Mr. William Henry Cathcart

Editorial Department • Published 26 Aug 2010 16:00

The death has taken place at the Erne Hospital on August 13, 2010 of Mr. William Henry Cathcart, affectionately known as Harry, late of 26 Ashley Park, Ballinamallard.

He was born on June 12, 1938, the youngest son of the late William and Harriet Cathcart. He was predeceased by his parents and brother Jim, also his first wife Myrtle with whom he had one daughter, Mavis. Harry married his wife Frances in September 1977 and lived on the Craghan Road before moving to Ashley Park in 1998. He was a member of LOL 1415, Irvinestown branch R.B.L and the UDR Old Comrades Association.

Harry served in the USC and then joined the UDR in 1970 working in the MT (Motor Transport) until he retired in 1994, a job he thoroughly enjoyed, as he had a life long interest in motor vehicles. He was also a member of the Bisley shooting team and won numerous trophies for his shooting skills. One of the most enjoyable hobbies Harry had was motor sport, especially rallying. He started in the mid 1960’s driving mini cars, participating in all the local rallies and even the Circuit of Ireland, a six day event back then. In the eighties, he started rally driving Suzuki Swifts, and along with Kenny Weir as navigator took part in rallies all over Ireland and the UK. Harry never took holidays, he always said his holidays were the rallies. He enjoyed going to Donegal and the Isle of Man international rallies, He competed in the Manx rallies for nearly 40 years. Throughout his rally driving career he made numerous friends who always kept in touch. Later Harry worked servicing cars preparing them for the MOT until his health began to fail earlier this year.

His funeral service at Magheracross Parish Church, which was hugely attended by people from far and near, was led by Rev. Charles Eames. The hymns were: ‘Safe in the Arms of Jesus’, ‘The Old Rugged Cross’ and ‘Father I Place Into Your Hands’. Following the service the UDR Old Comrades formed a guard of honour outside the church. Representatives of the RBL said the exhortation at the graveside. A wreath was laid on behalf of Donegal motor club.

Harry is survived by his wife Frances, daughter Mavis, grandchildren Lisa, Glenn and Robert, also his son-in-law Walter. Donations in lieu of flowers are to the Palliative care team, Erne Hospital, Enniskillen c/o W.T Morrison. The funeral arrangements were carried out by W.T.Morrison, Darling Street, Enniskillen.

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This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 26 Aug 10

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