Mr. Robert Andrew Loughlin

Editorial Department • Published 22 Jul 2010 16:00

A well-known and popular member of the community, Robert Loughlin, late of Barranderry Heights, Enniskillen, died unexpectedly on May 20, 2010. His sudden passing at the age of 52 years, has caused widespread shock and sadness.

The much-loved son of Robert (Bert) and Etta Loughlin, and dear brother of Elaine and uncle to Erin, of Tempo Road, Enniskillen, he was born on August 30, 1957, in Newry, while his parents were living in Rostrevor.

The Loughlins moved from Rostrevor to Newry in 1960 and Robert attended the Model School in Newry for seven years. They moved in 1967 to Martinstown (between Ballymena and Cushendall) and only lived there for a short time before moving to Portglenone in December 1967. Robert was educated at the Model School, Portglenone until 1968.

From 1968 to 1971, he attended Ballymena Academy and then on his family's move to Enniskillen in 1971, he continued his education at Portora Royal School, where he left in 1975.

He worked in the Civil Service for a short spell and then joined the RUC Reserve full-time until 1983.

Robert subsequently joined the Prison Service and after training at Millisle he was posted to Magilligan where he remained until his untimely death on May 20.

Rugby was one of his major interests and he enjoyed playing matches at Portora Royal School and Enniskillen Rugby Football Club. He continued playing games until the age of 40 and remained a keen supporter of the sport.

He liked reading and had been very keen on music, while he was very close to his six-year-old niece, Erin.

An outgoing figure, who enjoyed many friends, Robert enjoyed travel and went on holidays every year.

His widely attended funeral, a service of thanksgiving for his life, was held in St. Macartin's Cathedral, Enniskillen. Described as a beautiful service, his family felt that it had been a very fitting and moving tribute to Robert.

The service was conducted by the Rev. Betty Thompson and the hymns were: Safe in the Arms of Jesus; The Lord's My Shepherd; and What a Friend we have in Jesus.

Colleagues from Magilligan Prison were very much involved in the proceedings, acting as pall-bearers into the church and forming guards of honour at the church and at the graveside at Cross Cemetery; a piper (from his work colleagues) played at the service and burial.

Robert is survived by his parents, Etta and Bert; his sister, Elaine and niece Erin; his aunts, uncles, cousins, the wider family circle and his many friends.

His immediate family is deeply appreciative of everyone's support at this time.

Donations in lieu of Chest, Heart and Stroke are being directed to the funeral directors, S.R. Elliott and Sons, Darling Street, Enniskillen.

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This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 22 Jul 10

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