The girlfriend of a Portadown man tragically killed in a road traffic collision in Maguiresbridge said he made her felt “loved in ways I can’t put into words”.
Twenty-one-year-old Shane Caulfield was killed in an early morning single vehicle collision on the Belfast Road on Friday, June 26.
His girlfriend, Carla, was also injured in the collision but “thankfully” was able to be discharged in time to attend her beloved boyfriend’s funeral on Monday morning at Drumcree Parish Church (RC).
Following a reading of the Gospel, Father Peter Clarke said in the Gospel disciples had told their friends “what had happened on the road” adding “…and we are brought here this morning because of what happened on the road”.
He said: “Unexpected, tragic death hits all of us with an appalling suddenness and particularly when it is a death of one so young, so full of life, so full of future to offer”.
The priest said “we can hardly take it in” but spoke of the hope all shared for Shane’s life. That so many had “plans and expectations” and while they perhaps cannot understand why his life was taken so soon, they still wish to “hope”.
Of Shane’s character, the priest said he was “happy, caring and fun-loving.”
He described his “contagious smile, his positive attitude to everything, his larger than life personality and his ability to bring people together.” Attributes, he classed as “remarkable for one so young”.
Related: Man (21) killed in Maguiresbridge crash was Portadown native, say police
“That will never be taken from you,” he told mourners. “Shane encapsulated that sense of hope so badly needed in our world today and that’s Shane’s legacy. A legacy of hope, a legacy of love, a legacy of inspiration.”
He said Shane loved dancing and would often be seen on the “dancefloor with his friends”. Above all, he loved his family.
“Shane adored Dalene and Tony and he and Callum shared an incredibly close bond,” said Father Clarke. “In fact they were inseparable. The miles couldn’t separate them and they were best friends as well as brothers.”
He shared an anecdote with mourners, that one Valentine’s Day when his father Tony collected him from Primary School, all the other children had made Valentine’s Day cards for their mums, but Shane “proudly” made one for his “daddy”.
Shane “treasured every moment” with his cousins, whom he loved dearly. And in his father’s hometown of Sligo, he enjoyed visiting his grandmother, Carmel and had a “weakness” for her stew.
In Sligo he was also known for “charming the locals with his Northern wit”.
At home in Portadown, he had a “great relationship” with his grandfather, Frank who he “kept going” with all manner of pranks.
The priest, then turned to Carla. He said: “We have Carla here this morning, thankfully. Carla meant the world to him. He loved her dearly and everyone could see how much they cared for one another.”
Lyndsay then took to the lecturn to read a communion reflection letter prepared by Carla, who was seated in the front pew.
It read: “To my love in Heaven, how do I do this? How do I keep going when I still can’t accept that you’re gone?
“The pain is overwhelming. I don’t know how to face the days ahead without you.
“We had so many plans, so many dreams and I wasn’t ready to lose you.
“Thank you for loving me. Thank you for being a part of my life and for giving me memories I will cherish forever.
“You made me feel loved in ways I can never fully put into words and I will always be grateful for every moment we shared.
“I still can’t imagine a world where I can’t hear your voice or see your smile. But, no matter how much it hurts, I promise to carry your love and memory with me wherever I go.
“I miss you more than words can say. My heart is broken and I don’t know when this pain will get easier. All I know is, I love you and I always will. Please help me find the strength to keep going. I don’t know what to do without you.
“Rest peacefully, my love. This isn’t goodbye it’s simply see you again some day. I love you, yesterday, today, tomorrow and for the rest of my life. Love Carla.”
