During his funeral held in Waterford, Michael Grant, a well-respected 45-year-old physiotherapist and father of four, was praised for his good spirit. Michael, who resided in Pinewood Avenue, Hillview, Co Waterford, sadly passed away due to a sudden heart attack while vacationing with family in Majorca’s Magaluf on July 1st.
His wife, Leanne, emotionally expressed to those gathered at the Holy Family Church for the 11am Mass that Saturday, how she had spent 24 cherished years with Michael prior to his untimely and abrupt demise. She lamented how it felt like the years had flown by too quickly. Travelling to many destinations, they had collected a host of fond memories. Ever the planner, Michael still had countless places he wished to visit. Leanne poignantly remarked how they came back from their holiday as a family of five, with their hearts forever carrying his absence.
Characterising Michael as an exemplary husband and father, Leanne reminisced how he had a passion for his profession, always clutching his diary and phone. He was particularly fond of supporting or training children, including their own, at the side of a hurling or football pitch, his cheerleading easily audible. That voice, Leanne stated, would be greatly missed.
Sixteen-year-old Niamh, their daughter, described her father as the family’s steadying force. While she chuckled over how he never failed to make a fool of her daily, she admitted in hindsight, she now identifies him as the most hilarious person she had ever encountered.
From Mount Sion GAA Club, Eoin Fanning mentioned Michael as a unique individual with a magnetic personality that attracted people to him. He highlighted a mourner’s touching comment on rip.ie, stating that Michael had a knack for making life weigh less, a sentiment that resonated within the whole club.
The principal celebrant, Father Gerard Langford, stated that Mr. Grant’s departure had created a tremendous gap not just within his family and friends, but also in a broader social context. He described Mr. Grant as an extremely good, positive individual with a heart full of love.
Mr. Grant leaves behind his spouse Leanne, their children Kayleigh aged 22, Niamh aged 18, Shay aged 11 and Sofia aged 10, his parents Sam and Marie, his siblings and the rest of his extended family. His interment took place at the Kilbarry cemetery.
In other news, Mr. Grant’s sister, Deborah, has created a GoFundMe page to assist his family because Michael had recently stopped paying his life insurance policy. Mr. Grant had scheduled a discussion to initiate a new policy on the 18th of July. Contributions to his family can be channelled through this page.