Mr. William James Stephen Henderson

Editorial Department • Published 8 Jul 2010 16:00

Tremendous shock and sadness have been expressed following the sudden and unexpected death on June 16, 2010, during a family holiday in Portugal, of Stephen Henderson, of Lisbellaw.

A much-loved husband, father and grandfather and dearly loved son and brother, the 52-year-old, late of Birch Grove in the village, had previously enjoyed good health.

Born on December 24, 1957 in the County Hospital, Enniskillen, Stephen was the eldest son of Mrs. Elizabeth Henderson and the late William Henderson.

He attended Lisbellaw Primary School from 1961 to 1968 and Enniskillen High School from 1968 to 1972. After completing his education, he joined Rivendale Heating Ltd, of Belfast, to complete a plumbing apprenticeship and on his return to Lisbellaw he took up employment at Scott's plumbing business on Dublin Road, Enniskillen.

He also joined the UDR on a part-time basis, and then became full-time at a later date. On his retirement from the service, aged 45 years, he had completed 22 years' full-time service. At that time he had reached the rank of Warrant Officer Class 2 (Sergeant Major).

Stephen subsequently joined Pegasus Security as a security officer and remained there for five years, before joining ASDA, Enniskillen, as a loss prevention officer, followed by a traffic control officer at the store.

His last position (prior to his untimely death) was with Donnelly Bros as a driver - a job he thoroughly enjoyed.

Stephen married Violet Clark on June 1, 1979, at Aghavea Parish Church and they made their first home together in Tamlaght, where they had two daughters, Cheryl in 1980 and Charlene in 1981. They moved to Fort View, Lisbellaw, in the late eighties, and then settled in Birch Grove in 1992.

First and foremost, Stephen was a family man, whose life revolved around his wife and daughters and his five grandchildren - Nathan, twins Bethany and Alicia, Jessica and Jack.

He would have done anything for his daughters and he was like a best friend to them, while he also adored his grandchildren and they adored him. In fact, all children loved Stephen.

In 1978 he joined the Orange Lodge No. 753, the same lodge as his late father.

His other interests included football and he had played for Maguiresbridge football team. The recent selection of his grandson Nathan, a Ballinamallard footballer, as a goalkeeper for the Foyle Cup would have been a source of great pride to him.

A keen supporter of Manchester United football club, Stephen also greatly enjoyed the banter with family members, who were Liverpool FC supporters.

A very helpful person to all, if someone needed him, he was always there.

His funeral, a service of thanksgiving at Lisbellaw Parish Church was conducted by former Lisbellaw rector, the Rev. Glenn West.

The hymns included those from his wedding day, Lead Us Heavenly Father, Lead Us and the Lord's My Shepherd and also Abide With Me, which was chosen by his mother. The organist was Lynda Lindsay. Interment followed at Tattygare Cemetery.

His family is very appreciative of the support received from across the community at this time and also from the Rev. Mark Liddicoat and the Rev. Ken Robinson.

Stephen is survived by his wife, Violet, daughter, Cheryl and husband Jonathan, daughter Charlene and Gareth and his grandchildren.

He also leaves his mother Lily, brothers Winston and wife, Christine, Spain; David, England; and his sisters, Jillian, husband, Robert, Lisbellaw, and Ruth, Lisbellaw.

Also surviving him are his nephews, Christopher (whose rowing career he enjoyed following), James and his niece, Sarah-Jayne. He was predeceased by his father, Billy, 22 years ago.

Donations in lieu of flowers are being directed to Horizon West, Children's Hospice, c/o funeral directors, S.R. Elliott and Sons, Darling Street, Enniskillen.

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This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 08 Jul 10

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