The funeral of Mervyn Dane, former editor of The Impartial Reporter, took place on Thursday last.
The funeral cortege left the family home at Drumclay Road and made its way through Enniskillen to St. Macartin’s Cathedral, for the funeral service. 
As the cortege arrived in East Bridge Street, the hearse and accompanying cars with family members stopped briefly outside The Impartial Reporter offices where Mervyn had worked for 47 years. Staff, including former journalists who worked with Mervyn as far back as the late 1960s and early 1970s, as well as current staff, stood outside the building as a mark of respect and walked behind the hearse as it made its way to the Cathedral.
The funeral service was conducted by the assistant curate, the Rev. Olivia Downey, assisted by the Rev. David Ferguson, a family relative.
The service of thanksgiving included the hymns; “O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder,” “The Lord’s my shepherd” and “Safe in the arms of Jesus.” The Old Testament and New Testament readings were read by four of Mervyn’s grandchildren.
Denzil McDaniel, who succeeded Mervyn as editor in 1987, in a tribute at the funeral service, recalled some of the happy times working with Mervyn as well as the serious moments covering news stories across the county. He also spoke of Mervyn’s ability to encourage and inspire young journalists coming into the business. Denzil spoke of Mervyn the dedicated journalist, the comedian, the DIY expert and the family man.
The Rev. Downey, in her address, spoke of Mervyn’s great relations with people, his love of the countryside and especially hillwalking and trips to the seaside. However she said he was a great family man who had been so well looked after by his immediate family during his months of illness. At the end of the service, organist, Glenn Moore played “The Mountains of Mourne” reflecting Mervyn’s great interest in Percy French songs.
The burial took place in Sydare Cemetery.
Mervyn is survived by his wife, Betty; son Tommy (Debbie) and daughters, Noelle (and husband John Ralph), Caroline (and husband Leslie Campbell) and Lily (and husband Keith Nixon) as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.The funeral arrangements were by S.R. Elliott and Sons, Darling Street, Enniskillen.