17/11/2021EAMONN (EDWARD) CLEMENT O'DONNELL
1934-2021
Br. Michael Lynch
I had the privilege and honour to accompany Eamonn (Edward) during the last seven years of his life when dementia was starting to have an influence on his behaviour. Being an independent man with a strong personality, who was always in control of himself, he struggled to understand what was happening to him. It was with much stress and sadness that we had to come to terms with that reality. Eamonn needed to be in residential care where he would receive the assistance that we could not provide. The residential home, called “Los Pinos”, could not have cared for him better. It was a very professional geriatric home with a loving and friendly staff. Eamonn loved being there and enjoyed spending time in the garden close to nature.
Eamonn was a figure larger than life. He was the trainer of the rugby team that travelled to Chile in 1973, but never arrived. Many books and films have been released on the events. One survivor said, “It was his training that gave us the stamina to survive”. His death provoked an outpouring of tributes and memories, many of which are used after the following brief biographical overview:
Eamonn was born on January 9, 1934, at Frosses, Iner, County Donegal in Ireland. He was educated at Lettermacaward National School Donegal, Baldoyle, Dublin and Iona College, USA. His birth was registered on January 25, 1934 so on his official documents his birth is stated as being on the 25th.
Eamonn was the 10th child and youngest of the four brothers in the family. His parents were Joseph O’Donnell, died 1957 aged 77 years, and his mother Catherine (Boyce) O’Donnell, died 1962 aged 63 years.
Eamonn had in his room a jar of sand which came from the Bay at the estuary where the river meets the sea, near Leitirmacaward, a favorite place for Eamonn and his brothers.
He entered the Congregation of Christian Brothers, in Baldoyle, arriving in September, 1947. Four years later, he entered the novitiate, St. Helen’s, Booterstown, Co. Dublin, in August, 1951. His religious name was Clement. As one of his family noted, there are not many people who have had so many names: Eamonn, Brother Eamonn, Edward, Clem, Brother Clement, Brother Clem or “El Chato”.
Eamonn went on the mission to Synge St in 1953 and to Cork in 1958, and final profession in 1959 at St Mary’s Marino.
In 1961 Eamonn left Ireland for Montevideo, Uruguay, in South America. After seven years teaching in Stella Maris College, he continued his studies in Iona College in 1968. On completion of his time in Iona College, he returned to his teaching position in Montevideo and later was appointed Superior in 1974.
In 1980 Eamonn left Montevideo for the Tertianship, the Congregation Renewal Course in Rome, and in August of that year returned to Cardinal Newman College, Buenos Aires. Eamonn was very impressed by the course in Rome and often referred to Colm Keating and his great talks.
The Congregation was widening its margins, in terms of education and religious life, and was looking for volunteers to move outside the classroom in order to be with the poor and needy. In 1992 Eamonn responded to the call, having retired from teaching, and travelled to Aimogasta, Argentina. Later in 1998, he went to Las Tales, Provincia de La Rioja, Argentina.
In 2006, Eamonn went on a self-development course in San Antonio, Texas, after which he returned to Montevideo, Uruguay, to accompany the past-pupils in their various activities. He returned to the Newman community in 2014 and in 2017.
When Eamonn’s health issues became very serious he was transferred to the “Instituto Geriatrico San Diego”, Vicente López, in December, 2018, and later transferred to “Los Pinos”, a geriatric nursing home, in El Taller, Buenos Aires, in January of 2019. On March 26, 2021, Eamonn fell from his wheelchair and was attended by the medical staff in “Los Pinos”. As a precaution, he was sent to a hospital for further medical examination. The studies showed that there were no complications from his fall and so he could return to “Los Pinos” on Saturday. The home, however, needed the results of a Coronavirus test before his return and so his transfer to the home was changed to Monday.
On Sunday, Eamonn fell into a deep sleep and on Monday was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit. The doctor in charge informed Michael that Eamonn’s white cells were increasing, due to his diabetes, that he had respiratory problems and that the future did not look good. He was not allowed to receive visits.
