A Salthill man who died suddenly in the United States was remembered this week with fondness as the “life and soul” of the bar in which he worked in Boston.
Kevin Armitage of Dr Mannix Road emigrated to the United States when he was 19 and worked in numerous pubs over the years. He was found dead at his home at the weekend. His ashes will be spread at Black Rock, Salthill at 3.30 this Saturday.
The 46-year-old was a son of Joan and John Armitage. John is well known in Galway music and theatrical circles and was a regular singer with the Augustinian choir.
The late Mr Armitage was praised this week for his strong work ethic and his expertise in pulling a pint of Guinness, the latter skill recently earned The Littlest Bar a special award.
The website Boston.com reports he was remembered by his boss as “the life and soul” of the bar where he “expertly poured pints of Guinness and filled the sound system with his own extensive collection of U2 recordings”.
Frank Delaney, co-owner of the bar in the financial district in which Mr Armitage worked for the past two years, is quoted as saying he knew something was terribly wrong when he did not show up for work last Thursday night. He never missed work and was never late.
“He had pride in his job, pride in what he was doing. He was a man of his word. When he said he was there, he was there.”
The late Salthill man was remembered by his brother, Rory, who also lives in the US, as someone known for his laughter and his love of tennis, Manchester United, his friends and the people around him.
He said he has been overwhelmed by condolences as people speak warmly of his warm, outgoing brother who had a friendly word for everyone.
