gardai are investigating the death of a man aged in his 80s following a fire that occurred at a residence in the Gilbertstown area of Castlepollard, Co Westmeath at approximately 1am this morning.
“The man was pronounced deceased at the scene.
“His body was removed to the mortuary at Mullingar Mortuary where a post mortem examination is due to take place.”
Smyth was remembered as a ‘warm and friendly’ man[/caption]
