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IN MEMORIUM
The Irish Cultural Society of Arkansas wishes to recognize the exemplary lives of our friends who have passed on. These people are in our thoughts often and, through this page, we wish to publiclly memorialize their commendable service, support and friendship.
Bart Strand
Bartholomew A. Strand, born August 23, 1923 in Dublin, Ireland, went to the Lord on March 25th, 2011 in Austin, Texas surrounded by his family. Bart and his wife, Nancy, had lived in Little Rock for over 45 years and just recently moved to Austin.
Bart came to this country after traveling around the world as an Irish merchant marine. He was docked in New York City where he met and married the love of his life in 1955 and then started his family. He was employed by the Royal Globe Insurance Agency as a safety engineer and was transferred to Little Rock, Arkansas were he and his family settled in the Hillcrest area. He was an avid member of the Knights of Columbus, sat on the board of the Recovery Centers of Arkansas and for years was a very strong presence in the Irish Cultural Society. He was especially proud of being one of the first Grand Marshalls of the St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Bart and Nancy loved to travel and they became regulars on the Holland America Cruise Line. As soon as they would return from one trip, they would start planning their next one. Eventually, he bought a boat that he named the Irish Rover and he would invite friends and family to the Lake Maumelle Yacht Club to join them for their afternoon biscuits and tea.
Having been a life long member of the Arkansas Repertory Theater, Bart always supported the performing arts. He loved a good concert and saved all his playbills.
Bart would be extremely pleased if a donation in his name could be made to St. Stephen’s Episcopal School in Austin, Texas or Tapestry Dance Company in Austin, Texas.
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
The sun shine warm upon your face,
The rain fall soft upon your field
And until we meet again, may God
Hold you in the palm of His Hand.
He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Strand, his sisters Norrie and Maureen and his daughter, Sheila. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Nancy his two daughters, Deirdre and Maureen, Acia Gray and grandchildren, Siobhan Cook, Erin Gardner, Kerry Reyes, Ryan Harrison, Maeven, Rhys, and Colin Rogers and Patsy, Jim and Catriona Coady.
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Peggy Monahan
Peggy Monahan, a 21-year employee of the Diocese of Little Rock, was named the Grand Marshall of the 6th Annual 2005 Little Rock St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Mrs. Monahan was one of the original founding members of the Irish Cultural Society of Arkansas (ICSA), the organization presenting the Parade.
“I’m very proud of my Irish heritage. I read the letter three times before it penetrated that they had selected me to be this year’s Grand Marshall,” said Monahan at the time she was named Grand Marshall. Her mother, Margaret Kirrane Joyce was born in Sligo , Ireland and whose father, Michael Monahan, came from Galway , Ireland .
Monahan, who served as Secretary for the Irish Cultural Society for several years, was awarded the title of Grand Marshall of the 2005 Little Rock St. Patrick’s Day Parade by unanimous vote of the ICSA board members who recognized her many years of volunteer service for the organization.
Monahan grew up in New York and New Jersey . She came to Little Rock, Arkansas more than twenty years ago when her husband was transferred with New York Bank for Savings and ran Modern American Mortgage Company. Monahan took a job at the Diocese of Little Rock where she served as secretary to the school superintendent. Monahan was the mother of two children – a son, Larry, who lives in Bryant, Arkansas and daughter, Margaret Hailey, who lives in Little Rock with her husband, Scott and their four sons.
“My grandsons range in age from two to sixteen years of age,” Monahan said when interviewed in 2005. And no doubt they all looked forward to seeing their grandmother honored as the Grand Marshall of the 2005 Little Rock St. Patrick’s Day Parade. We remember how her face beamed with pride as she rode in the horse drawn carriage wearing the Grand Marshall sash and then later watched the parade the rest of the parade from the grand stand. Peggy is sorely missed by all who knew her.
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William G. "Jerry" Ryan
The Irish Cultural Society of Arkansas mourns the loss of one of our member, Jerry Ryan, who served as a faithful volunteer at many ICSA events and was honored as the Grand Marshall of the 2004 Little Rock St. Patrick's Day Parade. We will miss you Jerry!
