In Memory of Ronald Gilligan

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Today is the 10th anniversary of that tragic day in September 2001 when so many innocent people died and were forever thrust into history. At Mass this morning, as we were leaving Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church (Downey, California, USA) in silence after a very moving service, we had the opportunity to reach into a basket and pull the name of one of the 9 / 11 victims, and think about that person and pray for him and his family. I brought Ronald Lawrence Gilligan home with me. His name sits on the desk as I try to learn about this "once a stranger." Reading the posts on this website tells me of the friend, husband and father to whom I am honored to now know in a very small way. Some things are never to be understood in our time. The death of this wonderful man is just another mystery. Profound loss brings with it great sadness and hard work. Saying good-bye, for many, is an important part of grief work. Let us also remember, though, that death ends a physical life, but not a relationship. The spirit of the one we loved and admired enters our lives and enriches us. It is as if, in their going away, they leave for us a trail of stories and songs. The wisdom of their life becomes a pathway for us. We walk along that path gathering memories and receiving new strength. Thank you for sharing your memories of Ronald with me.
"The world is not conclusion, a sequel stands beyond; invisible as music, positive as sound."

With love, Paula

*** Posted by Paula Mayfield on 2011-09-11 ***

RIP Ron, gone but not forgotten.

*** Posted by Pauline on 2011-09-11 ***

rip kirkby lad

*** Posted by jeff gibson on 2011-09-01 ***

Another year dawns with sad regret
A day in our lives we will never forget.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families.
Ronnie fondly remembered by all in your home town of Kirkby
and all 3,727 on Memories of Kirkby will have you in
their hearts xxx

*** Posted by Geraldine Robertson on 2011-09-01 ***

Wow! Just watched the Channel 5 documentary and was immensely impressed with Dherran, of whom no father could fail to be proud. So glad he took part in the programme.

My thoughts are with the whole family at this moving time.

*** Posted by Anonymous on 2011-08-30 ***

I have just listened to a local radio interview with Dherran discussing Bin ladens death and he came across so well his father would have been very proud of him.

*** Posted by Anonymous on 2011-05-06 ***

I went to Italy in 1969/70, and I think that Ron was with us. I have an old B&W photo somewhere of 50-odd St Kevs scallies squinting in the sun in a piazza overlooking Florence and its famous Duomo.

Reading Ron's daughter's account here set me off big time. I, too, have a beautiful daughter who is 14 and is on my case every day for advice (money), help (money), taxi services, and generally just getting on my case (money), and I wouldn't change it for a million quid. I'm choked here thinking of what Ron and Ashley have missed.

My thoughts are with you, mate, on this special day.

Swifty

*** Posted by Mick Swift on 2010-09-11 ***

Another year on and you're still sadly missed Ron, RIP.

*** Posted by Pauline on 2010-09-11 ***

Remembering Ron today, nine years on.

Thoughts and wishes to all the family x

*** Posted by Bruce & Karen on 2010-09-11 ***

Eight long years, but it seems like yesterday. They say 'Only the good die young' and Ron was among the 'best'. He is missed, and thought of often. My prayers and thoughts go out to Liz and the children.

Pat Souers (McLean)
worked with Ron at James River Corp

*** Posted by Pat Souers (McLean) on 2009-09-11 ***

To the cousin I never got to meet. Best wishes to your family.

*** Posted by Andy Gilligan on 2009-09-11 ***

I mostly want to say hello and send my love to Liz, Ashley, Ainsley, and Dherran. You used to come to McD's on Friday nights to see me (Socks the clown), get a facepainting and hang around with friends. I rarely learned the last names of families, usually didn't even know the parents' first names. So I never realized that your dad had died in the towers.  It wasn't until the beginning of November when another clown friend and I went to NYC to the disaster centers to bring some gentle smiles and saw both Ainsley and Dherran in the children's room. I asked you, Ainsley, if your mom was volunteering there, because why else would you be there, and you told me your dad had died on 9/11. I was shocked and remember you patting me on the back and saying that it was "okay".  I didn't know your dad very well, other than to say hello and maybe chat a little about nothing in particular. But he, and you Liz, always stood out. While Ainsley and Dherran colored pictures "waiting for their numbers to be called" you and Ron would be sitting with Ashley, talking with her while she did homework. You, like so many other parents would be there, tired after a long week, waiting patiently while Ainsley and Dherran had fun. Ainsley and Dherran, I enjoyed reading your notes to your dad. I'll be going to the Memorial Service at Norwalk City Hall this morning and will say a special prayer for Ron and all of you. I will always hold you in my heart!

