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Stephen Gately's funeral to take place by the weekend

Wednesday, 14 October 2009

The body of Stephen Gately is wheeled into a funeral home in the village of Calvia in Mallorca

The body of Stephen Gately is wheeled into a funeral home in the village of Calvia in Mallorca

Boyzone members joined with Stephen Gately's family yesterday to organise the singer's funeral which is expected to take place by the weekend.

The band visited the Gately family home and a nearby funeral home after they arrived back from Majorca.

Mikey Graham, Ronan Keating, Shane Lynch and Keith Duffy all left the island late on Monday night but will return back to accompany Mr Gately's body home.

As of last night, Mr Gately’s body was expected to be returned to Ireland on Friday although every effort was being made to bring it back before then.

Yesterday a post-mortem examination confirmed he died of “natural causes by acute pulmonary oedema”.

Mr Gately’s family are anxious to get the body home as quickly as possible and it is understood that the funeral will be held on Friday if his body arrives on Thursday.

Otherwise, the funeral will be held on Saturday with the service taking place in St Laurence O'Toole's Church on Sherriff Street, Dublin, yards from where Mr Gately grew up and near to where his parents live.

“I've spoken to the authorities on the ground in Spain and we're seeing what we can do,” family spokesman Gerald Kean said.

“On behalf of the family, I'd like to add that it's a load off their minds that the results of the autopsy confirmed that Stephen's death was due to natural causes.

“They would also like to thank the thousands of people who have sent messages of support from around Ireland and the world and also Mark Plunkett who is working on their behalf in Spain.”

Earlier, Boyzone manager Louis Walsh publicly spoke at length for the first time about the death.

Mr Walsh said he hoped that a new album recorded by Boyzone would be released and revealed that Mr Gately was close to fulfilling one of his life ambitions — landing a role in the musical ‘Jersey Boys', which is based on 1960s group the Four Seasons, just before he died.

“All Stephen lived for was singing music, be it on the West End, be it in Boyzone, that's all he ever wanted to do. And his big thing was to do ‘Jersey Boys’,” Mr Walsh told RTE Radio.

Comments

34 Comments

Always liked Boyzone's music. Lost our son John aged 38, June 09, very suddenly, just like Stephen. Find it very hard to accept and adjust to life without him, as do the rest of the family, so our thoughts are with Stephen's parents, and family. So many tears shed, and still to be shed. It seems that we will forever be sad. Time does not seem to heal, just hope that it will help to deal with the loss. Our thoughts with all who loved Stephen, and who miss him so much. Love and sympathy.

Posted by Ian & Sue Peacock | 21.03.10, 21:28 GMT

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I loved the band not only because of their music but because the boys stood for everything that young people today should aspire to. Stephen was a beautiful human being who always had time for his fans, particularly the youngsters who wanted to grow up to be as successul as him.
In this world of greed and hatred what better role model could our youngsters have.
My love goes to Andy and Steos family. He is an angel that will watch over the boyz and his family forever. Thank you, Lord, for letting us share Stephen.

Posted by Jenny | 17.10.09, 22:41 GMT

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Lumos, Stephen Gately!

I send you a fully hand of star dust in the rainbow country. If he may bring you up there light and protect you. Oh yes, if you meet Robert Knox please greet him from me.

Many thanks and many greetings
from Sonja with Robert Knox completely, completely, deeply in the heart.

Rest in peace Stephen Patrick David Gately.

---------------------------1976 - 2009---------------------------------

Posted by Sonja | 17.10.09, 19:25 GMT

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God bless stephen may he rest in peace and my heart goes out to his family and boyzone Be at peace amen

Posted by Damian | 17.10.09, 12:13 GMT

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They don't have any details. They just wright and hope they can sell it. Not knowing they make no friends by doing it. Its very sad for everyone involved in Stephens life. Over in Holland I had my share also. If anyone talks bad and tell lies about anyone of them, they are out of my life. Love Stephen forever. My best to all. Also the fans.

Posted by Yt Verbroekken | 16.10.09, 14:37 GMT

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why do papers like the daily star have details of stephens sex life on their front page,or even reported in the paper at all. this is not news and i think that they should keep their noses out of lifestyle. i can feel nothing but anger at the gutter press stooping so low and having no feelings for stephens family and loved ones who must be outraged at this. for gods sake leave them to grieve in peace.

Posted by steve | 16.10.09, 11:15 GMT

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My heart go's out to you all. Stephen is loved and always will be. Please let them talk. If that is all they can do. We know that Steo is the most dearest darling, husband and friend for all of us. R.I.P Stephen. For always in my heart. Thank you for everything!

