Gavin VON MOLLENDORFF

Thoughts and prayers with Gavin's family and work colleagues. I had the absolute pleasure of working with him in Mental Health Services, his support and friendship during my time there was much appreciated. His warm friendly smile would light up any room when he entered. We have lost a good one there! Rest in peace Gavin.

Eulogy for Gavin Von Mollendorf
28 Aug 1978 – 29 Sept 2025
HSE Memorial Service 4 Nov 2025

Part 7/7

I’d like to finish with a Reflective Poem titled “More Than a Co-Worker”
You were more than a name on the office door,
More than the laughter echoing down the hall.
You were the steady heart that lifted us all,
The calm in the storm, the smile we looked for.
Work was never just tasks or time,
It was stories shared and small acts of grace.
You showed us the worth of a gentle word,
And left your mark on this busy place.
Though your chair sits empty now,
Your spirit lingers, warm and near.
In every kindness, every cheer,
We’ll find the memory of you somehow.
So here’s to you — our friend, our guide,
Your legacy will not depart.
For you remain, though time may hide,
Forever written on each heart

Gavin we will miss you.

May Gavin Rest in Peace.

Eulogy for Gavin Von Mollendorf
28 Aug 1978 – 29 Sept 2025
HSE Memorial Service 4 Nov 2025

Part 6/7

There were a number of colleagues who didn’t know of Gavin’s role as a Pastor and on realising that since his passing – are of collective view that it made sense. It was two sides of the one person inextricably linked. His willingness to assist, to listen, and to lift others up, reflected his deep faith and calling as a pastor. In his dual roles — within the health service and within his ministry, he embodied service, in its truest form

During Gavin’s funeral, all of us who were either there in person or watched online, found time to reflect, on our own faiths, when seeing and hearing Wendy and Reuben, Joel and Rebecca speak. Your faith, and our reflection is perhaps Gavin’s greatest legacy. He will be missed and remembered in the HSE.

Eulogy for Gavin Von Mollendorf
28 Aug 1978 – 29 Sept 2025
HSE Memorial Service 4 Nov 2025

Part 5/7


Work and Linking to his Faith
It was clearly evident that Gavin’s contribution and indeed approach to life was grounded in deep faith.
His commitment to spend his working life in service to those in need of health care.
He wanted to help people, he wanted to support people – both colleagues and service users.
It was clear to all those who worked with Gavin, of the importance he attached, to accepting, that a life well lived, was a life which embraced, the energy of love & the outpouring of concern for humanity.

His values, which were grounded in showing compassion and respect in his dealings with people. Compassionate service and leadership, were not buzz words that rang hollow, but a way of life for Gavin, and we were lucky to have been seen such care in action.

Eulogy for Gavin Von Mollendorf
28 Aug 1978 – 29 Sept 2025
HSE Memorial Service 4 Nov 2025

Part 4/7

Describing Gavin
Many words come to mind when you describe Gavin and the qualities he brought to the people he met and worked with.
• A Gentleman
• Kind & Sincere
• Patient Focused & Solution focussed
• Caring & Conscientious
• Gavin had a smile that could light up the most challenging day…and when combined with his calming influence and good sense of humour - there was no situation that couldn’t be worked through

Eulogy for Gavin Von Mollendorf
28 Aug 1978 – 29 Sept 2025
HSE Memorial Service 4 Nov 2025

Part 3/7

Gavin had a pivotal role in stores and in particular Therapy Appliances Recycling Stores, a service very close to Gavin's heart and without his vision and perseverance would not have become a reality. At Gavin’s funeral service, we learned of Gavin’s financial astuteness with booking Ryanair flights and getting the good deal; well Gavin was also very astute when it came to service efficiency and costs. He always sought to cut back waste, advocating that these savings be ploughed back into services for service users. It was through this approach and vision for a Recycling service that was before its time, with his vision becoming the best practice template for the country permitting early discharge home from acute hospitals in a cost effective way – benefitting those who were frail or vulnerable. His name became synonymous across the Midlands and further afield with this brilliant service.

