100-year-old Dick Draper
SKIBBREEN centenarian Richard Draper is celebrating reaching 100-years-of-age with the republication of his book Dick’s Musings which was first published when he was a mere 90-year-old.
The book, published by Inspire Books of Skibbreen, offers a unique window into the past as Dick fondly recalls his life in his hometown.
The book offers a window on Skibbereen’s recent past taking Dick’s life in the town running “The Utility Store” and later his jewellery and watch making business.
The book was originally published to mark Dick reaching the age of 90 and he has decided to republish it this year after reaching the even more significant milestone of 100.
All proceeds will go to Dick’s chosen charity, the Skibbereen Geriatric Society.
Dick Draper was 100 years and 3 months old when I visited him in Skibbereen this summer. He had a remarkable career in eye care and, with friends, acquaintances and clients, regardless of religious affiliation, he found many occasions to discuss in a personal way, the love of God and the life of the Savior, Jesus Christ.
Our own mother, Aileen, being a client of Dick’s in the ’60s, would talk about faith and how he had helped her learn to trust that a loving God who sent His Son to die for us, would personally take care of our anxiety about the future and the troubles of life. However, back then, a student of mathematics, science and engineering needed more proof. (Not even classroom awe that “maths” could reliably predict what the telescope observed about creation, would then lead to trust that God was really personal and not just remote and uncaring.)
Our mother was always writing bible verses everywhere and, to our great comfort, some were found in the car in which she was sadly killed in ’68, written on an envelope from our father, Paddy, who was working in London at the time and which Dick helpfully preserved for us in protective plastic.
At our father’s funeral in ’95 those verses helped provide the following portions of the eulogy:
“Our Dad loved us
And gave himself for us
When we were young
In Baltimore.”
and
“London letters back and forth,
A fatal crash, a powerful note
Teaching whatever state we’re in,
Therewith to be content;
How to abound and suffer want,
Doing all through Christ
Who gives us strength.”
And when, at that funeral, the priest proclaimed “Jesus is the resurrection and the life,” there was a nod across the aisle, and 35 years, to one who had helped bring life the story.
God be with you, Dick Draper. Thank you for the wonderful gift you brought to our family growing up.
A headstone stands in Tullagh cemetary proclaiming ”Jesus is the resurrection and the life,” and the bible verses from the envelope, with which our parents still encourage us from beyond the grave.