A well-known and popular member of the Fermanagh community, Mr. Brian (Merv) Kettyles, affectionately known as Merv, passed away unexpectedly at his home at Kilmacormick Drive, Enniskillen, on June 25, 2017, aged 72.

He had previously enjoyed good health and lived life to the full.

Born between the bridges at Mary Street, on January 8, 1945, he was the third eldest son of Joe and Nora Kettyles. Survived by his brothers and sister Paddy, Kevin and Patricia, he was predeceased by his brothers Ronnie and Dock.

Brian was educated at Abbey Street School and then went on to do an apprenticeship with H. Molloy, painters and decorators, where he worked for a number of years.

He became self employed and continued to work as a painter and decorator for many years.

He married the late Patricia Donaghy and they had a family of four: Marius; Brian; Maria and Sinead.

A very keen swimmer throughout his life, Brian swam regularly at Fermanagh Lakeland Forum in Enniskillen; it was an interest he had continued until his passing.

In younger years he was in darts and pool teams in Enniskillen, which travelled around the county. A keen and talented player, his teams enjoyed great success.

Brian had also been a keen jiver and in his younger years he was well known for his prowess at jiving.

He enjoyed the ‘Monday Club’ and going along on a Saturday to Charlie’s Bar in Enniskillen, where he had a lot of friends.

He enjoyed being there with family and friends on the Saturday night before he passed away, and he joined in celebrations for his daughter Maria’s birthday, which fell the following Tuesday.

“Brian left us as he lived, after a good party,” wrote his family on his order of service.

A very outgoing, bubbly figure, they spoke about the character that he was, and how he had a nickname for everyone. Very rarely did anyone get the right name, said his family.

He was great crack, they said, adding that he enjoyed jokes and good banter.

His funeral, a Mass in Celebration for the life of Brian (Merv) Kettyles, was held in St. Michael’s Church, Enniskillen, on Wednesday, June 28.

Taking part in the concelebrated mass were Monsignor Peter O’Reilly and Fr. Brian D’Arcy.

Family involvement in the service included the first reading being delivered by Stephen Kettyles, Brian’s nephew, and the second reading by Sharon Pritchard, a niece.

The prayers of the faithful were led by his niece Edel Michael and by three of his grandchildren Callum Kettyles, Rachel Maguire and Lucy-Jo Maguire.

The soloist was Sharon Kelly, a family friend.

Fr. Joe McVeigh presided at the burial, which took place at Cross Cemetery, Enniskillen.

Brian is survived by his four children Marius, Brian, Maria and Sinead and partners and by his grandchildren Callum, Pauric, Luca, Loris, Rachel, Leah, Lucy-Jo, Sophie, Ryan and Senna.

He also leaves his siblings, Paddy, Kevin, and Patricia, his nieces and nephews, the wider family circle and his many friends.

The funeral arrangements were by Funeral Director, John McKeegan, Enniskillen, who has been acknowledged by the Kettyles family.