William G. "Jerry" Ryan, age 60, went to be with the Lord July 13, 2004. Jerry was preceded in death by his father, William L. Ryan:; step-father, Marvin Hogan; and nephew, Steven Sims. Jerry fought a valiant battle with cancer for the past seven years with great dignity.
Jerry was a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving in the U.S. Army and receiving numerous medals. He served as Post Commander of VFW 8472 in 1984-85; was Past President of the Pulaski Heights Jaycees in 1978-79; was a Life Member of the Jaycees International Senate; and member of the Irish Cultural Society of which he was honored to be the Grand Marshall, in the 2004 St. Patrick's parade of Little Rock. Before his illness, he was manager of Carriage Trade Cleaners in Little Rock.
Jerry is survived by his mother, Floy Hogan of Little Rock; sisters, Mamye Hogan of Little Rock and Ann Ryan Sims of Conroe, Texas; niece, Karen Sims Bennett and husband, Paul; grand-nephews, Ryan and Chase Cantrell; uncle, James T. Whitlock and wife, Elaine; and numerous cousins.
A memorial service was held at the Huson Funeral Home with Rev. Mike Childers officiating. Jerry's greatest desire was to visit Ireland and thru the kindness of his friends, Tim and Breda Ryan, his ashes were spread on the homeland he always desired to visit.
The family wishes to thank Susan Tate and Dr. Singh in Little Rock's VA Hospital for all the kindness and care they extended to Jerry.
Memorials may be made to Arkansas Veterans Home Canteen
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Henry Hayes
May 29, 1923 - August 12, 2009
On behalf of the family I’d like to extend a very special welcome to everyone & to thank you all so much for coming here today to celebrate Henry’s life.
Dad loved funerals and removals. There was hardly a week went by that he didn’t attend at least one and he was always first up to sympathise with the family. On these occasions, I often felt there was a sense of “Another one gone & I’m still here!” Dad loved people and never missed an opportunity to chat with them. He often said “When I go I want to leave more friends than money”. That he got his wish is evidenced by the great turnout here today. He certainly would be delighted. Thank you.
Dad’s father had to leave to find work in America when Dad was just 3 yrs old. He grew up with his Mum and 3 brothers, Willie, Nick & Frank all of whom he idolized. Despite times being tough, he always said that they had a really happy home, which was full of chat, fun and laughter, with never a cross word spoken. Dad was a wonderful son and brother, and his one regret was that we never knew his Mum, who died in 1950, just the week before his wedding.
Dad was involved in a huge variety of activities all his life. He was a keen sportsman and especially loved table tennis and soccer. In latter years he was an avid Man U supporter and just a few days ago in ICU, he woke up from a semi-coma state & immediately asked Kieran for the result of the Man U and Chelsea match, which had been played that day.He was involved in scouting from a young age, and was very proud of his achievements with his troop, the 7th Cork. They won the Cork Diocesan Shield when it was first competed for in 1936 & he was recently presented with a special neckerchief/scarf to honour the occasion at a ceremony in Friary Hall.
Dad always had a great love for music and singing and was also a Champion Ballroom Dancer in his early years. However he will probably be best remembered as an MC, especially in St Frances Hall & the Arcadia, where he fronted all the Big Bands over many years. He loved Ceili dancing and spent many a Sunday night calling out the steps to dancers at his own Ceili’s.
Work was also a huge part of Dad’s life. In 1938, when Dad was just 14, his father died. He had to leave school & go out to work to support his family. His first job was in Elvery’s, Patrick Street, where he met Ben Roycroft, who became a lifelong friend. Dad always aspired to having his own business, and having developed an expertise in flooring, this ambition was realised with Harco Limited. His great way with people meant that he was a wonderful salesman & despite a number of setbacks over the years he never lost his faith and trust in people and continued to believe in their innate goodness. Through his work he became a member of the IFTBA (Irish Furnishers Trade Benevolent Association) and had great fun at Furnishers Balls all over the country where he always did his stint on the bandstand.
