Heartfelt tributes have been pouring in for a “beautiful” and “very talented” young Irish man, one who well-wishers describe as being someone who “always had a smile on his face”. That’s because he “died suddenly” in his sleep on January 22nd while living in Canada.
A GoFundMe fundraiser for the man, Jeremy Burke, said “As most people are now aware the wonderful kind talented Jeremy Burke died peacefully in his sleep in Toronto on the 22nd of January 2023. The family are in awe of the support they are receiving from all around the world. Thankfully during the darkest period, there is light in the form of The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.”
Continuing, the GoFundMe, titled “Bring Jeremy Home,” said “From the moment Louise reached out, Conor has been by her and Rita’s side and has organised every inch of the process to the smallest of details. Many people are now asking how they can help the family and the answer is simple If anyone would like to contribute to this wonderful charity in honour of our beautiful Jeremy we would be forever grateful.“
It then added that “Unfortunately not a week goes by that these amazing people don’t get a call to bring a loved one back home to their beloved Ireland from every corner of the globe. Without them, we as a family would have the added trauma and burden of trying to get Jeremy home without any support or assistance. The Canadian police department was overwhelmed by this organisation and thought only the Irish would think of such a charitable thing. We will be forever indebted to this cause.“
Finally, the GoFundMe said “100% of the funds raised will go directly to the charity. Thank you in advance and thank you again for the kind words and offers of help. The Burke/Kelly families.”
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The Irish Mirror, reporting on Jeremy’s passing, highlighted some of the tributes that have poured in for him, saying:
“I remember Jeremy from CBS, as a happy, cheerful and capable student,” one teacher wrote, following the news of his passing.
Another teacher, from Scoil Bhride Kilcullen, recalled Jeremy from her time teaching 1st class as a “beautiful happy boy, always a smile on his little face.”
“I have a lot of fond memories of my music days with him in community games and talent shows. A highly talented guy with a very special gift for music,” one tribute said.
The fundraiser asked that donors offer their support to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, who get calls every week to bring a loved one back home to Ireland to their beloved family, from every corner of the world.
They highlighted how even the Canadian police department was overwhelmed by the organisation and thought “only the Irish would think of such a charitable thing.”
[…]One final condolence said: “Jeremy was always polite and a mannerly gentleman.
By: Will Tanner. Follow me on Twitter @Will_Tanner_1
Featured image credit: GoFundMe
