Ladies and Gentleman,

It is more than a privilege and an honour to be part of such an important ceremony such as this. You are all here today to remember and pay tribute to the amazing life of Ciaran John Toland, much loved partner to Prisca and of course a much loved Dad to his beautiful children, Elli and Max.

As you know, Ciaran sadly passed away here on March 26th, leaving you all engulfed in shock and disbelief.

A life gone far too soon at the age of 49, but not without a fight.

During the coming weeks, Ciaran’s life will be honoured by so many of his friends, his family and colleagues in Ireland and indeed all around the world in so many ways. This evening we shall remember and celebrate the impact Ciaran has had on so many lives. 

This does not pretend to take away any pain or sadness that fills your hearts and souls but the hope is that by celebrating the life of such a man, we will soften that pain, even if just a little. 

Firstly, let us hold a thought for Ciarans Mother and Father, his younger Brother and Sisters and the rest of the family who just cannot be here today. 

Although not here physically, they are with you in heart and in mind right now and will be forever more as the strong family unit that you all are. 

If I may, I have some words to read on behalf of Ciarans parents, Noleen and Christy:

‘Ciaran was our first born. Our pride in him was as great from his first day to his last.

Pride in the life he made in so many places across the world, yet never losing his love of home; pride in the family he has given us in Prisca, Elli & Max.

And so proud that his love for life, for laughter; all his kindness & selflessness, outlasted all.

We wished and prayed for Ciaran's journey to last far longer.  

But short as it was, we are so proud of everything he achieved.  And even more, we are proud of the person he was.

Ciaran will always be our loving eldest child.

Our Ciaran.’



Literally hundreds of Facebook messages and whatsapps have been left and Ciarans whole family want to say thank you to each and every one of you for your kind words. 

Tributes are still coming in on Ciaran's Memorial page. Each one of them will warm your hearts as so many great memories are shared. 

I will have the honour of reading out some of those tributes but before I do, his beautiful little family of his own, Prisca and the children have bravely put together their own words for Ciaran, their Daddy, her Husband:

From Prisca:

As I sat overlooking the Ain Dubai writing this, your favorite view on one of your favorite beaches, a beach we had just celebrated Christmas on, I am struck by the enormity of our loss. 

A million tears have been shed and the pain is immense. You fought one heck of a battle up until the very end. Your hope and perseverance kept us all going. 

I will never forget when I met Ciaran, during a particularly hard winter in Switzerland in 1998, We were told that the big bosses from Orange Headquarters Lausanne, were visiting our little subsidiary to pick up contracts (that we did not have). As we looked out the window out stepped a handsome young Irish man. It is as if it were yesterday, and my life changed forever into an incredible adventure. 

One thing is sure, our bucket list is full of ticks as we went on our travels around the globe. Fun was always the center of our excursions, if it was hiking in the Swiss Mountains, cycling through the Swiss Vineyards tasting the wine, but also travelling to the Ice Hotel, where you proposed amongst the reindeers. 

We were caught in a wicked storm in Vietnam, experienced the bullet train between Tokyo and Kyoto whilst singing karaoke with new Japanese friends. We walked the streets of Hong Kong, but also experiencing the real Country Western life in Arizona. Your story telling about our encounter with snakes in Africa, and the Iguana in our bedroom in Chang Mai always made us laugh. 

Visiting the underground scene of Berlin with your cousin Alex, introducing me to the life of caravanning in Downings, France, Italy and Spain. So many trips and so many memories, first just the two of us, and then the three and four of us. Our last big adventure took us through America, and I hope Elli and Max will forgive us one day for the very many miles we did every day, almost running out of fuel on a number of occasions and taking a wrong turn that led us to a maximum security prison “do not pick up hitch-hikers” the sign said. 

We laughed, which we did every day, even through the really tough times. There were many hospital visits during our trips, as you broke your ribs whilst showing off your diving skills in Italy, or an ear infection in Kenya, or having to refill my Mums pills as a Baboon took all her medication, a ski plough ambulance at 2000 meters because of altitude sickness, and  the ER in China Town San Francisco due to an eye infection. But always we laughed, even when the hospital visits became more serious! 

Amongst many things, it will be Ciaran's story telling that I will miss the most. I have had the absolute privilege of walking this earth alongside Ciaran for 21 years, a loving, sensitive, fun, open minded, curious, extremely knowledgeable (Elli and Max have lost track of how many times I would say... go ask your Daddy), resilient, always up for a laugh, risk taker, humble, but most of all my absolute rock. Ciaran would always say “it will be grand” even when it wasn’t. 

