In Memory of our dear friend, Brendan Crowley (1936-2009)

The Glencree community is sad to lose one of its finest members and our longest-serving volunteer, Brendan Crowley.  Brendan was the cornerstone of the community at the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation for over 30 years, since the founding of the organisation.  He had time for everyone who came through the Centre, and usually made them laugh.

Brendan, originally from Cork and resident of the Glencree Valley in County Wicklow, passed away peacefully on Tuesday afternoon, 2nd of February 2009, surrounded by multiple devoted family members. He was sick for 10 days, having suffered a stroke at his home.

He was a person amongst us who was immune to playing the ‘games’ that beset our world. He was not interested in possessions or position, happiest in the countryside, with his dog, Finn, and especially with legions of Glencree volunteers – who worshipped him.  For all the volunteers who have spent time at Glencree, Brendan was a father-figure, advice-giver, fellow wanderer, conversationalist, Irish-teacher and intellectual.

We will remember him as full of fun, discreet, courteous, ever supportive to all of us and loyal to Glencree’s ideals and idealism. He was devoid of side or malice but sensitive, wise and widely read.  He always remembered names of your family members and the things that you cared about most.  He never told you about his pains or worries, and always had a joke to tell.  His favourite response upon being asked how he was doing was, ‘I’m still above ground.’ May our tears nourish the earth in which you now rest.

He came to Glencree in 1985 to help with the peace farm programme, proof that he understood the importance of ecology and caring for our environment decades before the rest of us caught up.

All of the Glencree extended community, and many others, will never forget him.  The emptiness we now feel will in time be replaced by deeply cherished memories.

He is surely resting in peace.

Slan abhaile our dear friend.