Bertie served as sacristan in Redeem er parish for 21 years
Bertie McCrave, Marian Park, Dundalk, died peacefully on 26 November, 2017, at home in the care of his loving family after a long illness, which he bore with great courage and dignity.
A keen footballer in his day, he was also for 21 years sacristan in the Church of the Holy Redeemer.
Bertie was one of eight children who came from Nicholas Street, Dundalk, and later lived at Wolfe Tone Terrace. He was a son of the late James and Frances McCrave.
He married his childhood sweetheart, Eilish in 1958, and they moved to London, where their first child, Brendan, was born.
The couple returned to Ireland, setting up home in Marian Park, where over the course of the years, they had another nine children.
It was with great sadness and regret, they suffered the loss of their son, Barlow, in 1990.
Bertie was a miller by trade for 30 years, working in DEW and S&S.
He took up the position of sacristan in the Holy Redeemer Church, where he spent 21 years, until his illness.
Bertie loved all sports, and was a keen footballer in his day, playing for the Hibs, Border Legion and other local teams.
He also enjoyed draughts and a game of cards. He liked a flutter on the horses, and in his latter years enjoyed the company of his grandchildren, whom he adored.
Bertie is survived by his wife, Eilish; sons, Brendan, Noel (Leeds), Anthony, Alan, Colin, Declan, James; daughters, Ann and Adele; grandchildren; brother, Anthony (Newry); sister, Briege (Birmingham); nephews, nieces, son- and daughters-in-law, relatives and friends.
Having reposed at his home, Bertie’s remains were taken for the last time to the Church of the Holy Redeemer, where he spent many happy years, for Requiem Mass, celebrated by Fr. Paul Montague and Fr. Damien Quigley.
Beautiful music was provided by Ann Carroll, and Vinny Murray played the bagpipes.
The readings were given by daughter-in-law, Maeve; and niece, Audrey; and prayers of the faithful were led by son, Declan; niece, Lynn; brother, Anthony; and nieces, Sandra and Siobhán.
The offertory gifts were taken up by son, James; and grandchildren, Matthew, Aimee and Conor.
Bertie was laid to rest beside his son, Barlow, in St. Patrick’s Cemetery.
The Month’s Mind will be held in the Church of the Holy Redeemer at 11.30am Mass on 31 December, 2017.