We have been in Dubai now for 15 years, and thanks to you we have been able to call this home and live an amazing life. Our little home was constantly being refurbished, most of the time it worked out ok, sometimes it just didn’t (our supposedly grey walls are still blue). I will never forget when we pulled up after a summer in Europe and our toilets and sinks were in the driveway. One thing I can say, you did not shy away from taking risks! 

This evening we are celebrating Ciaran’s life, a life truly lived, filled with so many memories, trips, adventures, experiences, and most importantly friendships and family. 

Ciaran, this is not good-bye but much rather a see you later. 



Elli, Max and I would also like to thank the many friends and family members who have reached out, sent flowers and gifts. A very special thank you goes out to our friends & family here this evening as they rallied around us during these tough times. 

We also thank Dr. Katie at Citihospital who was by our side every step of the way. Ciaran had countless surgeries here in Dubai and in France, countless rounds of Chemo therapy, Radiation therapy, Immunotherapy. No stone was left unturned as Ciaran fought, with a smile! 

A big thank you to the wonderful people at Jumeirah English Speaking School who allowed Max and I to take time off and spend those last few weeks with Ciaran, for the many supportive messages and phone calls, the flowers, as well as the food packages, we are still working through!

A thank you to DIA and DPA for supporting Elli as she is taking her exams, thank you for your kind messages! 

To the many kind folks at NOKIA thank you for your messages and flowers and for your support with the administrative things. 

What lies ahead we do not know… we will be taking every moment as it comes. 



At our wedding I read out a Native American Celebration Poem, so it is only fitting that I now leave you with a Native American Mourning Poem.

I give you this, one thought to keep.

I am with you still, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow, 

I am the diamond glints on snow,

I am the sunlight on the ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the mornings hush,

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not think of me as gone-

I am with you still, in each new dawn



From Max: 

He wasn't just any father he was the best father there ever was. He always had a way to make me laugh and make me feel better. I loved going to the pool, travelling, flying drones, cycling and much more with my Daddy, and just doing everything with him. I will terribly miss seeing you everyday. 

From Elli:

My dad, the happiest, bravest, strongest, and most loving person on Earth. He has touched every life he came into contact with, he's been a shining beacon right up until the end for everyone he knew. My dad never left his happiness somewhere. I know that everyone will remember him for someone who was just an outstanding person overall. 

I remember my dad would always say, when I wanted to pay for anything for myself, "Whatever makes you happy." The thought that money wasn't an issue or blockade for my happiness taught me so much. It didn't teach me to spend money at any chance, but rather focus on the things that made me happy and stop throwing money at things that don't, just to see if they do.

I love my dad with my whole heart, I miss him even more as every second ticks by, and I'm so thankful he was my dad for I wouldn't have ever wanted another one. I'm blessed to be his daughter and have known him for at least a short time, I hope he is having lots of fun up in heaven blasting Van Morrison songs and playing chess all he wants. He, and his laughter filled jokes will forever be remembered. I love you forever daddy. 

Another important lady in Ciarans life, was his Mother in Law, Rita. Now I know there is always a joke about the relationship between the Son in Law and Mum in Law but truly,its fair to say, they got along pretty well. Rita and Ciaran had a very unique bond as they exchanged  SMS's regularly, Rita always loved reading Ciaran's lovely stories. Rita visited the family at least 3 times a year and also went on family trips spending Christmasses either up in the alps at 2000+ meters or else on the beaches of Dubai or Kenya (where they shared daily pina coladas). Many unforgettable adventures were had. Ciaran is a great loss to Rita. Rita has placed a special candle under Ciaran's favorite tree in Schwadernau and has sent in this message from her heart:

Forever grateful that Ciaran was part of our family and will remain part of us forever. Whoever had the privilege to meet Ciaran knows how joyful and precious a human being he was. You have left us way too soon. Have a good journey my dear Ciaran. 

Love Rita Seif (Nana)

Although 49 years is a short life, he has had an action packed life full of thrills and adventure, continuous learning and change and most importantly love.  Love presents itself in so many forms and a love between men, well, those friendships are very special indeed. We have a couple of lovely recordings sent in from 2 of Ciarans best friends from home in Ireland which we will play for you now.

APPROX 14 Mins of recordings.



If I may just read out some of these tributes from some of his friends and colleagues:

University Friend Matt:

Ciaran was a lovely guy, full of energy and kindness - it’s been a privilege to have known him from university onwards. Lots of great memories and craic, he will be remembered forever. Words cannot describe the awful loss but we wish Prisca, Elli, Max, and the rest of his family all the strength to get through this. 

