Mr. Desmond Gibson

Editorial Department • Published 3 Sep 2010 09:00

There was widespread sadness at the death of Desmond Gibson, a wellknown and much respected member of the Enniskillen community.

He died peacefully surrounded by his family on July 23 in the Erne Hospital, following a year-long illness.

Desmond was born in Enniskillen on September 26, 1951, the youngest of 10 children of Thomas and Jane Gibson. He received his early education locally at Abbey Street School, St. Michael’s Primary School and St. Joseph’s Secondary School.

Following his second level education, Desmond joined Slack and Parr Ltd, Enniskillen where he served a five year apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering. Having worked in industry for a number of years, while continuing to further his education part-time, he then decided to enter the teaching profession graduating from the University of Ulster as a Technology teacher in 1975.

In 1976 he married Mary Corrigan, a local primary school teacher, on August 1 in Chiesa San Silvestro, Rome and reared a family of two sons, Niall and Michael and a daughter, Claire.

Desmond’s teaching career began in Stella Maris Boys’ Secondary School, Belfast and continued when he returned to take up a teaching post in St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Enniskillen in 1978. He remained there until his retirement in 2002. He was a committed and enthusiastic member of the school community and through his love of singing and performing on stage is well remembered for his participation in many school concerts and musicals.

After his retirement, he continued to work part-time in local schools, most recently Erne Integrated College, until April 2009 when ill health forced him to stop working. Desmond bore his illness with faith and courage while maintaining his good humour. The family are very grateful to all those who cared for Desmond so attentively during his illness; Dr. McConville, the Palliative Care Team, the District Nurses who visited the house daily and the staff of Medical Ward 10 in the Erne Hospital. A special word of thanks is extended to Fr. Noel Mc Gahan who supported Desmond and the family spiritually over the past year.

Throughout his life, Desmond was actively involved in the work of St. Michael’s Church and the wider community. He gave service in many ways - distributing the church newsletter, promoting the Parish Draw and collecting for Concern.

He was also an active member of the Scout movement initially as a boy scout and then subsequently as a scout leader. This association continued when he accompanied St. Michael’s Scout Band to numerous GAA matches and then to America in 1998.

This commitment to caring for others was reflected by the large attendance at both the removal of the remains and his funeral service in St. Michael’s Church. Fr. Noel Mc Gahan, Fr. Fintan Mc Kiernan and Fr. Brian D’Arcy officiated at his removal and his Requiem Mass was concelebrated by Fr. Mc Gahan and Fr. Seamus Morris, Sligo.

The music and singing were provided by Sharon Keenan, Gailey Quinn and Sarah Shannon.

The staff and pupils of St. Joseph’s College formed a guard of honour and the burial took place in Breandrum Cemetery.

The funeral arrangements were by Enda Love and Sons.

Desmond is survived by his loving wife Mary, his two sons - Niall (Colette), Michael (Katrin) and daughter Claire (Shane). He also leaves his sisters Imelda Drumm, Margaret McAuley, and Ita Cahillane and his brothers, Bertie, Harry and Francis and a wide circle of relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his brothers Maurice and Tommy and his sister May McClintock.

Desmond’s Month Mind Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 11 at 6pm in St. Michael’s Church, Enniskillen.

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This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 02 Sep 10

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