John O'Donohue passed away unexpectedly and peacefully in his sleep in the night of January 3-4, 2008.
He was 52 years old.
The Family of the late John O'Donohue wish to thank all those who have so generously offered their condolences on the passing of our beloved John. We are overwhelmed by the expressions of sympathy and support we have received from all over the world and we wish to express our sincere appreciation.
In response to many requests, memorials are being organised in North America and the UK in the near future.
There is a memorial planned for May 3, 2008 in Santa Monica, California and another planned in London, 15th June, 2008. Plans are still developing for services on the east coast of the US. Details will be posted as they become available.
Through his life and works, John touched the lives of an enormous number of people across the globe. The Family hopes that his memory will be carried in the hearts of those who knew and appreciated him during his all too short time with us.
Go raibh maith agaibh go léir agus beannacht.


On the death of the Beloved

Though we need to weep your loss,
You dwell in that safe place in our hearts,
Where no storm or night or pain can reach you.

Your love was like the dawn
Brightening over our lives
Awakening beneath the dark
A further adventure of colour

The sound of your voice
Found for us
A new music
That brightened everything.

Whatever you enfolded in your gaze
Quickened in the joy of its being;
You placed smiles like flowers
On the altar of the heart.
Your mind always sparkled
With wonder at things.
Though your days here were brief,
Your spirit was live, awake, complete.

We look towards each other no longer
From the old distance of our names;
Now you dwell inside the rhythm of breath,
As close to us as we are to ourselves.

Though we cannot see you with outward eyes,
We know our soul’s gaze is upon your face,
Smiling back at us from within everything
To which we bring our best refinement.

Let us not look for you only in memory,
Where we would grow lonely without you.
You would want us to find you in presence,
Beside us when beauty brightens,
When kindness glowsAnd music echoes eternal tones.

When orchids brighten the earth,
Darkest winter has turned to spring;
May this dark grief flower with hope
In every heart that loves you.

May you continue to inspire us:

To enter each day with a generous heart.
To serve the call of courage and love
Until we see your beautiful face again
In that land where there is no more separation,
Where all tears will be wiped from our mind,
And where we will never lose you again.
John O’Donohue


sorry people...this is where I am at as the 17th May draws close... am reliving every moment of this time last year...will improve... but this all helps


here is his bibliography
http://www.jodonohue.com/books/