There was little change during the week, and on Saturday Michael was called to the hospital to be informed that Eamonn died at 06.45. That evening the remains were brought to the cemetery for cremation and prayers were said in the mortuary chapel. Eamonn’s ashes were placed in the community prayer room until May 5, when, after Mass, his ashes were placed in the Brother’s Memorial Plot in Newman College.
The following prayer was said by the congregation at the end of Mass, before Eamonn’s ashes were placed in the Brother’s Memorial:
“May the Angels come to lead you along the path of your good deeds,
and may the path be lined by your relatives and friends,
who have gone before you, applauding your entrance into Eternal Life.”
The following contributions provide an insight into Eamonn and his the influence on people:
Uncle Eamonn was a very special person in our young lives and as we grew up into adulthood. Always there to listen and support us without judgement, he would gently guide us along the right path. All of our children, and in some cases our grandchildren, came to know and love him as much as we did.
The tributes we could pay to him are endless, which speaks volumes for someone you only saw every 7 or so years. We will always remember his gentle smile, kindness and fun. It was a very sad day for us all when he passed away. Eamonn will always be remembered and loved by us and his extended family throughout the world.
(Carol, Noel & Paul O’Donnell and families)
On the April 13, 2021, Mass was celebrated by Eamonn’s cousin, Rev. Eamonn Kelly, parish priest of the Parish of Raphoe, Donegal. The following is from his homily:
Eamonn is survived by his sisters, Maeve, Pius, Nora, Roisie as well as his nieces, nephews, the extended O’Donnell and Boyce families.
Br. Clement has over two hundred and seventy nieces and nephews. I wonder how many of them think that they are the one that he thought of most! For he had a way of being with people, a way that encouraged, a way that gave a positive attitude to life.
Now he sets out on another journey. For the moment, he must travel this journey alone. He travels to meet his God and we pray that he will hear the words ‘well done good and faithful servant, inherit the kingdom prepared for you since the foundation of the world’. Our time will come too to travel this journey. We are all invited to make good preparations for the journey.
As a family, we were blessed that he was so good at keeping contact. Who could forget that long letter that came several times a year with details of what was happening in the school and in the country where he was. And of course there were the long telephone calls with Maeve. And when he came home he was a very good visitor. He could chat to anyone and everyone and I think he did. And when he settled in to a chat you might have to remind him that it was bedtime, especially if he had a “drop of the mountain dew”.
Eamonn was a man of faith, simple straightforward faith in the Almighty who loves humanity so much that Jesus died to set us free. Eamonn wanted to tell the world of this good news. May he rest in peace.
Eamonn’s niece, Tess Jordan Campbell, gives the following testimony:
There are no words to express the joy we felt as kids when Uncle Eamonn was coming for his holiday. We have a lifetime of memories and a great feeling of love and gratitude towards him. My mother, Rose, and Eamonn had such a natural bond. Their relationship taught us an important lesson. They taught us to respect the difference. Even when they couldn’t agree, they agreed to disagree.
Of the many memories, one in particular stands out for me. We were taking a walk one beautiful clear January afternoon and a huge flock of geese came overhead. We stopped to watch that flock in their V formation (echelons), the head goose retiring to the back as the next goose took the lead position. Eamonn was awe-struck watching and admiring how they knew how to work together to improve their energy efficiency during the journey. He was like a little kid so amazed at the sight. He later told me how he had never seen that before and how important it was to stop and take in the beautiful sights our wonderful world has to offer. I think of that cherished day every time I see a flock of geese and remind myself to stop and appreciate the beauty in the world around us.
I am fortunate that my husband, Kevin and daughters, Shannon and Erin, were able to also have Eamonn in their lives. We made the trip to Argentina and Uruguay for Christmas a few years back. It was a trip of a lifetime and we had so many laughs.
For as long as I can remember no matter how far in distance, Eamonn was always only a phone call away. Shannon and Erin would run to the phone to be the first to talk to him and hear of his new adventures. During these calls, we first began singing “I see the Moon” together. We did this right up until recently during our video chats. We even added a dance routine to the song through the years. We sang this song at family gatherings, airports or simply at home for no reason at all. Singing the song would make us feel like we were closer to him even when we were worlds away.
