Last tribute to Irish Samaritans founder

The funeral took place in Dublin yesterday of Canon Richard William Maurice Wynne - better known as Billy - who established the Samaritans in Ireland 30 years ago. He died last Monday at the age of 80.

Canon Cecil Hyland, who had once been a curate with Canon Wynne, told the large congregation in St Patrick's Cathedral that when anyone mentioned Billy Wynne, it led to a smile.

"He was unpredictable and maybe that was his appeal in an institution where often things seem to remain the same and where convention is usually the norm. You just never knew what Billy would do or say next . . ." He spoke of Canon Wynne's unconventional approach. "Toy airplanes flew around Monkstown church and table tennis balls were thrown at the congregation. He always wanted to ride a bicycle up the aisle but couldn't fit a message to the action.

"However, he said one day he would and he promised me he would tell me wherever I was when he was going to do this. Some 10 years later, long after I had left Monkstown, the phone rang at 11.30 p.m. one Saturday. `I'm doing it in the morning,' said a voice and the phone went dead."

He recalled that "Billy's perception of the church was much wider than the parish. His understanding of church membership was inclusive - it was never narrow or sectarian . . . Billy hated hypocrisy and sham - with a few well-chosen words he could bring a person down to earth. He felt people should be themselves, just as he was always himself."

He concluded with Canon Wynne's motto for life, which he noted was not taken from scripture but from the musical No, no Nanette.

"Billy would often sing this at home and sometimes even in church:

`I want to be happy

But I won't be happy

'Til I make you happy too.' "

The Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Walton Empey, presided at the service, which was introduced by Dean Robert MacCarthy, of St Patrick's. Dean Peter Barrett, from the diocese of Waterford did a reading.

The chief mourners were Canon Wynne's wife of 50 years, Cecil, and their three sons - John, Peter and Stephen.

The President, Mrs McAleese, was represented by Cmdt Dermot O'Connor. Also present was the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Ms Mary Freehill.

Among the congregation were Mr Joe Gallagher and Ms Patricia Hastings Hardy of the Samaritans; the former Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Donald Caird; the Bishop of Meath and Kildare, the Most Rev Richard Clarke; the retired Bishop of Cashel and Ossory, the Right Rev Noel Willoughby; Dean John Paterson, of Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin; Very Rev Dr Maurice Stewart, former Dean of St Patrick's; Very Rev T.N.D.C. Salmon, former Dean of Christ Church; and the Rev Kenneth Kearon, director of the Irish School of Ecumenics.

The retired judge, Mr Gerard Buchanan, was present as were Ms Alice Leahy, of Trust, and journalists, Willy Clingan, of The Irish Times; columnist Medb Ruane, and Michael O'Toole, of the Evening Herald. Canon Wynne wrote a fortnightly "faith" column for The Irish Times.