Friends, family, customers and complete strangers have posted countless tributes to the popular café owner onlineShaun Bhuiyan, owner of Parklife Cafe in Crumlin. (Image: RIP.ie)

A local community is in shock following the unexpected death of a popular café owner who one person described as “such a special person”.

Shaun Bhuiyan, owner of Parklife Cafe in Crumlin, Dublin passed away on New Year’s Eve. The father of one’s passing has left the local community and regular customers alike distraught.

A GoFundMe online fundraising page was launched in the days after Shaun’s death and at the time of publishing it had raised more than €20,000 of its €22,000 target.

“Shaun Bhuiyan was a kind and charismatic soul who was loved by everyone who met him,” said Eoghan O’Neill who organised the GoFundMe page.

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“He was a loving father to his beautiful son Bodhi who he loved more than anything in the world. His kindness shone through Parklife Café, a business he created, which brought together the local community.

“He gave us all many years of joy and laughter and his family and friends all miss him terribly. We want to honour his legacy by helping in some way towards the costs of his funeral. Please give what you can and share the link far and wide,” added Eoghan.

Shaun’s death notice on RIP.ie reads: “It is with deep deep sadness and sorrow that we announce the sudden death of Shaun Bhuiyan, 31st December 2025 (Late of Steevens Gate Apartments, Dublin 8 and Parklife Cafe, Clogher Road, Dublin 12).

“Shaun will be forever loved and very sadly missed by his beloved mam Fiona, brothers Shujan and Simon, his most cherished son Bodhi and Bodhi’s mum Carrie, sister-in-law Aiste, nephews Ely and Arian, niece Kaelyn, as well as his aunts, uncles and cousins, his aunt, uncle and cousins in Canada particularly Tushar and of course Shaun’s second family, his large circle of loyal friends especially Matt, Brian, Eoghan, Jake and Ciaran.”

Shaun Bhuiyan has been described as a “very special person”. (Image: GoFundMe)Shaun pictured outside his beloved Parklife Cafe in Crumlin with one of his customers, Naomi Moriarty.(Image: GoFundMe)

Friends, family, customers and complete strangers have posted countless tributes to the popular owner online.

“I’m absolutely devastated to hear of Shauns passing,” said a lady called Carol.

“He was such a special person and I’m so grateful for the friendship we shared.

“I worked with Shaun in the Waterloo and will never forget the joy he brought to everyone he met. He was full of energy, ideas and a pure lust for life. I was with him when he was knocking down walls in an old dentists office to create his Parklife dream, he was so determined. I admired him so much.

“Sending all my love to Carrie, his beautiful son Bodhi and all his family at this very sad time.

“I will always remember how we laughed together, until we do it again my friend,” she said.

A second person said: “Shaun was truly one of a kind. Always had the biggest smile and kindest words when I went in to Park Life. Was so supportive when I had my baby, sharing stories with me about his little boy.

“He adored his son. Shaun made Park Life in to such a cosy, welcoming spot focused on community. I was devastated to hear of his passing. Sending love and strength to his family.”

A third devastated friend stated: “It’s so sad to think you’re gone — a reminder of how fragile life is. I only saw you on Christmas Day, which says everything about how selfless and kind you were, always opening your doors for the community and giving so generously. The world has truly lost a good one.”

Shaun’s remains will be reposing at Massey Bros. Funeral Home, 109 The Coombe, Dublin 8 on Friday, January 9 at 1.30pm until 3.30pm prior to removal to Mount Jerome Crematorium (Victorian Chapel) arriving at 4pm for a Celebration of Shaun’s life.

To make a donation, visit the ‘In memory of Shaun Bhuiyan’ GoFundMe page.

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