Patrick Edward Carmody (8 Apr 1927 - 7 Jul 2016)

In loving memory of Patrick Edward Carmody (Pat) who sadly passed away on 7th July 2016.

Patrick was born into difficult circumstances in Dublin on 8th April 1927. He was the second son of Patrick (Paddy) and Mary (May) Carmody. His older brother Michael (Mick) and younger sisters Margaret (Greta) and Phyllis and youngest brother Thomas were also born in Ireland. In the 1930's the family, initially without Mick who remained with his grandparents in Ireland, left the poverty of Ireland and moved to Nottingham.

Like most of his generation, Pat left school at 14 with only a basic education and a low level of literacy and numeracy. In spite of this Pat always found work and was known as hardworking.

Pat was working as a capston lathe operator when at the age of 18 he was called up to serve his adopted country in April 1945. Enlisted in the Sherwood Foresters Pat was set for operations firstly in Europe and then tbe Far East but the war ended in both theatres before he was deployed. He was then deployed to the difficult operation in the then Palestine. In his later years Pat often spoke of his time in Palestine but focussed mainly on the camaraderie he experienced there as a teenager. He was extremely proud of having been a Sherwood Forester.

On returning to civvy street he found his job which "we will hold for you" had gone. It is believed that Pat became a steel erector around this time.

Some time later Pat met Ida Whitehead and they married in July 1949. They remained together for more than 56 years until Ida's untimely death in September 2005. In just over two and a half years they were blessed with three children - Patrick, Kathryn and David.

Patrick and Kathryn survive but sadly David along with his girfriend Jane lost their lives in a car accident in September 1977 aged just 25.

Pat is also survived by grandsons Sean, Stephen, Carl and Ashley, granddaughter Anna and by six great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews grandnieces and grandnephews.

Pat worked at Raleigh at one time but for many years he worked in the building trade as a steel fixer. He was often heard to say "I built that" as he passed many of the buildings in and around Nottingham that sprung up during the 70's and 80's including Ratcliffe Powerstation, the QMC and the Victoria Centre. In the years leading up to his early retirement Pat and Ida both worked at the Pork Farms factory where they made many friends.

Pat was a keen sportsman and sports supporter. In his younger days he played football and for many years was a stalwart member of Milton Cricket Club, where at one time almost all the players were related to Pat one way or another, as a player and later umpire. He was also for many years a keen flat green bowler and he and Ida enjoyed many years with their friends at the bowling club. Pat was always competitive at the indoor sports of darts, dominoes and pool. Games with which he was able to combine the enjoyment of his favourite guinness or two.

During the 70's and 80's Pat and Ida were able to experience the joys of being keen Forest supporters and along with Ron, Audrey, Martin John and Mary and many others they followed the Team of Miracles around the country and across Europe. Great times great memories.

Pat was always a keen gardener and had a particular love of chrysanthemums and often encouraged his kids to find ladybirds to feed on the green and black flies that ravaged the blooms.

In their retirement Pat and Ida enjoyed many foreign holidays often with friends and family and they had many a happy christmas and new year jaunt to Jersey were they made many friends.

The onset of dementia took much away from Pat in his last year or two but intermittent memories often brought a smile to his face, and he was blessed to receive the kindest of help from his carers and lunch club workers.

Pat packed much into his 89 years and having lived in Clifton for 62 years was well known in the area and many old acquaintences would make shopping a long process on many occasions as old stories and memories were revisited as he bought his provisions, often helped by shop staff who had grown to know him over the years.

A Dubliner by birth but a Clifton character by choice.