From Eamonn’s visits during my childhood, to our trip to South America, and most recently our weekly video chats, my family and I have been blessed to have him in our lives. He will always have a special place in our hearts.
After hearing of Eamonn’s death Geraldine Kelly, Eamonn’s grandniece, wrote the following letter. As she says, “It’s my way of saying goodbye to him, until we meet again, please God, on the other side”:
Hi Eamonn,
From as far back as I can remember, you have always held & always will hold a very special place in my heart. As young kids and teenagers we had so much fun with you on your visits home to Frosses, we loved to hear your long stories about your work in Argentina, go for trips with you to Maeve in Ballybofey, get ice cream and treats and we looked forward so much to your next visit home.
As I grew older our relationship grew into a beautiful friendship, which grew deeper as the years went by, keeping in touch with our long telephone calls from time to time. What a wonderful time we had at our Kelly/O’Donnell Reunion in 2004. Myself and my grand-daughter Alisha had the privilege of you staying with us on one of your last visits home, we have such wonderful memories from that time also, just sitting chatting and listening to your stories about my Dad and life in Frosses and in the hills when you were young. You gave Alisha a little flower that waved with the light in the window and as you were leaving, Alisha gave you one too so you both could wave at each other from miles apart.
We had very mixed feelings as we received the news that you were unwell and then the news that you had passed, sad that we would not get to see you again and really happy that you would get the reward you so truly deserve for all your good work here on this earth so I just want to say: Thank you for the memories, for all the trips and all the gifts, for the fun and the games; for the letters and the phone calls and for all your encouraging words but most of all, thank you for friendship, Rest in Peace Uncle Eamonn. Love always, Geraldine and family.
Br. Sean Hayes, who was with Eamonn when he entered the Congregation, and in community in his last years, gives the following statement:
I first met Clement in the autumn of 1950 when I went from St. Joseph’s, Baldoyle to Coláiste Ciaráin, Bray, Co Wicklow. My memory of him in those far off days is of his pronounced Donegal accent, his powerful physical strength plus his great skill as a Gaelic footballer. In a much-used phrase of journalists in those days who covered Gaelic football and hurling, ‘He was a great man under a dropping ball!’
We would be together for the next three years in Bray, Booterstown and St. Mary’s Marino. At the end of our first year’s training, we parted ways. Our paths did not cross again until early 1961 when he arrived in Buenos Aires along with Pat Fahy.
Clem was always super active in those days whether it was in the classroom or on the rugby field. I would be of the opinion that if the game is flourishing in Stella Maris College today much of it is due to Clem’s work in the 1960’s and 70’s and 80’s. In addition, I would think that, if today the game of rugby continues to grow and become popular in Uruguay, some of it is due to the pioneering work of Clem. Many of those who died in the tragic accident in the Andes had been coached by Clem and had been his personal friends.
In the early 1970’s Clem spent some time studying at Iona College, New Rochelle. Having finished his studies at Iona, he returned to Stella Maris. In 1980 Eamonn was assigned to Cardinal Newman College, Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was given the task of coordinating the English department of the primary section of the college and overseeing all aspects of the sports activities especially the game of rugby. His ability as a rugby coach was much appreciated by the boys, their parents and by the ex-pupils. Newman junior rugby flourished under the watchful eyes of Clem and a number of ex-pupils who had learned the game from him, later on, represented Argentina.
Apart from his activities in the classroom and on the rugby field, Clem was very active in helping those in trouble or in economic difficulties. He gave great help to the Irish Dominicans Sisters who worked with the very poor in the district of José C. Paz in the Province of Buenos Aires, about an hour’s drive from the capital.
Clem enjoyed a good argument or discussion on historical or social matters; he usually took a leftish view on these matters. Oftentimes when it was obvious that he did not get the better of the argument, he reminded me of the village schoolmaster in Oliver Goldsmith’s Deserted Village: “even though vanquished he could argue still!”
Br. Thomas O’Connell lived with Eamonn in Uruguay as well as in Argentina and shares his memories:
I first met Eamonn in March 1972. I was new to Uruguay, with no Spanish and a certain amount of loneliness. Eamonn was a young man with endless energy and a strong personality. He had a presence. He was very gracious and extra kind to this latest arrival. He used to mix up Spanish and English which, at that time, I found very confusing.
