Eulogy
For
WO2 Peter McNally


Loyals
5th Bn Lancashire Fusiliers
Peter was the first CSM of Shiny "D"
Royal Regiment of Fusiliers
Died 2st April 2014



Peter
In these words I will try to do justice to the man many gathered here today called Dad, Grandad, Great Grandad or Grandad Pete.
The life of Peter began n the 7th march 1931. He was born in Pedleton just across from this church. The son of Cork natives, McNally translated from Gaelic means "son of the poor man".
Peter was proud of his Irish roots but equally proud of being a Salford lad.
Peter was one of seven children, two, Anne and John are here today.
During the war, Peter and his brother John were evacuated from Salford, it was during this time that Peter showed what a protective nature he had by looking after his brother when they were so far from home. This caring for others was a constant theme throughout Peter's life.
Peter was called up for National Service at 18 and served in Egypt, around this time he met Joyce Baker who later became his wife.
Early married life for Peter and Joyce was sharing a house with Peters Mum in Pendleton. Peter enjoyed the army so much that after National Service he joined the Territorial Army in the Lancashire Fusiliers.
In 1968 Peter moved his family to Prestwich where he was to remain for 46 years, extremely proud of his modest house and garden.
Peter left the Territorial Army in 1969, before leaving he became the very proud company sergeant major of his D company of the Lancashire fusiliers, and enjoyed many an occasion in the comfort of the sergeant's mess.
On leaving the Territorial Army Peter was the proud father of four children and worked tirelessly to support them.
Peter worked for the Royal Mail for 33 years working a 3 shift system and if memory serves me was sick on only a handful of occasions.
Peter retired in 1991, his only regret was his wife was not there to enjoy it as she had died some years previously. Peter and Joyce were happily married for 30 years.
Peters wife died after a long illness. She died at home with Peter being the main carer. The love and care Peter showed at this time was truly amazing and beyond compare, and was testimony to his caring nature and an example to us all.
Retirement for Peter meant holidays with friends and family to get "fresh air" as he called it. This took him to many different places, a highlight being the two trips to Australia to visit his sister Kath, trips he enjoyed with his sister Anne.
Peter also enjoyed socialising and turned into a very good singer in later life, entertaining in his local for many years.
Peter had a very strong faith, worshipping at this church for many years with Joan who became a great companion. Peter also enjoyed family religious occasions and was always first in attendance in his latest suit, shirt and tie.
Peter's health deteriorated in later years and he became very weak, but by sheer will and determination and strength of character he was self caring and independent until the last of his days, never once complaining. Maintaining his dignity and pride which was very important to him and an achievement I and the rest of the family are very proud of.
Peter's love for his family, his pride in their achievements however small, and his caring, unselfish nature but above all his courage and dignity in the face of adversity will not be forgotten. He will live on in us, his family as we can't help but be touched by such a man.
I will finish by reading some words my cousin Pat wrote; "I am so sorry to hear about Peter. At times like this it is hard to find the right words; I feel that Peter is now at peace after such a long and courageous fight against pain and suffering. However, this is in no way diminishing the sense of loss which I know you must be feeling. I just want you to know that you are all very much in my thoughts and prayers and that these painful times will be transformed in beautiful memories of an extraordinary man."