Family, friends and fellow clergy from the Canberra and Goulburn Catholic Archdiocese attended the funeral of the late Rev Fr Paul Anthony Tarpey, conducted in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Pearce, ACT, on Wednesday, December 13.
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Fr Tarpey’s death occurred in Canberra on December 5 after a long illness.
He grew up and was educated in Melbourne, later entering the Public Service.
In 1985 Fr Tarpey began his training for the priesthood at St Paul’s National Seminary in Kensington, NSW and was ordained in 1991.
From 1992 to 1998 he was assistant priest at Goulburn, Gundagai and Page, ACT, and administrator at Campbell, ACT in 1996.
In 1998 he was appointed as Parish Priest of St Patrick’s Parish, Boorowa, where he served six years.
In 2004 he retired to his home in Charnwood, ACT, and later took up residence at Calvary Haydon Retirement Village, Bruce.
The celebrant for the Requiem Mass was His Grace, Archbishop Christopher Prowse, assisted by Bishop Patrick Power and other archdiocesan clergy.
The eulogy was shared by Fr Paul’s siblings, Mark, Peter and Margie, who spoke of their brother’s warm and caring personality and cheerful, generous nature.
Fr Paul had always appreciated a good red wine and a good laugh.
He had always been the quiet leader, and when younger he enjoyed running and fitness, music, playing his clarinet and supporting his beloved St Kilda.
A special tribute was made to the superb care that Fr Paul had received at the Calvary Retirement Village.
Preaching the homily, Fr Dermid McDermott reminded the gathering how one person’s death affects so many around them.
He said Fr Paul, affectionately known as ‘Tarps,’ had been part of God’s plan and had shown self sacrifice and determination in performing the tasks to which he was committed.
Following the funeral mass, interment took place in the Woden cemetery.
The liturgy included special prayers for the people and communities where Fr Paul served his priestly ministry.
Fr Paul will be fondly remembered in Boorowa, particularly for his walking jaunts accompanied by his little dog Sam.
He always had a cheerful word for everyone he met.
The Boorowa community would like to extend its condolences to Fr Paul’s family.
Vale Fr Paul.