Eamonn was the bursar, taught classes, was games master and coached the first division rugby team. Even at 10.30 at night, I would hear his loud voice during the training sessions with the past-pupils. He was a great Gaelic footballer. One day he joined us in a hurling game. He was very strong and seeing him swinging a hurley over his head reminded me of Brian Ború swinging his sword!
He was wonderful with people who were ill or going through hard times. When the accident in the Andes happened, Bros. Eamonn, Patrick Kelly and John Mc Guinness visited the homes of those who had family members involved. Then, when the survivors returned, the Brothers visited the homes of those who lost their lives. I was so impressed and thought this is not just a school but also a community. In the accident, four brothers were left orphans and Eamonn was ever so caring. To this day, they remember Eamonn’s accompaniment.
In 1975, I returned to Ireland and attended university in Dublin. Eamonn enjoyed his visits home to Ireland and he would come to see me to make sure I was wanting for nothing. Not only that but he also went to visit my father. He was a very generous man.
Eamonn often told long stories of his feats as an angler, above all on Lake George. He also loved telling stories of his family, as he was very proud of them all.
In January, 2019, Eamonn was hospitalized and I went to visit him every day. He always recognized me and was most grateful for the visits. Even though his memory was failing, he loved to hear about his friends in Uruguay and Argentina as well as his family in different parts of the world. Later I used to visit him in the retirement home, “Los Pinos”, where it was noticeable that his memory was failing. His death left a void in so many people and his memory will live on in their hearts.
“Leaba i measc na Naomh go raibh aige” (May he have a bed among the Saints)
Some time ago I read the following paragraph in a Uruguayan magazine: “In the 1974 pre-season, Jorge Zerbino Stajano already stood out, on and off the rugby field, and the good eye of the Technical Trainer, Br. Eamonn O Donnell, El Chato, named him Captain. When questioned on his decision El Chato replied with strong phrases and without hesitation: “Jorge has a massive commitment and is a fine, inspiring leader… approachable… does not complain.., a tough guy… flawless in decision making.. a motivator.. he wouldn’t take prisoners… he inspires others.. he can wait with patience for an opportunity”. I wonder if “El Chato” saw in Jorge his own qualities?
Br. Eddie McArdle lived with Eamonn in Uruguay and gives the following memory of him:
Clem was clear minded, knew what he wanted, was very generous and had a sense of justice. He was totally dedicated to the Christian Brother’s mission, having the good of his students at heart and they responded and loved "el Chato" for that. One example of this was his not accompanying the Old Christians team to Chile in October 1972, even though he was the coach, because he had classes that Saturday morning!
Br. Jack (Juancito) Casey adds his reflections:
I lived many years with Clem in Montevideo, and Buenos Aires. We also met many times and spent holidays together in “La Floresta” (Uruguay). My experience of Clem is of a person who lived St Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, Chapter 13. I found that he had a very great interest in Justice and the rights of women. In addition, I saw that he had a huge heart and was generous to a fault.
Another ex-pupil, who wishes to be anonymous, shares his experience of Eamonn:
Br Eamonn was known by many names, so who was “el Chato?”, as they called him in Stella Maris, Uruguay, or “el Pacho”, as he was known by us in Argentina.
When Eamonn was in Uruguay, he lived through difficult times, in particular when he was the director of the school during the tragedy of the Andes. He helped and accompanied the families involved, especially those relatives remained on the mountain, as well as the survivors in a true Christian spirit.
Rugby in general and sharing life with young people were passions of his life. With typically Irish skill and charm, he was able to involve many people, most of whom were his former students, to help him organize teams and he himself was in charge of 8th division.
I will never forget the Monday night after games were played, we would meet to discuss rugby and we would share a drink. Eamonn would always enjoy a glass of Irish whiskey. As a result of these gatherings I got to know what a wonderful person Eamonn was. I don’t know if it was because we both had our birthday on the same day or for any other reason, but the truth is that a very special bond was created between us.
He was a demanding man with himself and had a very defined personality. He could be severe, but at the same time generous and loving in dealing with his students. He had the gift of understanding and was committed to Christian principles. He enjoyed helping the needy and accompanying them, advising them and helping them. He said that was his mission on earth.
