Mr. Edward Samuel Brown (Eddie)

Editorial Department • Published 25 Feb 2010 09:53

The death has taken place on December 21, 2009 at the Erne Hospital of Eddie Brown, after a lengthy illness courageously borne.

Born at Shanmullagh, Ballinamallard on October 23, 1924, he was the youngest son of the late Margaret and William Brown. The family moved to Drumackilowney two years later and it was there that Eddie spent the rest of his life.

Eddie attended Shanmullagh Primary School and on leaving school went to work in the grocery shop at Ballycassidy for several years before moving on to work for Hudson's of Irvinestown, delivering groceries and confectionery to all parts of Fermanagh and Tyrone.

It was here that he met his wife Sadie, and they went on to enjoy 59 years of marriage.

Due to his father's ill health, Eddie had to leave Hudson's to help with postal duties at Whitehill Post Office; later he went on to become a postman in the Ballinamallard and Coa areas where he remained until his retirement in 1989.

He loved his work and loved meeting people so much that he was much more than just a postman; - he did messages for many on his rounds, especially the elderly who lived alone in remote areas.

His postal work started at 5am and when it was complete he used to help his neighbours by cutting hay or bringing home turf and firewood, or any other jobs he was asked to do. He was never idle. Any spare time was spent in his vegetable garden where he always had plenty to share with family, neighbours or anyone who happened to call. He won several prizes at the County Show for his exhibits.

After his retirement he worked with the late Benny B. Stuart on his farm. Around this time he took on the role of 'Santa Claus', first in Wellworth's at the Diamond in Enniskillen and then in the Erneside Shopping Centre for a number of years until his declining health forced him to give it up. He often used to recall his Santa duties - his visits to the Children's Ward at the Erne Hospital, his turning on of the Christmas lights at the Diamond.

He loved the excitement and fun on children's faces when they saw Santa Claus, visiting senior citizens in the Nursing Homes and on Christmas morning he "did his rounds" in the local community around Whitehill in Bob the milkman's pony and trap, decorated for the occasion by Betty, calling at every house and distributing gifts and seasons greetings on his way, followed by an ever growing number of children who learned of this annual event. This was one of the happiest times of his life as he always loved children. He held particular interest and affection for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always watching for their frequent visits.

Eddie was a parishioner of St. Michael's Parish Church, Trory where he was churchwarden for two years after which he took on the job of Sexton for about 15 years, carrying out his duties diligently and with great pride - he was often asked if he lived there! Anything that needed to be done was done. There were never any boundaries where parish work was concerned.

When money was needed for the church repairs both he and Sadie got to work, organising fund-raising events such as fireworks displays, dances, auctions, vintage displays and catering at public events, always with a team of willing helpers. He loved his church and his parish work, attending church every Sunday while his health permitted.

He also served on the Cancer Research Committee with his wife Sadie for about 20 years; between them they raised thousands of pounds for this worthy cause. Being a diabetic himself, he collected annually for the local branch of the Diabetic Association and was also involved in fund-raising for REVIVE, the brain unit of the Royal Victoria Hospital where one of his grandsons was a patient some years ago.

In recognition of all the charitable work both Eddie and Sadie took part in, they both received Hearts of Gold from Esther Rantzen on National TV in 1992. Over the years he never forgot the generosity of people near and far when the family home was destroyed by fire in 1966.

He was in declining health for a number of years but over the last three years he spent many months as a patient in both the Erne and Altnagelvin Hospitals where he made many friends with medical and nursing staff and was always very grateful and appreciative for the care and attention he received.

Eddie was renowned for his great sense of humour. No matter how unwell he was this always shone through, even in the hospital. There was always a smile or a joke on its way.

At home, he had a dedicated team of carers looking after him, enabling him to remain there as much as possible. He loved music and always had his headphones and CDs by his side.

Above all of this, he was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and will be sadly missed. He is survived by his wife Sadie, his daughters Margaret, Sylvia, Lenni and Valerie, his sons Ted and Harold, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Eddie was pre-deceased by his sister Annie and brothers Joe and Irvine.

His funeral, which was very largely attended, despite the atrocious weather conditions on Christmas Eve, was conducted by the Rev. Mark Watson. The hymns were "What a Friend we have in Jesus", "Father I place into your Hands", and "Nearer my God to Thee". His daughter Lenni did the Scripture Reading and his grand-daughter Jayne read the Psalm. Burial was in the adjoining graveyard. The funeral arrangements were carried out with great dignity and respect by Mr. Austen Stinson of W.T. Morrison, Darling Street, Enniskillen.

Donations in lieu of flowers are going to St. Michael's Parish Church Repair Fund.

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This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 25 Feb 10

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