*** Posted by Claudia Boerst on 2009-09-11 ***

I have just returned from a short break in New York, and I was going through my camera, showing my husband pictures of the church opposite to where the Trade Centre stood. It has now been changed into a very moving memorial museum, and I had taken a picture of a memorial wall. Something caught my eye, and I zoomed in to find a memorial message for Ronnie Gilligan's memorial service at St Chads Church in Kirkby, just 2 miles from where I live. It brought me to this site, and I felt like I really needed to say something. I am so sorry to the family for their loss. After reading all the lovely messages left on here, he sounded like a lovely man. I will say a prayer every night for Ronnie and his family.

A fellow scouser xx

*** Posted by Lisa on 2009-09-06 ***

My memories of Ronnie are going to Manchester to see a Hall and Oates concert at the Apollo Theatre with Freddie Shrimpton and having to change taxis because the taxi driver insulted us by wanting the fare to Kirkby up front (me and my big mouth). He was honestly a real genuine guy, more clever than all of us put together. I went to his memorial at St Chads in Kirkby and always regret not talking to his brother Colin who was waiting outside. Other memories are of his mum and dad in the British legion.

god rest,
alan hall

*** Posted by alan hall on 2009-08-25 ***

Dear dad,

It's been eight long years since you passed away, and a lot has happened throughout those years. I really wish I could have had your guidance throughout my adolescence and now through adulthood although, silly as it is, I like to think you're by my side, sitting on my shoulder laughing. But despite everything, I think I've turned out reasonably alright. Mind you, I still have along way to go! Tonight I went to see a film called "My Sister's Keeper," ... and it hit home. At the end it said that death can never be understood, and it made me think, "Eight years on, and I still can't get my head 'round it." But for whatever reason you were taken, it must've been a bloody good one! It made me realize that I don't think about you enough ... because I feel so numb from it all ... because my heart has hardened. But out of all of us in the family, I've found it easiest to let go and forgive ... because in life we have choices and consequences, and everything that happens is for a reason. I love you, and I truly believe that I've inherited the best parts of you.

Your daughter,
Ainsley (or as you used to call me when I was younger, Smelky) xoxo

*** Posted by Ainsley (daughter number two) on 2009-07-13 ***

Dear Liz:
I think of Ron every year and say a prayer for him and all of you. Every time I look at our family pictures I see you, Ron, and Ashley and wonder how you're doing. I'm sorry so much time has passed, but if you read this, please know that you're always in our thoughts. My favorite picture is of you dressed as Robin Hood and Ron as "Veronica" in a blonde wig and black dress. My love to you and your children. Love, Mary

*** Posted by Mary Spinei on 2008-09-11 ***

Liz,

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your beautiful family. Ron was an amazing husband and father. I remember him fondly as always smiling and happy. He was such an amazing person. I know he touched many lives and he was a blessing to all. I remember babysitting for them, the night that Ainsley was born. I stayed with big sister Ashley while we waited anxiously for news.

Liz, my heart broke for you seven years ago. I tried hard to find you, but so often people drift apart.

God Bless you and keep you and your beautiful children. Ron will always be remembered.

Many people at Greenwich Library miss you. Fondly,

Joan Englert (Eaton)
Email: jeaton@greenwichlibrary.org

*** Posted by Joan Englert Eaton on 2008-09-11 ***

Just a short note to let you all know we are still thinking of all of you and we still remember Ron often. 7 years will never dim the honor it was to meet you all and to get to know you. Our thoughts are with you today and always.

*** Posted by Joanne Romano USA, Jess, CJ, Kevin and Paul on 2008-09-11 ***

I knew Ron as a young man when I was a girlfriend to his brother, Colin, when we all lived in Liverpool.

Ronnie was such a lovely lad, kind, thoughtful and very much in love with Liz, his future wife.

I was at Ronnie and Liz's wedding in Kirkby. I remember being very moved on the day as they were so happy together.

I had heard that Ronnie and Liz had moved to America and I remember thinking 'I hope they do well over there'.

I was so upset to hear of Ronnie's death and the fact that Liz and their children had been left without him. I am thinking of you today Liz and your family.

God Bless.... Sharon Snape

*** Posted by Sharon Snape (nee Downes) on 2008-09-11 ***

I've just been on a leadership course in Wales (RYLA), and I met a girl there called Ainsley. I've always held 9/11 close to my heart, and I believe that I have found the memorial page for her dad. I didn't want to say anything to her because I didn't want to upset her. But I'm sure Ron was a great man, and I hope he's looking down on us all now from heaven.

I wish I could have met you, Ron, but I can assure you I will play my part in bringing justice to the people who did this to you, your family, to America, and to the world. God bless you and your family.

Ben Breeze

*** Posted by Ben Breeze on 2008-08-04 ***

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