For 22 years, Gavin gave his service to the health sector with a heart full of kindness and a spirit grounded in compassion. He was more than a manager; he was a steady presence who led not only with knowledge and professionalism, but with genuine care for the people around him. His respect for others was constant — whether speaking with staff, patients, or visitors, he treated everyone with the same warmth and dignity.

Eulogy for Gavin Von Mollendorf
28 Aug 1978 – 29 Sept 2025
HSE Memorial Service 4 Nov 2025

Part 2/7

HSE
Gavin came to work in the HSE or as it was then called the Midland Health Board at the beginning of February 2003 as Acting Senior Occupational Therapist Offaly area and over the next 22 years went on to hold various positions and ultimately become the OT Manager in In Charge 3 Longford Westmeath.

He has had a huge impact within the HSE and all who worked with him and most importantly the patients and families he greatly assisted and supported. There are literally thousands families and service users who have benefited directly and indirectly from Gavin’s service, leadership and vision.

Eulogy for Gavin Von Mollendorf
28 Aug 1978 – 29 Sept 2025
HSE Memorial Service 4 Nov 2025

Part 1/7
Condolences
At the outset I‘d like to offer condolences to Wendy, Reuben, Joel, Rebecca, James and Andrew, and Gavin’s parents Sharon and Henry, his brothers Stephen, Andre and Jonathan, his parents-in-law Gordon and Winnie and his wider family and friends and the community of the Cornerstone Slieve Bloom Church.
We’d like to thank Wendy and family for their presence here today and for allowing us to remember Gavin.

We are here today to celebrate the life of a remarkable man — our colleague, our friend, and for many, a guiding light — Gavin.

When the news of Gavin’s passing reached us, it came as a deep and painful shock. It was hard to believe that someone so full of life, so present in our everyday work, could be gone so suddenly. The sense of loss has been felt across the entire health service, because Gavin was truly an integral part of it. His presence, wasn’t just in the role he held, but in the spirit he brought — his steady leadership, his compassion for staff and patients alike. He was woven into the fabric of who we are as a team, and his absence, leaves a space that will be difficult to fill.

Deepest sympathy to Wendy, Reuben, Joel, Rebeca, James, Andrew, parents, in laws, brothers, relations, extended families and friends on the sad passing of Gavin R.I. P.

Very sorry on the sad passing of Gavin. Gavin was my Occupational Therapist when he worked between Edenderry and Mountmellick.He was a lovely,sincere, caring person, a very conscientious person.He will be so sadly missed in the community. I would like to offer up my sincere condolences to his wife Wendy and his children, Reuben, Joel, Rebecca, James and Andrew.May Gavin be granted his eternal place in Heaven 🙏 RIP

Dear Wendy & Family, there are no words to ease your sorrow on Gavin's passing. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time ⚘

Dear Wendy and all the family, I am so, so sorry to hear of the loss of Gavin so unexpectedly. What a wonderful, kind gentleman who demonstrated God’s loving nature in his life. You are all in our most heartfelt thoughts and prayers.

Dearest Wendy, Reuben, Joel, Rebecca, James and Andrew. We were so very sorry to hear that your darling husband and Dad passed away so suddenly. It was always a pleasure to meet Gavin- a lovey gentle and kind man. Thinking of you all at this very sad and difficult time. May Gavin rest in peace.

My deepest condolences to Wendy, Reuben, Joel, Rebecca, James and Andrew. I am very sorry for your loss.
I have worked with Gavin for the past two years and during that time he was an amazing colleague. There were many days where he would give me one of his pep talks to keep me going, he always had a kind word and was so compassionate with patients.
I am grateful that I got to work with him and hope I can work to his example.
I am so sorry for your loss, he is sorely missed. May he rest in peace.

My sincere condolences to Wendy and family on the loss of Gavin. May his gentle soul rest peacefully.

Condolences to Wendy, Reuben, Joel, Rebecca, James, Andrew, and all of Gavin’s family on his unexpected passing.

Gavin was a very supportive colleague, always ready to lend a hand, provide words of encouragement or a listening ear when needed.

Gavin’s contribution to the OT service was immense over the last number of years, both as a clinician and a manager. He was a kind and caring gentleman always, who consistently advocated for both clients and staff.

Gavin will be sorely missed by all of us who knew him and may his gentle soul rest in peace.

