County Waterford, and in particular the Passage East area, was thrown into a further state of mourning last week, with two sudden deaths occurring in the same week as the tragic deaths of the three Bolger brothers. Popular chef at Jack Meade's, Paul Reade, aged 37, died as a result of a sudden cardiac problem, while Colette Murray, aged 51, passed after after a short illness.

Father of two young boys, Paul, died at his home in Dromina, Woodstown on Monday evening, much to the deep shock and sadness of his family and friends, including wife Erika and
young sons Aaron and Evan.

Originally from Carrick-on-Suir, Paul lived in Waterford with his family and had been employed as a chef in Jack Meade's for 12 years. In January of this year he completed a degree in Culinary Arts in WIT, after returning as a mature student.

Liam Hartley of Jack Meade's said Paul, known affectionately as Fred, was held in high esteem by all and would be missed by staff and customers alike, who were all devastated at his sudden passing.

"He was one of life's gentlemen who had a word for everyone and was always putting others first. He was a friend to all and will be sadly missed by his colleagues and customers," he said.

Lecturer in WIT, Tony Barry said Paul was a great asset to the class when he was undertaking his degree studies.

"He was a joy to teach and he just soaked up information. He was a valuable member of the class and he always gave his time to help others in the class.

"There was no doubt he had a passion for what he was doing. He did very well in his degree. He really embraced modern types of cookery and was into new trends and the area of product development," he added, saying lecturers in the college were deeply saddened at his sudden death.

Paul, who was laid to rest in Crooke Cemetery on Thursday, has also been hailed as a great family man and was devoted to his sons and loving wife. He was involved in Passage East GAA, coaching young children, which he began when one of his own boys took up the sport.

John Walsh, Chairman of the Passage East Juvenile Hurling Club, which formed a guard of honour along with Paul's old club of St Molleran's, said of him, "We are going to miss him. He was
coaching the under 6s for us and started when his own lad joined. From a club point of view he had what it took to look after a group of children who were often holding a hurley in their hand for the first time. He had a natural ability with children and was able to coax them into standing still and listening to him so he could pass on his knowledge.

"A coach like that is hard to come by and we appreciate the work he did for the club and offer our heartfelt sympathies to his family. He was dedicated to his boys and that's how he got involved in the dub," he added.

Courtesy of The Waterford News and Star Tweet

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