Sean was born in Gate Pa, Tauranga, on May 25, 1940, though he spent much of his young life in Masterton and Wellington.
He studied at St Pat's College, Silverstream, before going to the Columbans at North Turramurra, Sydney. He was ordained on the 2nd of July 1964, in Wellington and was assigned to Chile, where he went with Lynn Whitely from Perth, who died in Chile in 1971.
Sean worked first in the important parish of St. Andres and then in various parishes in southern Santiago. Several times he returned for a stint of vocation and promotion work in New Zealand.
On his return to Chile, he was assigned in 1987 to Arica on the northern border with Peru. He worked there with another Kiwi, associate priest, Pat McGettigan. He was then assigned to another northern diocese, Iquique, where he worked for 6 years till 1996, when he returned to Santiago for several years before he returned to do parish work in Auckland.
Sean loved being with people and enjoyed his time in Warkworth and Kaitaia in the Far North, where he celebrated 50 years of priesthood in 2014.
When he developed health problems, Sean was cared for by the Auckland diocese and placed in retirement and rest homes. After a fall at the Little Sisters of the Poor home, his health deteriorated rapidly, and he died a few days later on the 11th of June 2025.
His funeral will take place on the 17th of June in Auckland.
Sean was always great company, and those who worked with him describe him as a man who was driven, intense, always ready to work, especially to drive long distances to celebrate Mass and administer the sacraments. Wherever he was, he was always surrounded by a group of friends, especially families who loved his company as he enjoyed theirs. He will be fondly remembered by many.
Adios Amigo.
