Damien Blake recalled as a loving family man, tech wizard and great friend

There was a real sense of love, solidarity and quiet courage as mourners came together in the Church of Mary Immaculate, Stranorlar to bid a sad farewell to Damien Blake.

Late of Curraghmore, Ballybofey and formerly of The Maples, Letterkenny, Damien died in Donegal Hospice surrounded by his loving family on Monday. His untimely passing followed a long illness borne with strength, positivity and Damien’s characteristic determination. He was just 41 years of age.

He leaves behind his wife Mary, née Gallagher, son Ríain, parents Denise and Laurance, brothers Aidan, Ian and Jason, extended family and many friends. 

At Friday morning’s funeral Mass, Very Rev Kieran McAteer PP extended the sympathy of the community to Damien’s family. He welcomed concelebrants Fr Lorcan Sharkey and Fr Willie McMenamin, as well as Fr Paddy Dunne and Fr Michael Kearney from St Eunan’s College.

The priest also extended a welcome to Comdt Claire Mortimer who represented Tanaiste Micheál Martin at the funeral Mass.

Symbols of Damien’s life were brought to the altar by younger members of his extended family, with his wife Mary explaining how each one represented her husband.

The first was a Letterkenny sign from the couple’s home office, a reminder of where he came from.

“He enjoyed his political life and was proud of all his work for the people who elected him,” said Mary.

Next was Damien’s basketball jersey from St Eunan’s,and his crossfit T-shirt. 

Mary told those gathered: “He loved basketball and his time playing in St Eunan’s. 

“Crossfit then found a home in his heart and mind in his thirties. It was a means to prepare for any challenges that lay ahead.”

Damien’s camera was brought to the altar, reminding those who loved him of how he captured incredible moments and precious memories. 

Next to be brought forward were his MacBook and Noogler hat.

“It was always a MacBook, never a PC,” said Mary.

“His Noogler hat was given to him as a new Googler, a place of work where he thrived, made the strongest friendships and was challenged in ways he loved.”

Damien’s MBA parchment - an accomplishment he treasured - represented his love of learning, of debating, all of which, Mary said, made him who he was.

One of the most precious items to be brought to the altar was a family photo.

“We were his world,” said Mary. “Everything he did, he did it with us in mind and out of love for us; one, two, three, happy family.”

The final symbol was a large and small penguin, Pen and Pencil, carried by Damien’s son Ríain which Mary said was “a Father’s Day gift for the best Daddy in the world, the most loving, kind and caring Daddy.”

The strength of Damien’s love for his family was also reflected upon in Rev McAteer’s homily.

Speaking directly to Damien’s bereaved wife, the celebrant said: “Mary,14 years ago you took one another in this church for better, for worse, in sickness and health and you never took one step backwards since. Your relationship was pure quality. 

“You married a man who loved life, who loved his music, karaoke, basketball, his photography, his hometown.

“But above all he loved you, his family.”

Rev McAteer recalled that Damien had carried his illness for ten long years, having undergone two brain surgeries in 2013.

“And then over the years, doctor and doctor, test after test, hoping, hoping,” he said.

“It has been a story of courage, of hope, of positivity. 

“His family walked every step of the journey with him. Though painful, it was a privilege.

“One could certainly ask, ‘Why had it to be like this?’ but Damien never complained.”

The celebrant said there had been no denial, but rather a choice of how Damien wanted to live his life, particularly with Mary and Ríain who was his pride and joy.”

And he had done everything he could to ensure that Mary and Ríain would have everything they needed.
Reflecting on Damien’s political career and the impact he had in his native community, Rev McAteer said: “Damien was a Letterkenny man through and through.

“As the hearse passed through Letterkenny town on Tuesday afternoon the townspeople came out in droves to pay him tribute.

“He had the privilege of being its Lord Mayor when still in his early twenties.

“He was bright, he was talented in so many different ways and he wanted to use those gifts at the service of others. Damien always went above and beyond for everyone.”  

The celebrant also recalled Damien’s incredible technology acumen. 

“He was a wizard in the field of technology,” said Rev McAteer.

“He was building websites as a young boy. Google was glad to get him.

“But for all that the two most important days in his life were the day he met Mary Gallagher and the day that Ríain was born.

“Every day with them was precious. He was family to the core.”

Rev McAteer said that while mourning Damien’s passing, it was also important to give thanks for his 41 years of life.

“Memories are precious but Damien is not just a memory, he is part of you, inescapably built into your lives,” he said. 

“May his soul now rest in peace and may you go forward with hope in your hearts.”

The service concluded with a beautiful eulogy delivered by Damien’s longtime friend Bernard McCloskey, recalling how they met at St Eunan’s and shared many wonderful life experiences. 

Following funeral Mass, Damien was laid to rest in Drumboe cemetery.