BALLINAMALLARD man Gary Kernaghan who died last week following a long and brave cancer battle has been remembered by his three adoring children as “the best Daddy ever.” The 44-year-old’s determination to take on cancer did not fade once nor did his desire to teach his children to be equally as courageous and just days after his death they have shown that resilience by paying a moving tribute to him.

“A fighter is how I would describe him,” 12 year old Nikki told The Impartial Reporter. “He was loving, caring and strong. I will miss him desperately.” The touching sentiments were echoed by 13 year old Alex who described her father as “a great man with lots of strength who made me laugh all the time.” Eight year old George, the baby of the family, told this newspaper: “My dad was a really good man; we had lots of fun together. He was cool, he was smart and of course he was beautiful. We played all the time but then cancer invaded and he died. It was 50/50, he did well but the other team [cancer] did well.” Married to Tracey for over 15 years, the couple made the decision to always talk to their children openly about the cancer fight so they could travel on the ‘journey’ together.

Throughout his illness, Mr. Kernaghan looked out for his wife and children, adamant that no matter how sick he would get he would be there for them.

“Before he died we sat as a family and he told the kids he was going to die,” explained Mrs. Kernaghan. “The bravery of that, of telling the kids what he wanted them to achieve in life, of taking each of them to aside and talking to them. ‘Whatever you want’, he said, ‘just go for it, just grab it.’ He was always looking out for us, even right up to his death.” “When he told them he was going to die it was a very special moment, but it was also very difficult. You have the tears, but we also had laughter. Then there were the words that he spoke and I knew deep down in my heart that they would stay with the children forever. He is not physically with us, but as a family we are walking and saying; ‘Daddy is still with us.’” Back in October, Mr. Kernaghan spoke to The Impartial Reporter about his illness as part of our ‘Facing up to Cancer’ special report. The “humble, quiet man” agreed to speak out in the hope of helping others and breaking the taboo of cancer.

In that interview, Mr. Kernaghan was asked about dealing with the disease, which had spread to his pancreas and shoulder, and why he appeared so gutsy and determined to fight it head on.

“Do I lie down? Do I let cancer beat me?” he replied. “I’ve never been one to give up...Yes, it has impacted severely on our lives, family life, but there is no point getting down about it. I can’t change the fact it is there, but it’s my attitude towards it… I don’t [think about the future]… you think about what may be in the future but there is no point dwelling on it,” he said, knowing that he was going to die.

“Everyone said we were soul-mates,” said Mrs. Kernaghan. “It is scary, having to bring up three children, but I am fortunate because Gary has prepared me. I told him about my fears, I told him; ‘I can’t do this’ and he said; ‘You can and you will.’”