Much shock and sadness have been felt in the community following the recent passing of Mervyn Charles Somerville of 6 Hazelwood, Dromore Road, Irvinestown.

Mervyn died peacefully at the South West Acute Hospital, Enniskillen, on August 30, 2013, aged 61 years.

He was born at Tyrone County Hospital, Omagh, on March 24, 1952 and lived at Drumbo Hill, Irvinestown, with his parents, the late John and Ethel Somerville, and brothers and sisters; he was the youngest in a family of eight.

Mervyn was educated at Killadeas Primary School, Kesh Intermediate, and Fermanagh Technical College, Enniskillen.

He worked in the West Ulster Farmers’ Creamery for 27 years. He was a dedicated employee and loved his work at the creamery. He was fondly called ‘the Ould Hand’.

He married the former Ethel Granleese on November 3, 1981, and the couple had one daughter Wendy.

Mervyn enjoyed a holiday in Blackpool to mark their 25th wedding anniversary.

During his career, he helped out on the home family farm, and he also helped out at his sister and brother-in-law, Myrtle and George Hurst’s farm during holiday time.

In his spare time, he enjoyed painting and decorating.

A very keen gardener, Mervyn’s interests included having a passion for wild life and nature and he reared poultry.

When in good health, he loved walking at Castle Archdale and Necarne Estate with his dog.

A very sociable and dignified man, he enjoyed singing at parties and weddings; his favourite song to sing was the Boys of Killybegs.

He was a member of Killadeas Orange Order LOL 558 and the Royal Black Preceptory RBP 1239.

In his younger days, he was a member of Killadeas Pipe Band, serving as a staff man.

Very much a family man, Mervyn was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather.

He had a very warm and friendly nature towards people and he made a lot of friends through his work and socialising.

He had a smile for everyone and he was fun loving and good spirited.

His funeral service was held at Derryvullen North Parish Church, Irvinestown. His favourite hymns, Shall we gather at the River; Nearer My God to Thee; and What a Friend we have in Jesus were sung.

Mervyn’s nephew Malcolm Hurst read the lesson. His daughter Wendy paid a tribute to her father.

The service was conducted by Canon David Skuce of Maguiresbridge, in the absence of Mervyn’s minister Canon Glenn West due to other church duties.

At the end of the service, Malcolm Coulter sang one of Mervyn’s favourite Gospel hymns, This World is not my home.

Mervyn is survived by his wife Ethel, daughter Wendy, son-in-law Fergal, grandchildren Molly, Charlie, and Ellie. He leaves his brothers Cecil; and Bertie, sister-in-law (Barbara); sisters Joan (Alan Holmes); Myrtle, (George Hurst); Nora; Gladys (Jimmy Ferris); Gwen (Paul Emerson); sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews, and mother-in-law Martha Granleese.

He was predeceased by his parents John and Ethel Somerville, brother-in-law Willie Robinson, and father-in-law Willie Granleese.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by funeral directors, S.R. Elliott and Sons, Darling Street, Enniskillen.