Born at Blackslee, Churchill, on November 6, 1923, George was the fourth son of a family of six sons of the late Edward and Edith Hassard. He received his education at both Churchill Primary School and Derrygonnelly Primary School. George began his working life at an early age in Ely Lodge where he was employed in the plantation of the local forestry. He later took up employment in Derrygonnelly Creamery, working there for a number of years until 1955 when he took up his position with the DOE Water Service Division, a post he held until his retirement in November 1988.

    In March 1953 he married Mabel Hamilton and they made their home at Tonagh, Derrygonnelly, where they remained until 1986 when they moved to their other farm at Drumadown, Derrygonnelly. They celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary last year.

    George was a member of LOL 559 for over 60 years and also was a member of RBP 465 for over 50 years. He received his long service medal in January this year. He was also a faithful and loyal parishioner of Inishmacsaint Parish Church and served on the Select Vestry for a long number of years.

    Throughout his working life George took a keen and active interest in farming, farming both at Tonagh and Drumadown. He continued to farm throughout his retirement from the Water Service and indeed continued to farm until recently when his illness prevented him from pursuing his favourite pastime. George loved family life, always looked forward to seeing his family and in particular his seven grandchildren. He also enjoyed sharing many conversations with farmers and friends in the local area.

    George’s funeral service took place on March 4, at Inishmacsaint Parish Church, led by the Rev. Stanley Bourke and the three hymns were: “Shall we gather at the river”, “Will your anchor hold” and “Abide with Me”. His two grandsons, Mark and Matthew, read from Psalm 121 and John 14, v 1-7, 27. Burial followed in the adjoining graveyard. The organist was Gillian Rutherford. George is survived by his wife Mabel, daughter Jennifer, son David, son-in-law William, daughters-in-law Kim and Rowena, brothers Jimmy, Jack and Mervyn and seven grandchildren Joanne, Mark, Naomi, Matthew, Nadine, Peter and Sarah. He was predeceased by his son Robert and brothers William and Edward.