The North Belfast man shared a heartfelt tribute to his late dad Leonard Holmes
Eamonn Holmes has posted a touching tribute to his late father on the anniversary of his passing. The 65-year-old took to Instagram on Saturday (August 23) to commemorate what would have been his father’s 100th birthday.
Sharing a black and white photo of his dad, the North Belfast man wrote: “My Dad Leonard, had he lived, would have been 100 today. Instead he died without warning at the age of 64. I took my looks and most of my personality from Mummy… but what an influence that man had on me!”
“I think fondly about him every day, every single day. He was a joker and a prankster with a contagious work ethic and I know he lives on in me and my 4 brothers!”
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“From us all Cheers Daddy. Miss you more than words can ever say x. Oh, and Happy Heavenly Birthday!”
Supportive messages flooded in from Eamonn’s followers, with one commenting: “Lovely post Eamonn and your dad has a kind face. Happy 100 th birthday in heaven to him”, reports the Mirror.
Another shared: “See where you get your good looks Eamonn, also not forgetting your beautiful mum,” while another follower remarked: “What a role model, just like you are to your family Eamonn.”
A fourth said: “Time goes by and you learn to live with the pain of missing those who have passed but what a massive heartache they all leave you with.”
Eamonn’s father, Leonard, tragically passed away at the age of 64 after suffering a fatal heart attack while driving in 1990. This tragedy left Eamonn unable to say goodbye to his father, leading to severe panic attacks that resulted in hospitalisation, with one incident occurring live on air during his breakfast TV show.
On that sad day in April 1991, Eamonn received a call from his older brother detailing the tragic incident. At the time, Eamonn was working in London while Leonard, Eamonn’s mother Josie, and brothers Conor and Coln were enjoying a caravan holiday in Ballycastle, Northern Ireland.
Leonard was driving back from their trip when he suddenly fell ill and had to pull over.
There was nothing Eamonn’s devastated family could do as Leonard suffered a fatal heart attack in the middle of the countryside.
By chance, a family friend, John Linehan, was in the same area and rushed to assist while they awaited an ambulance.
“When John got to the car, Daddy was still in the driver’s seat. Mum had already flagged someone down who telephoned for help,” Eamonn recounted in his 2006 autobiography, This Is My Life.
“Conor, loyal to the end, took on the role of an adult and was still on the back seat, leaning over holding on to his dad.
“He grew up a lot that night. Realising his distress, [our family friend] John steered him away from what was going on. He then knelt beside Dad.
“As they waited for an ambulance, John kept talking to him until he became unconscious. He tried to resuscitate him but by the time the ambulance crew got there it was too late.”
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