We are so sorry to hear of Gavin's sad passing. We will always remember his exceptional kindness toward my brother, who has also passed, during his occupational therapy sessions at Ofalia House over 20 years ago. He will be remembered with great fondness by our entire family.

To Wendy and family i was saddened to the core to hear of Gavin's sudden passing, he will be remembered by everyone who knew him both personally and professionally as doing the very best he could do for everyone in every single way. May you be given solace and comfort in your time if need. Rest in peace Gavin.

My deepest sympathy to you Wendy, to your children and to your extended family on the sudden passing of Gavin. He was such a beautiful kind and helpful person. He will be sorely missed by so many people. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

My deepest Sympathies to Wendy & children on the sudden passing of your husband & daddy. Gavin was a gentleman when I worked with him in Day care Edenderry. He had everyone's interest in mind. Fly high with the angels Gavin. May his gentle soul rest in eternal peace.

Condolences to Wendy and the kids. I am sorry for your loss. Praying for strength and comfort for you. Gavin never hid his light under a bushel! May he rest in peace.

Wendy and children - I’m so sorry for your loss. I didn’t work directly with Gavin very often but it was always a pleasure when I did - a true gentleman who be very sorely missed. Wishing you comfort in your heartbreak - you are all in my thoughts and prayers

Wendy & Family,

My sincerest condolences on the passing of your kind Husband and Father.
It was a privilege to work so closely with Gavin over many years. Despite regular challenges he always was kind and considerate to those around him.
He continuously advocated for the service and staff but always did so in a respectful and thoughtful way.
He will be sorely missed by his colleagues and leaves a legacy and example for others to follow.
We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.
May he rest and peace.

Martin Jennings & the Physiotherapy Service in Longford Westmeath

Dear Wendy and your family and extended family and friends. Im sorry that Gavin has passed on so suddenly and young. I wish you all every strenght and hope during this difficult time yoh are in my thougts and wishes. Take care. X

So sorry to hear of your loss Wendy, and family. Sometimes there are no words.

My deepest condolences to Wendy, Reuben, Joel, Rebecca, James and Andrew.
So very sorry for your loss.I worked with Gavin for a short time in Mental Health Services. He was so professional, kind and a true gentleman in so many ways. My heartfelt sympathy to your all.May you find strength and support as you all deserve. Sorry for your loss.

Sincere condolence to Wendy and family on the loss of Gavin. RIP

To Wendy and family, I am so sorry for your terrible loss. Gavin is held in high esteem and will be sorely missed. As OT Manager, Gavin always advocated strongly for our clients and impressed with his sense of fairness and justice. Grateful that he worked in our service. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam.

My deepest sympathies to Gavin’s family and many friends. A decent, kind and warm man. I had the great pleasure of interviewing him in studio. May his memory always be a blessing.

We are so sorry to hear about Gavin's passing. Condolences to Wendy and children. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. God bless, love from us all

My Deepest Sympathies to Wendy and family on the sudden passing of Gavin. He was a kind and caring person a true gentleman to have had the pleasure to have known. Rest in peace .

Sincere sympathy Wendy Ruben Joel Rebecca James and Andrew on the sad passing of Gavin. A devoted husband and Father. He was a pleasure to work and was so kind to all Who knew him.

Sincere sympathy to you Wendy and family on the sudden death of your dear husband Gavin. Thinking of you at this sad time. may his gentle soul rest in peace.

Sincere heartfelt condolences to Wendy, Reuben, Joel, Rebecca, James and Andrew, Sharon and Henry and extended family, friends, church community and colleagues on Gavin's sad and sudden passing. I had the pleasure of working with Gavin, he was a professional to his core and supportive to all who worked with him. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. I am sure there is a special place in heaven for Gavin and he will be rewarded for his generosity of spirit. May he rest in peace.

Heartfelt condolences to the Von Mollendorff family on the loss of your husband and father. May your memories and love sustain you at this very difficult time.

Our deepest sympathies to Wendy and her children on the passing of Gavin. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad time.

