Mr. John McGouran

WITH the passing of Mr. John McGouran, the community of Saintfield and Carrickmannon lost a true gentleman.

He was born on September 7, 1926, in the townland of Carrickmannon. Although he was the only son of John and Catherine McGouran, his childhood was definitely not a solitary affair. He had four uncles and an aunt, only slightly older than himself, also living on the family farm. This meant that his role in this extended family, was very much that of an adored younger ‘brother’.

When he spoke about his childhood, about kittens and horses, threshers and ploughing, his stories transported the listener back to a simpler and more beautiful time; a time when all neighbours worked together, cared deeply about each other and everyone had time to stop and chat.

His home was one where fiddles and accordions were played until the wee hours of the morning, when daylight would send the musicians home in time for their day’s work.

As a young man John was delighted when he got a job as a bus driver. This gave him independence and provided him with the means to ‘run the roads’ with his lifetime friend, Charlie Magee. These two would go to any lengths to borrow a car — and the petrol — to allow them to get to dances. On one of these forays, he met Eileen Sharvin, who would become the love of his life. They were married in 1958.

John loved and cherished Eileen and each of his six children. He had that wonderful ability to make each child feel that they were his special one, the apple of his eye. Likewise, he cared deeply for each and every one of his 15 grandchildren and his great-grandson.

John worked for over 40 years in the bus service, becoming an inspector in Oxford Street station in the 1960s. In the early 1980s he transferred to the Downpatrick depot, where he stayed until he retired 21 years ago.

In retirement, he had no intention of relaxing and taking life easy. He dedicated himself to renovating and improving the family farm. John and Eileen also dedicated themselves to looking after John’s mother, Catherine. The care and attention she received from them allowed her to stay at home until she passed away in her 99th year.

Apart from farming, his other great interest was competitive draughts, for many years being a member of Ballynahinch Draughts League. John was a man of deep intellect and endless patience, so it was hardly surprising that he proved a very difficult opponent. His regular Friday night matches with his friend, Arthur Alexander, were intense affairs, where a single game could last several hours.

At the age of 86 John was still as fit and as strong as some men half his age. He still loved good clothes, a bright tie and a nice jacket. His whole family were convinced that he would live to see 100, but God’s ways are not our ways.

Above all, John was a man of gentle kindness and of patient love. He was a man who thought before he spoke, and who planned before he acted. He preferred quiet to noise and preferred peace to argument. He hated gossip, but loved good company and conversation.

John succeeded in making life beautiful for those around him. He can never be replaced and will be sadly missed.