Susan Held is an English teacher in the primary school in Newman College who was a very good friend of Eamonn and gives the following testimony:
Everyone who got the chance to get to know Eamonn really well would agree he was a great person in CAPITAL LETTERS. A born leader, no question about it, who earned the respect of staff and students alike. Strict? Yes, but righteous and good-hearted. Charismatic and highly sociable, it didn´t take him long to make new friends in every corner of the world where God sent him.
Having known him since July 1986, I keep so many fond memories of his years in Newman. He was a real guide for all of us teachers, young at the time, and showed us with his example the spirit of Edmund Rice. When he walked into our classrooms, which he did pretty often, the students were always eager to listen to his stories and anecdotes and didn´t want him to leave the class.
Many of us teachers would meet him outside school, mostly for tea, and kept on getting together with him once he left Newman. In these past few years, when his health was more fragile, we would visit him quite often until we could no longer do so due to the Coronavirus. Our last meeting was in March, 2020. We did not know then that it would be the last visit.
Another person very close to Eamonn shares the following:
His time in La Rioja left a very deep impression among the people of the area who had the joy of knowing him and being helped by him. I remember, in his numerous talks, he would bring up the subject of La Rioja and he would tell me about his time there. He told me what he was doing and what he wanted to do. Always concerned about "his people", as he put it. At a gathering years later, he took great joy in being reunited with his former students
One more anecdote that reveals him as a wonderful human being. On one occasion, my wife commented to him that our youngest son was very spoiled and he immediately replied: “No. He received a lot of love, which is not the same”.
Eamonn was always where he was needed. Encouraging the needy. Helping the underdog. Giving counsel. He was a person who had deep-rooted convictions, always setting an example for others. And above all, he was a funny person with a very lively sense of humour. These modest lines are an attempt to say goodbye to my friend and to express that I remember him with immense respect and affection.
Frank Steele (ex-Brother) gives us another insight into Eamonn from their time together in the United States:
He really minded me, as I got ready to leave the monks. If I had listened to him, I’d have brought type-writer, books, the lot, home with me. He was particularly anxious to warn me against getting myself mixed up with the North (of Ireland) when I got home. I’m not sure why he did that but Clem was Clem. I know he could be sometimes less than easy to deal with but I owe him his testimony of one whom he did his very best to look after me at that time of massive change in my life. May he rest in peace.
Sister Caitriona Gorman OP recalls:
Clem was a ‘larger than life figure’ and I am sure you have exchanged numerous stories with each other over the past number of days. We have too, and though I never lived in the Province of Buenos Aires for any length of time, I know Clem was very generous and very kind to the communities who did live there. His goodness and kindness was and always will be very much appreciated.
Of course, all of us have great memories of the holidays in “La Floresta”, Uruguay, something which all of us treasure. He was extremely hospitable, something, which I think, he brought directly from his home and upbringing in Donegal and was integrated in that beautiful gift of hospitality that was so much part of the community of Newman as we knew it.
Señora Elizabeth F. Madero de Aldecoa, a retired teacher connected to Newman College since its foundation, whose brothers were from the first group that started in the school in Belgrano Avenue, 1548, Buenos Aires, gives the following experience of Eamonn:
We were very good friends with “El Chato”, although we had our run-ins. I was his deputy director for several years and I loved him very much. Strict in many things but human and sensitive to the problems of teachers and families.
I was touched the day that I, a first-grade teacher, received the news that I would be the next vice. He came over to greet me and said, "Go enjoy the news with your family. I’ll take care of the boys". That’s how he was.
The following excerpt is from a letter that was found among Eamonn´s possessions – it is from a former English teacher:
Dear Brother,
I thank God for giving me the opportunity of being your friend and I thank you for everything you’re giving me. You are food for the soul and your stay in “Punta del Este” enriched me in so many ways. Once I asked you if it was “normal” to feel that our faith faltered, and your answer was that even Jesus when on the cross, had cried out “Father, why have you abandoned me?” Being next to you in “Punta” made my faith return more strongly and I thank you so much for sharing a few days of your life with us. I believe you’ve left a unique mark in Tomás’s heart too, and I thank you for that. You are truly God’s instrument.
