Mr. Edward Wilton Farrelly (Wilton)

Editorial Department • Published 27 May 2010 16:00

There has been widespread disbelief and sadness at the sudden death of Edward Wilton Farrelly (Wilton) on May 13, 2010 at the Erne Hospital, Enniskillen.

The youngest son of Marian Jane and Thompson Frederick Farrelly, Wilton was born on January 30, 1935 at Bellanaleck, Enniskillen and as a young boy attended Jones Memorial School. Later the family moved to Henry Street, Enniskillen and Wilton started at the Model School.

After completing his education, like many young lads, Wilton's interest lay in cars and he went to work in Topping's Garage. In 1954 he took up the opportunity to go to Wolverhampton to work at the Goodyear Tyre Factory. However, it was his mother's wish for Wilton to return home to Enniskillen and she secured a position for him in the Erne Garage in 1956. Wilton became interested in working with cameras, taking pictures and putting on many slide shows in church halls to raise money for church funds.

In 1962 he met Maureen Browne, who became his wife in 1964. Wilton started a photographic business and was highly successful due to his quick wit and creative eye. He took numerous wedding pictures across the country near and far. He also took photos at other venues including dance halls.

Wilton was skilled in many ways and even managed to build a family home at Drumcoo which took him two years. Little assistance was needed apart from getting someone else to do the plastering.

Wilton and Maureen were blessed with four wonderful sons with whom there were many good times and some sad times such as when their infant daughter died.

Wilton was a man who spoke his mind and told it how it was. He served as Church Warden to Dean Clements and Dean McCarthy at Enniskillen Cathedral and also as a member of the select vestry.

Wilton did a lot of church work and was a keen church goer to the 11am service. This may have been partially due to his father taking him on the bar of the bicycle to Bellanaleck Church every Sunday as a small boy.

In later years, Wilton and Maureen purchased a motor home and enjoyed many breaks both in Ireland and across the water. They always made a point of calling at the nearest Church in the area that they visited.

Wilton delighted in recounting various stories from the past to eager listeners and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

During Wilton's short length of time in hospital, he referred to the doctors and nurses that cared for him as "angels", appreciating everything which they did for him.

Wilton is survived by his wife, Maureen, sons Wilton, Frederick, George and Jonathan, daughters-in-law Louise, Rhoda and Caroline and grandchildren. He leaves his sisters Betty and Rita. He was predeceased by his brothers Lewis and Thompson and his sister Sadie.

The service of thanksgiving was conducted by the Rev. Betty Thompson, ably assisted by Mr. Jim Kerr, at Enniskillen Cathedral. Jim paid a very fitting tribute to Wilton during the service. The burial took place at Rossorry cemetery followed by tea in the hall.

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

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This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 27 May 10

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