Mr. George Augustus Burleigh (Gus)
Published 9 Feb 2012 13:30
A much loved husband and devoted father, George Augustus Burleigh, known as 'Gus,' passed away peacefully at his home, 2 Tamlaght Park, Tamlaght, on January 10, 2012. He was 54 years old. Born on October 27, 1957, Gus was the second eldest son of the late George and Louisa Burleigh, Cornacrea, Kinawley, and brother to William, James, Tom and Andrew. He spent a happy childhood helping out on the family farm. He was educated at Stragowna Primary School, Enniskillen High School and then went on to follow his career in architecture. He attended The Ulster College N.I. Polytechnic and worked his placement year at Michael Donnelly, Architects, Enniskillen. Whilst attending school and college, he did casual work at the Killyhevlin Hotel and Wesley J. Elliott, drapers.
He continued his education in Huddersfield, finally graduating with a Diploma in Canterbury in 1984, and then also became a member of R.I.B.A. Living in Worcester, he worked between Birmingham and London for a further three years. He also worked with the Housing Executive in Belfast for a short time.
In 1987 he returned to Co. Fermanagh and formed his own business, Augustus Burleigh Architects. He then met his future wife, Freda Hall, from Teemore, and they got married in 1989. They made their first home at Bellanaleck, in a corn mill which Gus had lovingly restored. Whilst there, they were members of Cleenish Parish Church. They moved to Lawnakilla Park, Enniskillen, where their two daughters, Joanna and Rachel, were born. They attended Trory Parish at that time.
Gus taught for a very short period in Fermanagh College of Further Education. Later the family moved to Tamlaght, where they built their own home. Gus commenced work at the Erne Hospital in 1994 as an Estates Officer. He thought very highly of all his work colleagues in the Erne and throughout the Health Service and regularly referred to them as his 'second family.' His two girls, who were his pride and joy, were often the topic of conversation. He spent a very rewarding and happy 16 years and six months in the Estates Department and unfortunately was forced to retire last summer, due to ill health.
Gus also continued to run his own successful architect's practice on a part-time basis, which he greatly enjoyed.
He was a faithful member of Derryvullan South Parish Church having served as a member of the Select Vestry until he resigned due to his illness and also assisted as a weekly Parish Recorder.
The funeral, which was largely attended, took place from his home to Derryvullan South Parish Church, for the Service of Thanksgiving, conducted by the Rev. Canon John W. Stewart. The hymns were 'Great is Thy Faithfulness,' 'The Lord's My Shepherd' and 'The Day Thou Gavest.'
The first Bible reading, John Chapter 14, verses 1-6, was read by his sister-in-law Jeanette. His brother Andrew read the second Bible reading, John Chapter 11, verses 17-27, and paid tribute to all who cared for Gus throughout his illness. Burial followed in the adjoining churchyard.
Gus dealt with his illness courageously, with dignity and greatly appreciated all the care he received.
Gus is survived by his wife, Freda, daughters Joanna and Rachel, brothers William (Margaret), James, Tom (Michelle), Andrew (Rosalind); sisters-in-law Jeanette, Myrtle (Billy) and mother-in-law Carrie; nephews, nieces and the wider family circle.
The funeral arrangements were carried out by Austen Stinson and staff of W. T. Morrison, Darling Street, Enniskillen. Donations, if desired, are still being accepted to Marie Curie Cancer Care and Palliative Care, c/o Morrison's.
This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 09 Feb 12
Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.
