Mr. Henry (Harry) Wray
Editorial Department • Published 25 Oct 2012 09:30
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A much-loved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Mr. Henry Wray, late of Burnside Park, Tempo Road, Enniskillen, passed away on September 15, 2012, aged 87 years.
Harry, as he was affectionately known, was born on October 31, 1924 in Laghey, Co. Donegal. He was the youngest member of a family of nine of the late John and Mary Wray.
He attended school in the townland of Tullynuff, Laghey, until the age of 14 years. From a young age, his love of farming was clearly evident, when he took up a position of employment on Anderson's farm in Pettigo.
Shortly after he was to meet and marry his future wife, Ethel, whom he married in 1960 in Kilskeery Parish Church. They set up their family home in Letter, Boa Island running his own family farm. With a family of five, two boys and three girls, he continued to farm, numerous more years, aiming to achieve his ambition and increase the farm.
In 1972, the family moved to 37 Derrychara Drive in Enniskillen. Harry subsequently took up a position with Fermanagh District Council as a general operative. Through this, he became a well-known face and character up and around the Forthill area.
Many happy days and evenings were spent tending to his own vegetable garden, with many friends and neighbours remarking on the potato ridges and how meticulously they were maintained by Harry.
As the years progressed, Harry took early retirement and with his wife Ethel moved to Burnside Park. In 2004 Harry's health deteriorated; he underwent major surgery for an aneurism in the City Hospital, Belfast.
With a successful outcome, two months later Harry celebrated his 80th birthday along with close family and friends.
In 2010, Harry and Ethel celebrated their 50th anniversary at a surprise event in Fintra Bay, Donegal, arranged by their family.
Harry spent lots of happy evenings watching his favourite Norman Wisdom and Colombo films. But his main pastime was reading his cowboy books and detective stories.
When his health allowed, he would be easily recognised walking his little dog Judy and wearing his easily recognised hat.
Harry's funeral service took place on September 18, 2012, at Kilskeery Parish Church, conducted by the Rev. David Cupples. The hymns were Shall We Gather at the River, Nearer my God to Thee, and What a Friend we have in Jesus. The readings were by his son Alan and daughter Chris.
Burial took place in the adjoining churchyard, followed by tea and refreshments in Kilskeery Hall.
Harry will be lovingly remembered by his family. He is survived by his wife, Ethel; his children Victor (Gwen), Vivienne (James), Chris, Alan, daughter-in-law Majella, Lorraine, son-in-law Mark; grandchildren Andrew, Diane, Stevan, Gary, Jamie, Courtney and Lewis; and three great-grandchildren Jake, Alfie and Lily.
The funeral arrangements were by funeral directors W.T. Morrison (J.A. Stinson), Darling Street, Enniskillen.
This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 25 Oct 12
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