In these days of constant travel and relocation it’s unusual to have a close and loyal friendship for almost 60 years. This is what I have known and now sadly lost with the sudden recent death of Peter Fagan at the relatively early age of 69.
Peter was an outstanding friend and one of the most courteous people one could meet.
Here was a man who possessed in exceptional measure many of the classic virtues of gentility, kindness, humility and integrity, coupled with a mischievous good humour which made him universally liked and respected.
Peter was a deeply spiritual man in a typically quiet and unobtrusive way with an ever optimistic view of life. His many interests included a lifelong love and expert knowledge of opera, classical music and European history, which he read with gusto. A keen bridge player, he was also a fine cruising sailor, an avid amateur photographer and a lover of flowers and gardens. He was an active member of the of the Royal St George YC for over 30 years.
Born in Dublin into a medical and legal family, Peter completed his secondary education in Clongowes Wood College where we met in 1950. After a brief flirtation with medicine at UCD he changed course to the alternative family profession of law and qualified as a solicitor in 1964. Following senior positions with a number of Dublin firms, he subsequently re-established the successful general practice of Seales Solicitors, of which he was principal until his death four weeks ago.
Many happy memories of this unique friend flood into my mind, particularly in relation to the many wonderful cruises over 30 years with him and a few other close friends to his favourite destinations in Ireland and Scotland. Peter leaves all who knew him the richer for knowing him and the poorer for his sad loss. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.ML