On February 5, 2015, our hearts were broken and our lives were forever changed with the passing of Cyril, a devoted and loving husband and a proud father, father-in-law and grandfather. Our family was comforted by the number of people who visited the funeral home, sent flowers, sent Mass cards and made donations to the Vera Perlin Society and the Western Memorial Hospital. We thank all of you for sharing ­stories about Cyril and posting expressions of sorrow online. We are thankful that so many of Dad's family made the trip across the island in terrible winter conditions to be with us. The food delivered to our house, both when Cyril was in the hospital and after his passing, ­sustained us. He would have been so proud of all of his fellow golfers from the Blomidon Golf and Country Club who took the time to pay their respects. To hear he was one of the favourite "old-timers" at the Club meant so much. To Andrew and Brenda at the Blomidon, who went above and beyond to help us have a reception at a place that Dad loved so much, we thank you.

We wish to express a heartfelt thank you to Father Terry who was so accommodating to us in assisting in making sure the service was special. Sister Kathleen Rex, you are an angel and we appreciate your help in providing the music at the Mass, but also your help to Kelsey in her practice. To the choir, we also express gratitude. To the grandchildren: Kyle, Daniel and Timothy who read so eloquently at the Mass and to Kelsey who sang so ­beautifully, we are sure Pop was beaming with pride. You grandchildren were the apple of his eye. To Cyril's "buddies": John Lewis, Carl Loughlin, Frank Ryan, Tom Hiscock, Gerald Andrews and Lloyd Mercer, who acted as pallbearers, he loved you all and your friendship was so important to him. He would be proud that you helped him on his final ­journey. Alice and Dwayne Keough, thank you for being the gift bearers at the Mass.

To the neighbours on Reid Street who have always been there and continue to show their kindness and big hearts, we are eternally grateful. You are family and Cyril was always thankful for you all.

Brenda O'Regan and Heidi Scott who ­travelled from St. John's and who did ­anything we asked them to do and who looked after so many of the details for the reception, we cannot express how much we appreciate your help.

To John (Cyril's brother and friend) and sister- in-law Jean French who were always there to help in any way they could, please know that this did not go unnoticed. Your visit with Mom after Dad passed was comforting.

To Joe and Alice Keough, our words can never express how thankful we are for ­everything you did and continue to do. Nothing we asked for was ever too much for you. You just made it all happen. Your help and support, especially the day Cyril passed, and helping us get the arrangements done, even in the midst of a raging blizzard, will always be remembered. Dad loved you both like you were his own.

We also need to thank Dr. Coleman and Dr. O'Driscoll and their staff for your first rate care over the years. To the doctors and staff at the WMRH, especially Dr. Chaulk and Dr. Murphy and the nurses in ICU who cared for him during his illness, we thank you for your exceptional care. To Keith Fillatre and his team, your outstanding service and attention to detail was comforting at such a sad time.

There are far too many people to single out everyone, but please be assured that every ­single act of kindness is appreciated from the bottom of our hearts. Cyril/Dad would be humbled by how many people reached out to our family and continue to do so as we live through this very difficult time. Our lives will never be the same, our hearts are indeed ­broken and we will miss him with every fibre of our being, but we are truly blessed to have had him in our lives for as long as we did.

"Sleep well, fly with the Angels. We love you."

Grace (wife), Pauline (daughter), Roger, Kyle and Kelsey Downer, Jeannie (daughter), Kevin, Daniel and Timothy O'Regan.