Death announced of man synonymous with Tullamore's Charleville Castle
Dudley Stewart, a resident of Charleville Castle who was instrumental in setting up a heritage trust for the preservation of the historic Tullamore building, has died.
Mr Stewart died peacefully on Tuesday (August 4) at the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore.
In a statement announcing the sad news of his passing, Charleville Castle described him as a man who had, for decades, "devoted his life to the care, protection and future" of the castle.
In 1994, Mr Stewart and his partner, Bridget (Bonnie) Vance, founded the Charleville Castle Trust. They lived in the castle and managed the Trust along with a core team of volunteers.
Carleville Castle said Mr Stewart's "vision, determination and deep love for this place helped safeguard one of Ireland's great heritage sites and inspired generations of volunteers, visitors and friends from around the world.
"To those of us who had the privilege of working alongside him, Dudley was far more than a trustee. He was a mentor, a guardian of this place, and for many, a father figure," it said.
"His wisdom, generosity, humour and unwavering belief in the importance of protecting our shared heritage left an enduring mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him."
The statement want on to say that Mr Stewart's legacy would live on "in these walls, in the ancient woods he cherished, and in the community he helped build around Charleville," adding that, "every stone cared for, every story shared, and every visitor welcomed stands, as part of that legacy."
It concluded: "As we mourn his passing, we also give thanks for a life lived in service to something greater than himself.
"The greatest tribute we can offer Dudley is to continue caring for Charleville with the same generosity, curiosity and hope that he showed throughout his life."
Mr Stewart was pre-deceased by his parents, John and Sheila, and is sadly missed by his loving partner Bridget (Bonnie), and his family Katie, Síle, Michael, Dervla, Saoirse and Constance, Reggie (mother of Síle and Saoirse), grandchildren Kristen, Erik and Benjamin, his brothers Duncan and Ercus, sisters Birgitta, Julitta and Yvette, brothers in law, sisters in law, nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends.
He will be reposing at Charleville Castle this Saturday, from 4pm until 7pm. A humanist service for him will take place at the castle on Sunday afternoon, at 1pm, after which he will be laid to rest in Clonmimch Cemetery, Tullamore.
May he rest in peace.