Posted by Yt Verbroekken | 16.10.09, 11:14 GMT

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Stephen you gave us much joy in our life especially with that lovely smile. you will never be forgotten because when we think of you it will be always be you smiling with them lovely bright eyes. My mum loved you and she was a young one of 76 years. To the whole of Stephen's family, his partner, Mr Walsh,boyzone and all his friends I am so sorry for your loss and my family and I are thinking of you here in England at this very sad time especially today and tomorrow. I think Stephen will be looking down on you all with a lovely smile as you will do him proud tomorrow love The Hastie Family xx

Posted by Dawn Hastie | 16.10.09, 08:50 GMT

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I have been a boyzone fan for about 16yrs and im devistated im still crying about it.my thoughts are with his family,boyzone and his partner. A golden heart stopped beating,two sparkling eyes at rest, god broke our hearts to prove to us he only takes the best.Its not goodbye its see you later, sleep tight, love you xx

Posted by Mary chaney | 16.10.09, 01:33 GMT

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Rest in Peace Stephen :(. You really were amazing and your death has come as such a shock to us all. I have grown up to your music and will never forget you. I think you were an amazin influence to not only people in the gay community but also to people who would love to be singers. You were proof that your dream can come true " no matter what ". I send my condolences to his partner Andrew, his family and friends, the remaining members of Boyzone and his good friend Louis Walsh. Love you Stephen <3

Posted by Lauren | 16.10.09, 01:03 GMT

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god bless stephen.will never forget your version of "single ladies".have to admit you werent quite my favourite of the boyz [i'm more mikeys girl!] but i cant get you out of my head since hearing the news of your death at the weekend.so shocking.my heart goes out to his husband andrew his family and of course the boyz.i know what its like to lose a friend so young.the good always die young.r.i.p lol

Posted by scd | 15.10.09, 22:37 GMT

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such a tragic loss,i loved you from the begining you were beautiful both inside and out and you will always be in my heart, my thoughts are with your partner and family and may god help them in this time of need all my love samantha dean x x x

Posted by samantha dean | 15.10.09, 20:42 GMT

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i am ricky holt and i live in wellingborough and i am a big fan off boyzone and i am abig fan of stephen gaytely i am sad :(:( and i will miss him forever and forever

Posted by ricky holt | 15.10.09, 19:32 GMT

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R.I.P. Stephen i love you so much and will never forget you, I know it sounds corney but you really will live on in my heart forever I will never take down my posters of you I will continue to listen to your music and watch your videos, you have always been a major and special part of my life and will always continue to be. Love you, love Heather xxx

Posted by Heather Ashley | 15.10.09, 15:36 GMT

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rest in peace stephen, may god be with you. all the condolence to his family ant the boyzone members. we have lost you but god gained an angel we love you i cant beleive it.

Posted by marisabelle | 15.10.09, 15:27 GMT

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Shocked, sad, sorry to know that Stephen is gone, too soon.
Will miss your beautiful music, sweet and loving nature, and the joy you spread with your lovely voice and angelic smile.
Its a new beginning for you, and for all those who loved you, or who have been touched by your magical and artistic creations.
There was so much more you would have shared with us all.
A true blue Irish lad, and so very mischievous at the same time, we have lost a shining star.
You will be sorely missed. RIP Stephen.
My heartfelt condolences to Stephen’s family, husband Andrew, brothers in Boyzone, and all who loved Stephen - be strong, be safe - Stephen will be with us always, and never forgotten, no matter what...

Posted by Roshini Roy | 15.10.09, 13:23 GMT

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Stephen's sudden death was such a great tragedy. I am still in shock. I have taken this so badly. I was a fan Of Boyzone since 1996 and although Ronan was my favourite member at the time, I was always very fond of Stevie. He had such a beautiful singing voice and a lovely personality to match. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with his family, Boyzone and Louis. "I know this love's forever, that's all that matters now no matter what". RIP Stevie

Posted by Emma Magee | 15.10.09, 13:21 GMT

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Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Rest in peace Stephen

Posted by Éamonn | 15.10.09, 12:44 GMT

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Rest in peace Stephen, and thank you for declaring your true self and for living your life as a spiritual gay. Thank you.

Posted by Budi | 15.10.09, 12:30 GMT

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What a tragedy,a well respected and talented young man he will be sadly missed,the world needs more people like him to make it a better place.RIP Stephen,condolences to your mum,dad and family.Praying for you all.x

Posted by rosemarie campion | 15.10.09, 08:51 GMT

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