Mr. George Noble, late of Burfit’s Hill, Irvinestown, a popular figure in the locality, where he served as a long-time valued Town Orderly, passed away peacefully at Millcroft Nursing Home, Enniskillen on August 11, 2017, aged 99.

The oldest resident within the town boundary in Irvinestown, he would have celebrated his 100th birthday in March next year.

Born in Lisnarick, he was a son of Robert and Elizabeth Noble, of Drumshane. One in a family of nine, he went to school in Lisnarick, and left in his teens.

He took up work on a farm locally, and then went to England at the outbreak of the War, when he was with the Civil Defence for a time. He returned home to Lisnarick and went to work at the Castle Archdale Camp with the Ministry of Defence. He remained there until the camp closed. 

George subsequently worked at the laying of the runways at the Belfast International Airport, and when he returned home from that position he held numerous jobs. 

He joined Fermanagh County Council as a Town Orderly, a role he fulfilled for many years. In fact, following his recent death, he was acknowledged for being “for years the hard working Town Orderly” and for ensuring that the town was kept in meticulous condition.

“He was noted for his great attention to detail and contributed to the town’s success in the Ulster Tidy Towns’ Competition,” said the tribute.

He became very well known through his job, which in the early days had been very much manual work. Very diligent in his post, which he enjoyed, he had also been responsible for the time keeping of the town clock. He continued in this role until his retirement.

George met and married Mary Beatrice Watson from Necarne and they had a family of three: Kate, Francis and Audrey.

George loved wildlife and he loved nature. He enjoyed walking and had been really interested in dogs, all breeds, especially Springer Spaniels and was noted for training Springer Spaniels. George enjoyed keeping Greyhounds and rearing them and selling them on. Some of his pups went across to England.

He liked reading and took a great interest in local history and held a great local knowledge. He had an exceptional memory.

George, who led a very active life, enjoyed good health until the beginning of 2017. He gained great pleasure from his very regular Necarne walks, until well into his mid nineties.

George’s funeral service was held at Derryvullen North Parish Church, Irvinestown, where he was the oldest member of the church when he died.

The service was led by Archdeacon Cecil Pringle, assisted by Mrs. Eileen Cutler. Burial was in the adjoining Cemetery. The funeral was widely attended, reflecting the high regard felt for George.

Predeceased by his wife Beatrice, affectionately known as Beatty, he is immediately survived by his two daughters and son: Kate, Audrey and Francis. He leaves three grandchildren, Jayne, Richard and Mark, four great grandchildren, and the wider family circle. 

The funeral arrangements were by F.G. McFarland and Sons, Funeral Directors, Kesh.