Dear Wendy and family, Henry and Sharon, Gordon and Winnie, extended families and of course the church family,
Sending our heartfelt condolences to you all at this time of your sudden loss.
May the Lord strengthen and uphold you during this time of mourning. May His peace fill your hearts and help you to cope in the days ahead. And may the fruit of Gavin's ministry multiply.🙏💕.
We know where he is; with all the other Saints worshipping Jesus, but the pain of that loss here is very real. So we pray for all who knew him personally too. Be strong and courageous, looking up for our blessed hope. 🙏

Deepest sympathies to Wendy and family at this terrible time. May Gavin rest in peace

Dear Wendy and family. We were so sorry to hear of Gavin’s passing. He had such a wonderful testimony of God’s goodness and faithfulness, and we are grateful that he is with his Saviour now. We will continue to pray for you all as a family at this time.

My deepest sympathy to Gavin’s family and friends. I had the pleasure of having Gavin as a manager for the past two years and briefly back in 2018. Nothing was ever a problem for Gavin he met every obstacle with positivity, patience and encouragement and it was an honour to have known him. We will miss him tremendously. May he rest in peace.

My sincere sympathy to Wendy & family on the very sad passing of your beloved Gavin. May Gavin rest in eternal peace

Heartfelt condolences to Wendy and family on the very sad passing of your dear husband & father. You are all in my thoughts at this difficult time. May Gavin rest in peace

My deepest sympathies to you and your family Wendy on your profound loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Gavin was always a gentleman to work with. May your happy memories offer some solace during this difficult time. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

Sincerest condolences to Wendy and family on the sudden loss of Gavin. He was a kind and helpful manager and will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace.

Sending my deepest sympathies and condolences to all of Gavin’s family and friends, he was such a gentleman and a pleasure to work with . May he rest in eternal peace

My deepest sympathy to Reuben,Joel,Rebecca,James,Andrew and Wendy. May God help and strengthen you all during these difficult days and may Gavin rest in peace.

Sincere condolences to you dear Wendy, your precious children, Gavin's parents and all the family on your tremendous loss. May Gavin's rich legacy comfort you in the months and years ahead and may Gavin's gentle soul rest in peace.

Gavin has been such a kind and generous colleague. He will be missed. My condolences to Wendy and Gavins family and friends.

Deepest sympathy Wendy , to you and your family. My thoughts are with you. May your faith give you strength. Rest in peace Gavin.

Sincere sympathy Wendy and children on the sudden passing of Gavin. We are all shocked by the sad news. To his parents brothers and extended family my deepest condolences. I hope you find comfort in all your lovely memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. RIP Gavin

Pastor Gavin, I pray for God’s peace and comfort for your family. Hopefully your legacy will continue.

My deepest sympathy to Wendy, your children and all of your family on the sad loss of Gavin. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May Gavin rest in peace.

So saddened and shocked to hear of Gavins sudden passing. A great work colleague and a gentleman to the core. Deepest sympathy to Wendy and family. May he rest in peace.

Sincere sympathies on the passing Of Gavin to his beloved Wendy, children Reuben, Joel, Rebecca, James and Andrew, his parents Sharon and Henry, brothers Stephen, Andre and Jonathan, parents in law Gordon and Winnie Cochrane, brothers in law, sisters in law, nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and all at Cornerstone Slieve Bloom Church.
A perfect, kind, gentle, giving & spiritual human being. Ar dhéis Dé go raibh a hAnam Dilís ❤️

Deepest condolences to Wendy and family. I was so sorry to hear of Gavins passing. He was such a kind caring person. Thinking of ye all at this terribly sad time. May Gavin rest in peace.

Deepest sympathy to Gavin's family at this very difficult time. Always a kind-hearted gentleman. May he rest in peace 🕊

My deepest condolences to Wendy, Reuben, Joel, Rebecca, Andrew and James. May Gavin rest in peace. Thinking of you all at this very difficult time.

Heartfelt sympathies and sincere condolences to Gavin's family and friends at this sad time. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincere condolences Wendy to you qnd the children at this sad time. May God give you all his peace and strength at this difficult time

Sincere condolences to Gavins wife, children, parents, brothers, inlaws, friends & colleagues at this very sad time. May he rest in eternal peace.

On behalf of The Social Work Team in Adult Mental Health Services Midlands