Published: Thursday, 4th February, 2010 11:58am

Mr. Walter McKenzie Allen

by Editorial Department

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The sudden death of Walter Allen, at the age of 59, late on Christmas Eve night at Clare House, Enniskillen, evoked much sadness and shock among all his family and friends.

Walter was born on April 27, 1950, one of a family of 15 children born to the late John and Angeline Allen, Tedd, Irvinestown, the family later moving to Drumharvey.

Walter attended Aghagaffert and Victoria Primary Schools, Irvinestown, and later attended Kesh High School. At the age of nine Walter spent nine months in the old County Hospital with a leg injury, and later at age 11 he was knocked down by a car on his way home from school and received a severe head injury, which meant another lengthy stay in hospital.

On leaving school Walter worked for various local farmers before joining the army, later serving for a few years in the Ulster Defence Regiment. He later worked for the local contracting firm Hamilton and Preston for a few years before failing health curtailed his working life. About 10 years ago he went to live in Magee Court, Enniskillen, and later in 2008 moved to Clare House where he was well liked by all who came to know him.

The funeral service, which was widely attended, was held in Derryvullen North Parish Church, Irvinestown, the service being conducted by Rev. Glenn West, assisted by the Parish Reader, Dr. Margaret Knox.

The committal was at the nearby Townhill Cemetery. Afterwards tea was served in the Church Hall by ladies of the Mothers' Union.

Walter is survived by eight brothers and sisters, Kathleen, Dougie and Ivan (Irvinestown); Winston (Waringstown), Bazil (Limavady), Noreen (Drumlegagh), Violet (Castlederg) and Hazel (Lisnarick). He was pre-deceased by five brothers, Norman, Tommy, Percy, Stanley and Jim and a sister, Eileen.

The funeral arrangements were excellently carried out by S. R. Elliott and Sons, Enniskillen.