Entertaining, exasperating and mischievous: "but never dull". So the broadcaster and historian John Bowman described his son, Jonathan Philbin Bowman, at the removal of his remains yesterday at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Donnybrook, Dublin. "I can honestly say he made me laugh more than any other human being," he said.
More than 1,000 people, including leading figures from politics, the media and the arts, attended the ceremony, which was delayed for 10 minutes to allow the large number of mourners time to enter the church.
Mr Bowman said his son, who died after a fall at his home on Monday, was a spiritual and "broadly Christian" person. He was a wonderful son, father, brother, grandson and friend to so many people. He thanked those who had been kind to his son, his friends who respected him and journalistic colleagues who tolerated his sometimes eccentric working styles.
He also asked those whom Jonathan might have trespassed against to forgive him. "I can tell you, I know this," said Mr Bowman, "that he forgave those who trespassed against him."
The celebrant, Father Tom Stack, paid tribute to a "questing, restless pilgrim in pursuit of the mystery always". He noted Jonathan had a book entitled How Many Gods Are There? in his briefcase when he died. "Jonathan was a continuous searcher after truth, the ultimate truth."
The Taoiseach was represented at the removal by his aide de camp, Capt Duncan Nugent.
Also in attendance were the Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Desmond Connell, the leader of Fine Gael, Mr John Bruton, the Labour Party leader, Mr Ruari Quinn, the Minister for Education, Mr Woods, former Taoisigh Mr Albert Reynolds and Dr Garret FitzGerald and former Tanaiste Mr Dick Spring.
Many journalists and executives from the Sunday Independent were present, including the editor, Mr Aengus Fanning and deputy editor Ms Anne Harris.
Among those present from RTE were the outgoing managing director, Mr Joe Mulholland; the head of radio, Ms Helen Shaw, the director of public affairs, Mr Kevin Healy, Gay Byrne, Pat Kenny and Joe Duffy. Figures from the arts included U2's Bono, with his wife, Ms Ali Hewson, and actors Frank Kelly and Pauline McLynn.
Mr Philbin Bowman (31) is survived by his son Saul (11), his parents John and Eimer, his sister Emma and his brothers Abie and Daniel. A liturgical service will take place at the Donnybrook church at 11 a.m. today, after which the funeral will be to Glasnevin Crematorium.
