Published: Thursday, 15th July, 2010 4:00pm

Mr. Frederick George Bussell

by Editorial Department

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A member of a well known farming family has passed away suddenly on May 28, 2010. Mr. Fred Bussell was born on May 6, 1924 and was the second son of a family of four sons and three daughters of the late Frederick and Mary Bussell, Ardgart, Enniskillen, where his parents farmed.

After leaving school, Fred worked on his uncle's farm at Toolin, Lisnaskea, and also was employed at Colebrooke Estate. After leaving Colebrooke Estate he then took up employment at the English Sewing Cotton Factory, Lisnaskea, before moving to Kent Plastics where he worked as a fitter for 25 years until his retirement in 1989. He continued to farm throughout this time.

He also served as a member of the Ulster Special Constabulary before joining the Ulster Defence Regiment and had 41 years combined service.

He was a member of LOL 1524 and RBP 1018 for over 40 years.

Fred married Rhoda Fleming on March 11, 1950, at St. Nicholas Church, Belfast, and they had just celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary in March of this year. They made their first home at Aughnaskew, Maguiresbridge where they had their family of two sons and seven daughters. In 1973 they then moved and settled at the family farm at Toolin, Lisnaskea.

Fred's first love was his family whom he adored along with his 18 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

He had many interests which included travel which he was able to do up until 2008. He visited the Holy Land twice and had holidayed in many countries throughout Europe. He also had a great interest in history and had made various trips to the Ypres Battle Fields, Belgium. Another love of Fred's was his animals on the farm and he would spend much of his spare time with his dogs, cats and birds.

Fred's funeral took place on Sunday, May 30, 2010, in Aghavea Parish Church. The funeral service of thanksgiving was conducted by Canon Robinson. The hymns included "Safe in the arms of Jesus," "What a Friend we have in Jesus" and "The day thou gavest, Lord, is ended."

Interment took place in the adjoining graveyard.

Fred is survived by his wife Rhoda, sons Derek and Noel, daughters Beth, Olive, Valerie, Joy, Lynn, Avril and Sandy.

Fred will be sorely missed by all his family who loved him dearly.