Mr. Robert Arthur Kerrigan (Bertie) passed away peacefully in the South West Acute Hospital on February 8, 2016, after a short illness.

Bertie was the eldest son of a family of seven, born to James and Margaret Kerrigan at Cavangarden, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal. 

He attended Cavangarden National School until he was 14 years old.
On leaving school, he took up employment at the local creamery and worked there for about five years. In 1950, along with a cousin, he travelled to England and found employment as a bus conductor in Birmingham. After a few years working there, he decided to return home on the death of his grandfather.

A short time later he became friendly with Mabel Mahon who came from the same locality and they were married in 1962 in Bundoran Methodist Church.
Bertie and Mabel ran a home bakery business in Ballyshannon but in 1968 they decided to move North to Enniskillen where they purchased a small confectionery shop in Forthill Street. 

In 1971, Bertie and Mabel set up a home bakery business in Belmore Street (presently Burrell Opticians) and they also moved to live at Barranderry Heights.

They sold the business in 1976 and Bertie found employment in J.E. Richardson’s hardware shop in East Bridge Street. When Richardson’s shop closed down, Bertie found employment in J.F. Andrew’s hardware and electrical store in Belmore Street. He was later transferred to Andrew’s engineering business at Westville where he worked as a storeman until his retirement. At this point Bertie and Mabel moved to live at the Brook, where they have lived to the present day.

Bertie’s main interests were his family circle, his friends and his faith.
In 1961, after attending a service in the Salvation Army Hall in Enniskillen, he trusted Christ as his Saviour. He faithfully attended the Independent Methodist Church in Enniskillen and was a member of the Leaders’ Board. He loved music and singing and being with friends.

Bertie’s funeral service took place at Enniskillen Independent Methodist Church and was conducted by the Rev. Raymond Moore and the Rev. William Parke. The hymns were What a friend we have in Jesus, The Lord’s my Shepherd, and Abide with me. He was laid to rest at Cross Cemetery.

Bertie will be fondly remembered by all who knew him as a very laid back, easy going character with a great sense of humour. 

He is survived by his wife Mabel, brother John and sister Evelyn. He was predeceased by his brothers Kenny, George, Raymond and a sister Olive.
The funeral arrangements were by S.R. Elliott and Sons, Darling Street, Enniskillen.