Mr. John James (Jack) Benson

Editorial Department • Published 10 Sep 2010 09:00

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The death has taken place at the Erne Hospital on August 21, 2010 of Jack Benson, late of 4, Windmill Road, Enniskillen.

Jack was born on December 4, 1927, to William and Elizabeth Benson, Letterbreen, and was one of seven children. He was educated at Corraglass School before taking up employment at the Scotch Stores in Enniskillen. Upon closure of the Scotch Stores Jack took up employment with the Royal Mail delivering post throughout County Fermanagh. He was well known in all parts for his wonderful sense of humour, joke telling and renditions of “Johnny McAdoo”. Upon his retirement from Royal Mail, Jack took up part-time employment with Tempo Flowers.

Jack was married in 1953 to Vera McKinley from Springfield, and they went on to have four children Ken, Jenny, Gordon and Mark. Throughout Jack’s life he was first and foremost a family man, who was dedicated to his job and Church. In his spare time Jack enjoyed bowling and represented the Royal British Legion in numerous competitions. He also enjoyed travelling and was fortunate enough to travel to Australia eight times to visit his eldest son Ken.

Jack served in the B Specials and upon its disbandment joined the 4th County Fermanagh Battalion UDR, where he reached the rank of Sergeant.

He was a lifelong member of McKinley LOL 1539 and Letterbreen RBP 845. He was a member of the Enniskillen branch of the Royal British Legion, and the UDR Regimental Association.

A service of thanksgiving was held at Rossorry Parish Church on Monday, August 23, led by Archdeacon Cecil Pringle, assisted by the Rev. David Skuce. The hymns were: “What a friend we have in Jesus”, “The Old Rugged Cross,” and “Abide With Me”. During the service, his grandson Graham read the 23rd Psalm, and his granddaughter Gillian read a touching poem. Following the service, the UDR Regimental Association formed a guard of honour and representatives of the Royal British Legion read the exhortation at the graveside. Donations in lieu of flowers are to the Fermanagh branch of the Alzheimer’s Disease Society, c/o W.T. Morrison, funeral directors.

Jack is survived by his wife Vera, daughter Jenny and sons Ken, Gordon and Mark, sisters Sadie, Madge and brother William. He was predeceased by his brothers Tommy and Bobby and sister Anna. Jack will be lovingly remembered as a kind, caring husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

The funeral arrangements were conducted by Austen Stinson, W.T. Morrison, funeral directors, Darling Street, Enniskillen.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 09 Sep 10

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