Widespread shock and regret have been expressed following the sudden and unexpected passing last Wednesday morning, October 12, of a much-loved husband, father, grandfather and brother, Gabriel D'Arcy, affectionately known as Gaby, late of Carneyhill, Bellanaleck.

Gabriel, who was baptised Hugh Patrick Gabriel, was born in Omagh, a son of Hugh and Ellen D'Arcy. His father was employed by the railways and they moved to Fermanagh, where his father was then employed by the Ulster Transport Agency.

His primary school education was attained at Arney, before he continued his studies at the Christian Brothers' School in Enniskillen. He took up initial employment with the Forestry Service and then worked in Dickson's Quarry, before moving to N.I.E., where he remained until taking early retirement.

Gaby subsequently worked at the Convent, Enniskillen as a gardener and caretaker, retiring from there about two years ago. He then went to Castle Hume, where he did gardening work.

Home and family were major interests for Gaby who married the former Maura McBrien and their two sons are Desmond (Des) and Gerard (Gerry).

A highly regarded figure across the county, Gaby played a very active part in voluntary cross-community activity for many years. He served as a committee member of Cleenish Community Association and Cleenish and Killesher Health Care Group, having held a number of offices in both organisations which held him in high regard. He had also been a valued member of Fermanagh Rural Community Network, where his current office was Vice Chairman.

As part of his involvement in Cleenish Community Association, he was one of the founder members of the Arney Hall Committee which saw the establishment of the Millennium Hall, Arney, and he had been very much involved in the running of the facility. He had also been involved in Bellanaleck Action Group and took an interest in cross community issues in the area.

Some years ago, he served as Chairman of Bellanaleck G.A.A. Club for a number of years.

Large attendances at the wake, removal and funeral reflected the high esteem in which Gaby was held. The removal from his late home on October 13 was followed by his widely attended funeral mass at St. Mary's Church, Arney on October 14. The service was led by his brother, the Rev. Fr. Brian D'Arcy, Rector of the Graan, Enniskillen, assisted by the Rev. Fr. John Finnegan, Parish Priest, Arney. Over 20 members of the clergy representative of different communities were in attendance at the service. Gaby's son Gerard delivered the first reading and the second reading was by Gaby's niece, Eileen. The Prayers of the Faithful were led by Gaby's grandchildren, Amy, Chloe, Diarmaid and Fearghal, and the gifts were brought up by his nieces, Carmel, Margaret, and Sinead and by his nephew Adrian. Burial took place in the adjoining cemetery.

Gaby is survived by his wife, Maura; son Des and wife Deirdre; son Gerard and wife Mandy; and his five grandchildren Amy, Chloe, Diarmaid, Fearghal and Tiarnan. He also leaves his brother, the Rev. Fr. Brian D'Arcy and his sisters Marie Brogan and Joan Lunney; his nieces and nephews and the wider family circle.

His family is very appreciative of everyone's help and support at this time and said they cannot thank their friends and neighbours enough.

The funeral arrangements were by John McKeegan, Enniskillen. The month's mind mass will take place at St. Mary's Church, Arney on November 12, starting at 1pm.