Anthony Hanlon (20 Feb 1924 - 25 Sep 2020)

I would like to begin by extending our deepest thanks to Fr Michael, both for the beautiful Mass today and for his kind, steady and warm support to Dad and the family throughout this difficult time. St Gabriels has always had a central role in the major events of our family.

When he died on the 25th September, Dad was 96, having been born in February 1924. He lived through dramatic events we can scarcely imagine - the General Strike, the rise of Facism, the Great Depression, the Second World War, the creation of the Welfare State, the consumer boom, Major and Blair, Scottish devolution, austerity and Brexit being some of the headlines. But in his long life, something Dad regretted not seeing was Scotland win the world cup - but he had high hopes for 2022!

Dad was the second son of Victor and Jane Hanlon and grew up here in Glasgow; a city of which he remained enormously proud. He often spoke of a warm and loving upbringing with his two brothers and three sisters. Throughout his life he remained close to his family, especially his sister Jean; and he formed close bonds with their husbands, wives and children. This supportive circle broadened when he married, creating new friendships with the Flynns, especially John, Mary, Irene and Alice and their families. It broadened further with Charles and Ken, his sons in law, and their families. We would like to thank all of you from this amazing family network, both those of you with us here today and those who are unable to attend, for the kind messages and gifts of flowers. Dad always valued his relationships with you and and we can see today how this is reciprocated.

When he was a teenager, Dad left home to study at Blair’s College in Aberdeen. His Catholic faith was a very powerful influence through Dad’s life. He was never one for ostentatious displays of belief; his faith expressed itself through private prayer, deep love for his family, discreet and generous works of charity and a powerful moral compass that shaped the direction of all his actions and behaviour. He always spoke out whenever he saw injustice or unfairness and his reputation in business was one of honesty and integrity. He retained an independence of thought on major issues. Dad’s deep faith provided him with comfort and support during his short illness - he showed his family that a good man with faith does not fear dying.

While at Blairs Dad also acquired a lifelong passion for learning - a love of literature, especially historical works, the Latin language and a love of poetry. He always had words to express the beauty that he saw in nature, especially at Pollok Park. Just ask any of his grandchildren how often they heard him recite poems about daffodils or how frequently they lost an argument with their Granda as he rounded off any hot topic with a quip in Latin, thus leaving himself with the final word on any subject.

In his early twenties, Dad decided he would not after all enter the priesthood. Throughout his life he always had a great sense of humour and enjoyed telling us the story of how he expressed his youthful rebellion by slipping off from lectures in London to visit Madame Tussauds. He laughed even more when he later discovered his young son had believed Madame Tussaud to be an exotic girlfriend, rather than the famous waxwork museum! Dad spent the next few years working out what he wanted to do; he travelled through post war Europe with friends, he worked in his father’s pub, studied law and then he spent five years in Canada in various roles, ultimately ending up a successful accountant.

Dad finally returned to Scotland to marry, set up home and launch his own business - Kilglass Wines and Spirits Ltd, a wholesaling business. His hard work, determination, good reputation and paternal care for his employees made his business a great success. Dad was one of the first to see the great opportunities of switching from beers and spirits to wine. At a time when sectarianism cut across Scottish business, Dad’s customers came from all parts of Scottish life; a great tribute to his reputation for fair, honest and efficient business dealings. Upon retirement, Dad sold the business and spent the next 30 years pursuing his other great passion - golf!

Before he left for Canada, Dad met our mother Agnes. Dad’s relationship with Mum became the central pillar of his life. Their relationship spanned over two-thirds of a century - they were married for 61 years and before that they were engaged for five. But numbers alone cannot capture the depth and importance of such a relationship. Mum was prepared to leave her home and family and travel to Canada to marry Dad. She was his business partner, handling money and wages as well as providing support and wise counsel. Together they set up home and brought up three children who never wanted for love or any material comfort. She was his partner at business events, dazzling and beautiful. In retirement they became close and loving friends, travelling the world together and latterly, providing gentle loving care to Mum became the focus of Dad’s life.

Over the last 30 years, another chapter opened in our parents’ lives; that of being loving and well- loved grandparents. They have six grandchildren and one great grandson. The joy and pride Mum and Dad have felt towards Emily, Charlotte, Bethany, Cora, Aidan and Dominic, and now baby Archer, is beautiful to see. The love and respect given in return shows how powerful the bonds are between grandparents and grandchildren and great grandchildren. During my regular phone calls with dad he would regale me with their latest achievements - many and varied successes at school, graduations, pursuing their dreams across a range of careers. He took even more pride in their participation and successes in swimming, solo performances at school concerts, basketball, tennis, squash, building computers from scratch, earning karate blackbelts - to name but a few. What was most striking was the happiness he found in their company. One of the most beautiful moments in Dad’s recent illness was reading letters and watching video messages created by his grandchildren and seeing the joy and comfort his grandchildren brought him.

Finally, speaking for Jacqueline, Pauline and myself, we could not have asked for a better father: loving, kind and humorous and always there to provide encouragement, comfort and support. The deep sense of loss and grief we all feel reflects just how important Dad was in all our lives.

Thank you.