Eamonn loved the Christian Brothers and was always available to help other Brothers. Hugo Cáceres give the following insight:
Eamonn had abundant ability to socialize with young Brothers and candidates for religious life. For them he was like a grandfather and they esteemed him very much. In May 2006, Eamonn spent a few months in the Novitiate in Lima, between his departure from La Rioja and a sabbatical in San Antonio, Texas.
He accompanied the novices to their classes at the other end of the city and also taught them English. His presence among us was very pleasant and he was happy in the company of young people. From that date, we met many times in Buenos Aires and we remembered our months together with pleasure and gratitude. Many of these young people have sent us their condolences for the death of "Brother Eduardo." R.I.P.
While retired in the community in Buenos Aires Eamonn still shared his faith with his former teachers and friends, forming a prayer group that gathered in our prayer room once a week.
Eamonn’s spirituality can be seen in the prayer he composed and which is still used to this day in Uruguay:
A Player’s Prayer
It’s all in this, to play the game
To win or lose and be the same.
Help me Lord to play the game.
When the great Scorer comes,
To write against your name,
He’ll ask not, if you won or lost
But, how you played the game.
Br. Michael Lynch, at the Mass to celebrate the 70 years of Eamonn in religious life, shared this tribute:
Those who know Eamonn know that he is a passionate man. Three words come to mind when I think of Eamonn: community, generosity and spirituality.
Eamonn loves being with people and keeps regular contact with his family and friends. He has that gift of making friends easily and would have no problem in entering a group of complete strangers and starting a conversation with the first person he meets.
Community, that sense of being together, is what Eamonn is all about, sharing the joys and sorrows, the laughters and the tears of our life together.
All this comes from a man who is deep in spirituality. His prayers are part of his very being. His love for the Mass and daily prayer has given him a personal relationship with the God who forgives our weaknesses and loves us as we are.
To conclude this life, we offer this lengthy but heartfelt farewell to Eamonn, written by the ex-rugby champion and former student, Gustavo Zerbino Stajano:
Dear Brother ‘Chato’ Eamonn O’Donnell:
As a member of the Old Christians Rugby Club and a past pupil of Stella Maris College I want to share the bittersweet feeling that is in my heart at this time - a huge sadness at the loss of your physical presence on the one hand, and at the same time a great joy for having known you; as well as gratitude for everything you taught us and shared with us.
You were a person with a unique charism, who succeeded in forging a personal and special relationship with everybody you met, always transmitting the values that really matter - humility, friendship, loyalty, solidarity; along with the example of giving your all for others.
You were able to blend perfectly all our different school activities, giving each of them its due time and importance - a time for work, a time for study, a time for rugby training or for enjoying the company of family or friends, and a time for doing things for the benefit of others. You taught us what it means to serve others and how to live life with joy and with passion, to be true to our values and committed to what we wished to achieve in life and if things do not turn out well, to redouble our efforts with even greater determination than before.
You were always there, attentive to what was going on around you, your eyes would light up, they were alive to what was happening, they were supportive. You practised unconditional love and compassion, you laughed with those who laughed and wept with those who wept, nothing was indifferent to you. Simply by your presence or a look you imposed authority when necessary or employed a sense of humour to diffuse tense situations.
You left your beloved country Ireland and adopted Uruguay as your second homeland. You arrived here with the name Eamonn O’Donnell in 1961 at the age of 29, knowing just two words of Spanish, “goodbye” and “friend”, which sum up exactly the reason I am writing this letter – to say GOODBYE FRIEND. We shall never forget you, Chato, for all the love and affection you sowed in the hearts of everyone who met you.
In Stella Maris College you held all the positions of leadership and you were a very efficient headmaster from 1974 to 1980, even though you were not enamoured of that hierarchical position; you wanted to be nearer to the people and the fact of being in a position of authority did not change you as a person. You were hard and intransigent when faced with arrogance and rudeness, but at the same time you were unconditional and supportive to those who were suffering and in difficulty, you were Father or Mother to many boys who, thanks to your support and follow-up over many years, are now good and successful people.
