The death has taken place of Mr. William Eric Donaldson from Tattymacall, Lisbellaw, in his 95th year.

Eric, as he was affectionately known by his family and friends, lived all his life at the address where he was born and brought up by his parents, the late Adam and Elizabeth Anne Donaldson.

Born on June 24 1920, the youngest of three of Adam and Elizabeth Anne Donaldson, of Fairview House, Tattymacall, Lisbellaw, he attended elementary school in Lisbellaw, after which he returned home to farm with his father, where they had a mixed farm of cattle, pigs and some poultry and where he enjoyed both the challenges and the pleasures of country life. In later years, Eric and his wife, Sadie built up a poultry enterprise which they enjoyed working in for many years.

Growing up in this neighbourhood, it was to be one day that he met his future wife, Sadie Duncan, from the neighbouring townland of Derryhoney.

They were married on June 6 1951 and they had five children, Ann, Hazel, Brian, Linda and Valerie and it was a great joy for them to celebrate their Diamond Wedding Anniversary in 2011 with family and friends.

Eric and Sadie took great delight in their 16 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, especially enjoying their visits back to Tattymacall.

Farming and community was Eric’s life and he would fondly recall the many happy days working with neighbours at hay time, digging the potatoes or cutting the corn.

This neighbourly co-operation led to lifetime friendships.

The family took holiday breaks and in later years, Eric and Sadie greatly enjoyed coach trips around Ireland.

A member of the former B Specials, he was a lifelong member of Snowhill L.O.L. No. 441, recently receiving a certificate for 70 years membership. He was also a member of Lisbellaw Royal Black Preceptory No. 392.

Meeting people was one of Eric’s greatest joys and something he was able to do until his illness six weeks before his death.

His active mind was admired by many and there were plenty of people seeking his advice about their ancestors or events of the past.

He grew up in a community where creed or class was never questioned and where the simple qualities of life were important to him.

Apart from his home and family, Eric devoted a large part of his life to his church where he worshipped faithfully with Sadie until ill health prevented their attendance. He served as a member of the Select Vestry for many years.

His family paid tribute to the exceptional care, compassion and excellent support they received by the medical and nursing staff in Ward 5 at the South West Acute Hospital during his illness.

The funeral service took place in Lisbellaw Parish Church, where the service was conducted by the Rev. Dr. Ian Ellis, Rector of Rossorry Parish Church. The hymns were “Praise my soul, The King of heaven , “The Lord’s my Shepherd, I’ll not want” and “Abide with me.” The organist was Lynda Lindsay. The burial took place in the adjoining churchyard.

Eric is survived by his wife, Sadie; four daughters; Ann (Brian), Belfast; Hazel (Ivor), Scotland; Linda (George), Ballinamallard and Valerie (William), Blaney and one son, Brian (Diane), Ashwoods, as well as 16 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren and wider family circle.

The funeral arrangements were by Austen Stinson of W. T. Morrison, Darling Street, Enniskillen.

The death has taken place of Mr. William Eric Donaldson from Tattymacall, Lisbellaw, in his 95th year.

Eric, as he was affectionately known by his family and friends, lived all his life at the address where he was born and brought up by his parents, the late Adam and Elizabeth Anne Donaldson.

Born on June 24 1920, the youngest of three of Adam and Elizabeth Anne Donaldson, of Fairview House, Tattymacall, Lisbellaw, he attended elementary school in Lisbellaw, after which he returned home to farm with his father, where they had a mixed farm of cattle, pigs and some poultry and where he enjoyed both the challenges and the pleasures of country life. In later years, Eric and his wife, Sadie built up a poultry enterprise which they enjoyed working in for many years.

Growing up in this neighbourhood, it was to be one day that he met his future wife, Sadie Duncan, from the neighbouring townland of Derryhoney.

They were married on June 6 1951 and they had five children, Ann, Hazel, Brian, Linda and Valerie and it was a great joy for them to celebrate their Diamond Wedding Anniversary in 2011 with family and friends.

Eric and Sadie took great delight in their 16 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, especially enjoying their visits back to Tattymacall.

Farming and community was Eric’s life and he would fondly recall the many happy days working with neighbours at hay time, digging the potatoes or cutting the corn.

This neighbourly co-operation led to lifetime friendships.

The family took holiday breaks and in later years, Eric and Sadie greatly enjoyed coach trips around Ireland.

A member of the former B Specials, he was a lifelong member of Snowhill L.O.L. No. 441, recently receiving a certificate for 70 years membership. He was also a member of Lisbellaw Royal Black Preceptory No. 392.

Meeting people was one of Eric’s greatest joys and something he was able to do until his illness six weeks before his death.

His active mind was admired by many and there were plenty of people seeking his advice about their ancestors or events of the past.

He grew up in a community where creed or class was never questioned and where the simple qualities of life were important to him.

Apart from his home and family, Eric devoted a large part of his life to his church where he worshipped faithfully with Sadie until ill health prevented their attendance. He served as a member of the Select Vestry for many years.

His family paid tribute to the exceptional care, compassion and excellent support they received by the medical and nursing staff in Ward 5 at the South West Acute Hospital during his illness.

The funeral service took place in Lisbellaw Parish Church, where the service was conducted by the Rev. Dr. Ian Ellis, Rector of Rossorry Parish Church. The hymns were “Praise my soul, The King of heaven , “The Lord’s my Shepherd, I’ll not want” and “Abide with me.” The organist was Lynda Lindsay. The burial took place in the adjoining churchyard.

Eric is survived by his wife, Sadie; four daughters; Ann (Brian), Belfast; Hazel (Ivor), Scotland; Linda (George), Ballinamallard and Valerie (William), Blaney and one son, Brian (Diane), Ashwoods, as well as 16 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren and wider family circle.

The funeral arrangements were by Austen Stinson of W. T. Morrison, Darling Street, Enniskillen.