Born, Kilmarnock, Scotland,
Baptised: 11 June 1930, St. Joseph's Church, Kilmarnock,
Confirmed: 4 June 1939 by Most Rev. Bishop Mellon,
Clothed in the Norbertine Habit: 13 November 1982, Kilnacrott,
Sol. Prof.: 8 December 1989,
Died peacefully at the Abbey Saturday, 26 Feb. 2005,
Requiem Mass and Burial 1 March 2005.
Brother John was a student at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Higher Grade School and St. Joseph's Junior Secondary School, Kilmarnock. During his years of education he gained distinctions in his grades. From earliest days he had the desire to be a priest or brother in a religious order.
In his post school years he worked for a potato merchant. From 11/03/1968 to 23/12/1981 he was an employee of B.M.K. Limited in Kilmarnock as a Backsizer Operator. During the course of his employment he proved to be an excellent worker. For two years he served in the army in the construction department.
During his working years the parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Outhank, Kilmarnock was the centre of his life. The Norbertines were looking after the parish. He was always a dedicated parishioner, so dedicated as the gardener that the grass never got a chance to grow!
On the death of his mother, Mary, whom he cared for, his interest in becoming a Norbertine Brother blossomed. He was clothed in the Norbertine habit at Holy Trinity Abbey, Kilnacrott on 13th November, 1982. During his years at the Abbey, Brother John served this Order and it's apostolate in a most generous manner. He was diligent in everything he was asked to do. He was an excellent gardener, he worked in the kitchen, the office and the sacristy. He was most reliable at all times. He was ever faithful to the celebration of Mass and the Divine Office. Over the years he developed frindships with many people. He was a mine of information on many subjects.
He did not always enjoy good health but was always very patient in his sufferings. He used to say that there were always other people in worse situations. He developed a great rapport with his consultants and medical staff in various hospitals.
He will be greatly missed by the Abbey community, especially by Brother Kevin O'Brien. Our sympathy is extended to his brothers Michael and Tommy, and families in Scotland.
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