Right from the time the first Stella Maris class graduated at the age of 16 you were an unconditional Old Christian, you helped us to grow as an organisation and, based in the college, which took us under his wing, you ensured that we had all the necessary support to meet our needs - dressing rooms, gymnasium, rugby pitches and playing field lights to enable us to train in the late evenings. You would be the first to arrive at the training sessions with the bag containing all the gear and four rugby balls and would divide us into 4 groups and we would spend an hour running and passing the ball and on Thursdays you used to select the starting 15 from among those who had taken part in the training. On Saturdays we would play in the college and after the game you taught us how to enjoy the “third half”, when a cooking pot would be placed on the ground in which we would make shandy (beer with iced lemonade) that we would share in plastic cups on the stairs leading to the dressing rooms with the players from whichever happened to be the opposing team on the day. We had two sets of club jerseys which we, the players, would rent and give to the fifteen players selected to play the match, and after the game we would put the used jerseys into a bag for Claudino or Hector, the college night watchmen and drivers, to wash for the next match. Sometimes they would forget, and we would play the next game in the dirty shirts, permeated with dry sweat and giving off an unbearable smell. Our rivals could not believe it and would not even come near us!
You were Manager of the team before, during and after the tragic plane crash in the Andes, and your stoic attitude gave us lots of strength to carry on as if nothing had happened even though we were feeling a lot of pain. You treated all of us equally - survivors, brothers and sisters or relatives of friends who died and the players in general.
There were very few of us in the rugby club at the time and things were difficult, but in that year, 1973, with your support and the effort put in by all of us, we won the championship in honour of our friends who had perished on the mountain.
In ‘74, as headmaster of the college, you gave us an ultimatum and told us that it was the last year we would be playing on the college playing fields and you urged us to grow and develop, to be autonomous and, with our Board of Directors presided over by Hugo Desaugy, we bought the site where San Patricio, the official headquarters of the Club stands today.
Many years passed by and, along with the Nicolas and some of the players you travelled to the Valley of Tears, the site of the plane crash, you accompanied us on several occasions when we went over to Chile to play for the Friendship Cup, you were sent to Cardinal Newman College in Buenos Aires and you gave your best there, as you always did. You were appointed head of the English department in the primary school, and you succeeded in transmitting the same values and the same example that you had imparted to the students in Uruguay. After that you went to do missionary work in La Rioja and to consolidate your vocation of service.
You returned for a few years to Uruguay and lived in a little house on Costa Rica Street rented for you by all of us who loved you so that we could enjoy your company for some time longer. You blended in as just another member of the family at all the birthdays, weddings, or funerals of former pupils of the school or of the Old Christians Club. You also gave of your time to be present at all the activities carried out by Los Tréboles (an Education Centre that provides educational and social support to children and adolescents in the city of Montevideo), las Madres de la Cruz (a group of mothers from Stella Maris College who work in a poor area of Montevideo), at the College, or the Club.
You finally returned to Newman College in Buenos Aires to continue your vocation of service, living in community with some elderly Brothers who accompanied and took care of each other, undoubtedly recalling all the wonderful work that they had achieved together in the River Plate Area.
In recent times the pandemic did not allow us to be with you and bring you over to Montevideo for a visit as we would have liked to have done, although a few of us were able to visit you and bring you some nice things from Uruguay that you missed. We did, however, speak with you by phone whenever it was possible to do so, to hear your voice and send you greetings when we were in the middle of some event or other, such as a celebratory party after winning a championship. …. Now you are enjoying the well-deserved and peaceful rest afforded to the warrior after the battles of life.
Today, given the current reality, 60 years after your arrival in Uruguay, we find ourselves once again faced with the triumph of life over death, of what is essential over what is secondary, because our dear Chato, from this moment on is immortal and will always live in our hearts full of the love and gratitude that he inspired in us.
Today you are not alone, you are with Brother Kelly, a saint if ever there was one, and the Extraordinary Coco McGuinness, as well as all the (rugby club) friends and relatives who have gone before us in time and who await us in Heaven, if we follow their example.
Thank you so much Chato, thanks Brothers.
Gustavo Zerbino Stajano
