Mr. Gerald Edward John Brown

Editorial Department • Published 10 Jun 2010 16:00

The death took place on Saturday, May 15 of Gerald Edward John Brown (Gerry).

The son of Ernest and Florence Brown, Gerry was born in 1947 and grew up in Derrychara Park, Enniskillen. He was educated at the Model Primary School, Enniskillen, and Portora Royal School. He loved sport and outdoor activities such as those provided by the Scout movement. He became a Queen's Scout in 1964 - the highest award in Scouting. Gerry was greatly influenced by this organisation, not only by its practical side such as camping which he enjoyed on the shores of Lough Erne throughout his life, but also by his adoption of the tenets of the Scout Movement - strong leadership, teamwork, preparation, organisation and respect for others - qualities which became the guiding principles of his life.

Gerry joined the Provincial Bank of Ireland (which became part of A.I.B. and then First Trust) in 1964.

While working in Dungannon, he met and married Bertha Davidson. His warm, gregarious personality, gentle sense of humour combined with an astute accountant's brain, inherited from his father (the accountant at Taylor Woods) and his love and command of the English language cultivated by his librarian mother gave Gerry all the qualities and skills needed for a successful career in banking. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the bank's youngest branch manager, aged 31, and later its youngest advances manager in Belfast.

Gerry lived in Portadown for most of his working life and throughout his time there was an active and popular member of the community, having been captain of the local golf club and President of Portadown Rotary Club.

He was also a much esteemed elder of High St Presbyterian Church, Antrim, during his time in that town.

Gerry retired from the bank in 2003 and for the next three years became a part-time porter in Craigavon Hospital. In this job, too, his skill and gentle unassuming demeanour were much appreciated by both staff and patients. He was renowned for always being a perfectionist, nothing ever being too much trouble. His shrewdness in business matters combined with his wise counsel were often sought by the organisations in which he was involved.

Where sport was concerned, Gerry was good at many sports, but his main love was table tennis. He played the game to a very high standard - representing the bank for over 20 years. His style was mainly defensive and some of his long rallies with top class attacking opponents are legendary in table tennis circles.

Gerry's large funeral service in Armagh Rd. Presbyterian Church was taken by the Rev. Ann McDonald, assisted by the Rev. Hugh Ross. A courageous, moving and much appreciated tribute to his younger brother was given by Brian Brown. The hymns were "How Great Thou Art" and "Be Thou My Vision," Gerry's favourites.

The interment followed at Carland Presbyterian Church, Dungannon, which was conducted by the Rev. David Brownlow.

Gerry is survived by his wife, Bertha, son Adrian (Rhonda) and daughter Michele (Martin), grandchildren Anne and Conor and brothers Brian and Ian. Donations to Cancer Research c/o Joseph Poots, Bridge St, Portadown.

Tweet

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 10 Jun 10

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.