The death occurred peacefully in Ward 5 in the South West Acute Hospital, Enniskillen, on September 21, 2012, after a short illness of Mr. Tommy Smith, late of 6 Rossculban Avenue, Kesh. Aged 87 years, he previously enjoyed reasonable health.

Tommy was born on October 1, 1924 at Castle Archdale, the eldest of a family of nine to William Henry and Mary-Anne Smith. He started his education at Blindbridge School and completed it at Ardess School after the family moved to Kesh and later settled at Aghaleague.

He left school aged 14 and went to work for the Forestry Department at Riversdale. He later worked at Carn Quarry where he remained until retirement in 1991.

Tommy wasn't cut out for retirement and continued to work as a relief school bus driver for the Western Education and Library Board and also became caretaker at Kesh Community Centre.

He maintained a good quality of life for his years which was helped by his daily walks around Kesh and in no small way by the love and devotion shown to him by his wife Lily.

Tommy met Lily Thompson and they married on August 18, 1959 and set up home at Letterkeen, staying for a year, before moving to Carn in 1960. It was there that their three sons, William, James and Maurice were born. They moved to their present home at Rosscolban Avenue in 1979.

Tommy served his country for a number of years in the U.S.C. B' Specials. He later joined the Kesh Branch of the U.S.C. Association.

He also served loyally in Dromard LOL 284 for 70 years and also Ardess Crimson Star RBP 463 for over 60 years.

His funeral service at Ardess Parish Church was conducted by the Rev. Henry Blair, assisted by the Rev. Caroline Mansley.

The hymns were Nearer My God to Thee; What a Friend We have in Jesus; and Blessed Assurance. Burial was at Ardess Churchyard.

Tommy, who was predeceased by his brothers, Bill and Geordie and his sisters, Sadie and Ila (Eileen), is survived by his brothers Sammie, Norman, and Ian and sister Joyce.He will be sadly missed by all the family, in particular by his dear wife, Lily, sons William, James and Maurice, daughters-in-law Caroline, Diane and Wendy; and by his six grandchildren Rachel, David, Lauren, Jordan, Dylan and Emma. The family is appreciative of everyone's support at this time.

The funeral arrangements were by funeral directors, F.G. McFarland and sons, Kesh.