Mr. Kenneth (Ken) Edmund Stephenson

Editorial Department • Published 4 Feb 2010 11:59

The death has taken place of Kenneth Edmund Stephenson. Ken, as he was popularly known was born at 'Fortland', Manorhamilton on July 9, 1923, the third child of Lutterel and Ellen Stephenson. Educated at Whiterock National School and later Sligo Grammar School, Ken moved north in 1941 to take up employment with the Ulster Transport Authority in Lisnaskea. In 1944 he enlisted in the Royal Navy and was posted to the minesweeper HM Seabear based at Haifa in Palestine from where he sailed to many parts including the China Seas. Following demobilisation in 1947, Ken returned home to resume his employment with the UTA where he remained until the early 60's when he entered the Civil Service. His first posting was the Crown Buildings, Enniskillen and he remained there until retirement.

Ken possessed a rich and sincere Christian faith and in addition to being a very effective preacher and Bible teacher he was a supporter of Christian causes both at home and overseas. A member of St. Macartin's Cathedral he served on the Select Vestry and for many years was leader and teacher of the Wednesday night Bible Fellowship. His gifts of ministry were recognised by the Church of Ireland when he became a Diocesan Reader. Soon he became a familiar and well-known visitor to many churches in the Diocese as he sought to help out wherever there was a need. Ken's life was characterised by humility and a deep sincerity of conviction, qualities that were recognised by all who knew him: there was in his life a harmony between belief and behaviour, between creed and conduct, which gave his ministry power and credibility. Ken also possessed a warm pastoral heart and throughout his time in Enniskillen and right up until a few years ago he was a regular visitor in the Erne Hospital and the various residential and nursing homes where he prayed with and sought to bring comfort to those who were elderly and ill.

Speaking at the service of thanksgiving for his life and witness, his son-in-law, the Rev. Russell Birney said that both in his private and public life Ken was a man of the utmost integrity who treated with respect everyone no matter what his or her class, creed or race might happen to be. In his home life as outside it, he was fun loving and radiated joy. He also spoke of his sense of public duty for, in the early 40's and before his time in the Royal Navy, he had served in the Home Guard while later at the outbreak of the 'troubles' he had joined the Police Reserve and served in Enniskillen for many years.

There was a large and representative congregation both at the removal to the Cathedral on the night before the funeral service and also at the Thanksgiving Service the following day. The latter was conducted by the Rev. Elizabeth Thompson (Curate) and taking part were the Bishop of Clogher the Rt. Rev. Dr. Michael Jackson, Ken's sons-in-law the Revs. Russell Birney and Tom McKinlay and Sarah Kennedy (grand-daughter). The organist was Mrs Jill Spence.

Ken is survived by his wife Emily, daughters Arline (Moira) and Ruth (Blackburn), sons-in-law Russell and Tom; grandchildren Emma, Jonathan, Sarah, Andrew, Claire and Peter, great-grandchildren Biba, Oban, Thea and Joshua, sister Norma (Belfast) and half-sister Lorna (Ballymoney).

The funeral arrangements were carried out by W.T. Morrison, Funeral Directors, Enniskillen.

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This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 04 Feb 10

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