Seamus Boyle, 1940-2005

One imagines on occasions that some people have been, and will be, around for ever, so great is their influence in a particular arena. Such was the case with former Fortwilliam Musical Society chairman, Seamus Boyle.

His appointment as chairman of the society came not long after a life-threatening bout of illness that would have left a weaker soul settling for the greener pastures of gentle convalescence or early retirement. But that was not Seamus. His enforced realisation of the fragility of the human condition consumed him with a passion for life. His verve and energy were limitless, his enthusiasm abundant and his joie de vivre intoxicated everyone with whom he came into contact.

Fortwilliam Musical Society was one of his greatest loves, and his pride in the good name and reputation of the society inspired him to execute his office with selfless determination. He was at the helm for many of the shows that I directed up in Belfast and with bemused admiration, I confess that he moulded me, as he did with so many others, to his way of thinking.

He was an "ideas" man, and sometimes the ideas seemed unattainable, but they never were, because Seamus always persuaded you to go that extra mile. And his methods were ingenious and endearing. "That can't be done!", I would protest, and with resolute calm and charm he would assure me, "Peter, I have faith in you!" He couldn't take no for an answer, but in truth, when he asked something of you, you never wanted to say no.

As he ascends now to a better place, I hope the good Lord is ready to be reorganized. The choir of Heavenly Angels will be the first to feel his influence. He'll have all the older ones, who can't dance anymore, singing off-stage, in the heavenly wings. And then he'll start telling God that He can do a better job on giving happiness to the world, and God will say, "It can't be done!", and Seamus will smile and say, "God, I have faith in You!". And it will be done!

My very dear friend Seamus, we will all miss you.

Peter Kennedy