Dad never really retired and always kept himself occupied and involved. Mum supported him in this by always having a list of jobs for him to do at home. Following his official retirement he went on to spend many happy years working in Ashton & also manned the Citizen’s Advice Bureau in Blackrock. Even during his time in St Luke’s he took on the role of choirmaster for the masses there.
Dad was a lifelong pioneer (Pioneer Total Abstenence {from alcohol} religeous association) and was also very active in the Legion of Mary from his teenage years. Through the Legion he met the love of his life – Maire. They shared more than 60 wonderful years together and in all that time their love for each other was evident for all to see. Dad loved nothing better than to be surrounded by his family. His capacity for love was unending and unconditional. He had a huge generosity of spirit, and despite our many shortcomings, he was always there to listen, to forgive and to support us, no matter what.
He adored all his children, but especially Therese, who was his favourite, and the apple of his eye. He was so proud of her and loved bringing her out with him at every opportunity. Dad not only loved his own family, including all his grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews but also the families of all his friends and acquaintances. He was also incredibly generous & loved to “Stand” to any children he met. One of our neighbours told us last night, that when she made her Communion Dad gave her a Half-Crown, which was huge money in those days.
As a family we had wonderful holidays together, and we have great memories of working together building the bungalow in Myrtleville from old Ford’s boxes (that car parts would come in to the Ford Motor Factory for assembly. These boxes were made of 3/4 inch plywood and in sheets about 8ft x 4ft or there abouts). Some of the best nights we had there, were the marathon card game sessions of 110 & the pandemonium when someone called 'Bell'. The fun & hilarity went on ‘til all hours of the night.
When Therese was small Mam and Dad headed off to the Continent at every opportunity and in latter years to Little Rock where he loved to spend time with Maire, Der and their families. The Irish Society in Little Rock were his and Mum’s second family and he will be remembered by them very fondly and lovingly. This photo shows him proudly holding the Arkansas Traveller Plaque which he was awarded for MC-ing their first ever Irish Festival.
Dad had a life-long association with Holy Trinity Church. After his First Communion he became an Alterboy & later was a Collector there for many years. With his great friend, Fr Alexius Healy and his many friends in the Cork Shakespearean Company, Dad organised the annual Passion Play in Holy Trinity. The fun and laughter they shared more than made up for the hard work involved in these huge productions.
Dad loved life. Over the last few years despite his numerous bouts of illness he fought to remain well and enthusiastically followed his treatment programmes. We would like especially to thank the wonderful staff of St Luke’s nursing home which became a second home for Dad and all of us in recent times. We would also like to pay tribute to the kindness and care that we all received from the staff in the ICU unit in the South Infirmary.
Over the past 6 months Dad’s only wish was to be well enough to attend his grand-daughter Claire’s wedding just 3 weeks ago. He had a ball that day and really enjoyed meeting and chatting with everyone. He even went on the bandstand to thank everyone and lead us all in a final sing-song.
Dad’s life spanned 86 years, and during times of unprecedented change he triumphed over many of life’s trials and tribulations. His spirit and sense of humour has been an inspiration to all of us. While he was in hospital, we never needed the results of tests to gauge his progress. Once he started black-guarding with the Nurses, we knew he was on the mend again. Dad had great vision and he embraced change and the modern technology with enthusiasm. His mobile phone bills would leave any modern day teenager in the shade.
Dad was always a fun loving, kind, caring person and we are privileged to have known him as a person and to be members of his family. His grandson Conor who is in the US Navy, remembers him with pride & posted this request on Facebook to his friends the day Dad died:
“Please pray for my grandfather Henry Hayes who passed away today.
May God bless him - for he had a great life here.
He was the only grandfather I knew and I loved him with all my heart.
God rest your soul Grandad!”
Dad had a long and happy life. He brought so much joy to so many people along the way & never did a single wrong to anyone. His one request was that at his funeral there would be no sadness or tears & no sombre black mourning clothes - so could all of you wearing black please now leave (LOL).
His wish for us today is to celebrate his life with laughter and stories.
He is now at peace with the Lord and is no doubt busy organising a Ceili Mor in heaven tonight.
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dhilis.
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