Love and best wishes 

Matt, Cath, James and Ewan. xxxx

From NOKIA work friend 

Rest in Peace my dear friend, I had the pleasure to work with you since the last 10 years side by side. I will always remember your cheer and joy with your charming laugh. You’ve always shown me how to look things from a different angle and thought how to create the positivity from worst problems. I will miss your friendship and you will never be forgotten. 

Hakan SIR

From ORANGE Switzerland

Dear Prisca,

We are so sad and sorry to read that Ciaran has lost his battle. 

He was one of the nicest people I ever met and I have many fond memories of him.

Helen and I send our deepest sympathy and condolences to you, Elli and Max.

Thinking of you,

Much love, Nigel



From Franco, a Dubai friend and trusted walking buddy along with Skye

Ciaran is one of the few really close friends I have. 

I admired the love and dedication for his family, his wit and sense of humor (his stories from his life make me laugh to tears), his polite way of approaching others and the elegant way of thinking.

But above all I will be missing his love for real life, his way of living his principles and the time we manage to spend together.



Stefano

So many memories of Ciaran will stay in my heart forever Like the time we went to South Africa on a bike tour or his 40th birthday party. His unique laughing was contagious, and he always has an amazing story to share. He truly was one of the best person i have ever met, and i feel privileged that he entered in my life and became my friend. I'll will miss him. Stefano 

From Martin Leese, friend, neighbour and football buddy

Friends and family come and go during our lifetime. However, every so often we’re blessed with meeting that one person who will always leave an indelible mark on our own life. 

Ciaran, was one of those people. He was the typical Irishman. Charismatic, Charming and funny all rolled into one. Not to mention a brilliant father and husband to Max, Elli and Prisca. 

I shall miss the times when all the world’s problems were solved over a pint. 

Life can be so cruel at times. All I know that is heaven is a brighter place with Mr Toland residing there! 

Always in our thoughts mate! 

Martin Leese 



Wolfgang Heck

I can never forget such a wonderful person like Ciaran; we all know that we should be very happy for all the good times we shared together. I appreciate him so much, much like my brother, because he was always aware of me, of all the things going around. A great person has left us and although he is no longer with us, we will keep his memory in our hearts

Good trip my friend; the Lord will rest your soul.  I extend my sympathy wishes and condolences to the family on the loss of the beloved family member. I am deeply saddened with the sudden loss and pray to God to give eternal peace to the departed soul.

Wolfgang

From Ursula and Beat

Dear Prisca, dear Elli, dear Max,

we are with you and thinking of you in this time of sorrow.

We and our family with Dominik, Timo and Muriel we all keep Ciaran in our hearts. His humor, his laughter, his coolness and his friendship are unforgettable and all these awesome moments we shared together in Dubai, at Schwadernau and at Lenk will remain for ever in our memory.

Our door will always be widely open for you. 



So it seems that Ciaran was a happy go lucky man and you are here doing what he would have loved.

Not too much of a big fuss but just enough to know he mattered for he did matter. He mattered very much to all of you in your own ways.

You are here to show your support for Prisca and his family but also to pay your respects to a man that has been your colleague, your friend, your confidante, your buddy. 

Apparently Ciaran had a pretty good craic amongst friends and I am sure he would want you to continue that craic without him. 

Would Ciaran have been the kind of man that would want you all down in the dumps or would he want you humming your favourite tunes, smiling of his memories as you think of the things he may have taught you, or the fun he may have shared with you?

So, As you ponder that thought under a sunset sky, I am sure you will agree that the sky is gaining another bright star in Ciaran Toland.

He loved his life, but we need to let him go in peace today and he would be very proud of you all for being here, helping us to ‘communicate’ his farewell.

I would just like to share this reading by Frank Brown and hope you can take some comfort from these words:

‘Sometimes, when the sun goes down, It seems it will never rise again...but it will.

Sometimes, when you feel alone,

It seems your heart will break in two...but it won't.

And sometimes, it's hardly worth carrying on...But it is.

For sometimes, when the sun goes down, It seems it will never rise again,

But it does.’                                                                



So Prisca, Elli and Max , take this balloon, hold it tightly for a moment.

If everyone can raise their glass

Into the freedom of the wind and sunshine, 

We let you go,

Into the dance of the stars that shine so brightly at night

We let you go,

We will forever love you, we will forever miss you, and we will forever remember you. Take our love with you. We let you go.  

To Ciaran !!! ( Raise your glass)

In the words of Dr Seuss –‘Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened’.