A well-known and widely respected member of the Fermanagh community, Mr. Albert Devers, late of Cooper Crescent, Enniskillen, a devoted member of the Ambulance Service for many years, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2017, at Drumclay Care Home, Enniskillen.

The much loved husband, father, grandfather and brother had been in declining health for a number of years.

A son of James Devers and his wife Louise, Albert was born on September 7, 1928, into a family of seven children, living above the family butchery business in Darling Street, Enniskillen, within range of the Cathedral bells. He had a happy childhood, brought up on the island of Enniskillen.

Like many boys his age, he joined the Air Training Corps, developing a life-long passion for aircraft and World War II. Delighted when his father bought an ex-U.S. Army jeep after the war, he promptly dismantled and rebuilt it.

This skill came into play again in the 1980s when he restored and completely rebuilt a 1942 U.S. Jeep with the help of his nephew Bryan, using components salvaged from the “graves” of discarded jeeps around the country.

This pursuit gave Albert and his son Alan many pleasurable hours tracking down the obscure sites of many of those old wrecks stuck in hedges or the bottom of fields.

Jeeps brought Albert great satisfaction going to Vintage Car Rallies and socialising in the Erne Vintage Club. However, despite all this the great love of Albert’s life was his wife Vera whom he was married to for 65 years.

He met and married Vera, formerly Millar, from Enniskillen, at Rossorry Parish Church in April 1952. The couple, who maintained an association with the Church ever since, had one son Alan.

Educated at Enniskillen Model School, Alan’s main career throughout his life was spent in the Ambulance Service, and it was for this service that he was best known.

He was a very caring and devoted Ambulanceman, whose service lasted from the days of one-man crews, through the opening of the Erne Hospital in the early sixties and the introduction of two man crews, until 1986 when he retired.

Even after retirement the Ambulance experience shone through as Albert arrived to give first-aid on the day of the Enniskillen bombing and was spotted on the T.V. by relatives in New York that evening.

Music was always a large part of Albert’s life. He had a great passion for music and played by ear. As a young man he played the piano-accordion in a band called “The Moonlight Serenaders” which toured local halls. In later life, he graduated to key-boards and enjoyed playing for pleasure while entertaining house guests and even the residents of old peoples’ homes.

He later passed on his love of music to his grandchildren Tara and Shane and their duets of the famous dance tune “In The Mood” could often be heard throughout the house. 

Faith was very important to Albert. He was a very regular worshipper at Rossorry and served the Church as Rector’s Warden and as a member of the Select Vestry for many years.

Albert carried his faith into his everyday life as a very caring person through his high standard of care for his patients in the Ambulance and his concern for his neighbours in Cooper Crescent, forming a one-man unofficial Neighbourhood Watch.

In recent years, this caring attitude was amply repaid to Albert by the dedicated Carers who came three times a day, the staff of Ward 7 South West Acute Hospital, and the Drumclay Care Home staff.

The supreme carer in Albert’s life was his wife Vera. They had 65 happy years of marriage together. Vera kept Albert at home as long as was physically possible and only his weakening condition meant his last few weeks alternated between hospital and Drumclay Care Home.

Albert’s funeral, a Service of Thanksgiving, was held at Rossorry Parish Church, on July 30, 2017. It was conducted by Canon Ian Ellis.
The hymns were: Be Thou My Vision; What A Friend We Have in Jesus; and Blessed Assurance.

Scripture readings were delivered by Albert’s son Alan and by his grandchildren Tara and Shane. Prayers were led by the Rev. Isobel Nixon.

Music was provided by Rossorry Parish Church choir and the organist was Catherine Irwin. Tea afterwards in the hall, was served by members of Rossorry Mothers’ Union. 

Albert is survived by his wife Vera, son Alan, daughter in law Lorraine, and grandchildren Tara and Shane. 

He leaves one sister Flora and husband John Jackson, nieces and nephews and the wider family circle. 

He was predeceased by his siblings Leslie, Doris, Joan, Vera and Jim.

Donations in lieu are to the Alzheimer’s Society, c/o W.T. Morrison Funeral Directors, Enniskillen, who looked after the funeral arrangements.