A well-known and respected member of the community, Mr. Walter Vaughan, a much-loved brother, uncle and great uncle, passed away peacefully at Drumclay Care Home, Enniskillen, on April 30, 2014, aged 96 years.

Walter, formerly of 19 Erne Drive, Enniskillen, was born between the bridges on February 18, 1918, and lived in Enniskillen all his life.

He was born in Water Street and then moved to the Piggery Hill, followed by Irvine’s Island; he then moved to Broadmeadow Place, before settling and living in Erne Drive.

His career was a colourful one and it involved holding jobs which he liked for lengthy periods, and others for a few months only.

After he left school at the age of 15, he served his time for five years as an apprentice carpenter. At the time he earned the princely sum of 2/6 per week (15p per week).

Before the war, Walter worked at Portora Royal School in a job which has long since ceased to exist. His position involved the nightly cleaning of pupils’ boots and staff shoes, and rugby boots, from which he then moved on.

When the war broke out, Walter attempted to join up, but due to his characteristic limp, the result of an accident to his ankle, he was unable to join his friends, all of whom had joined up. He actually got as far as signing the necessary papers, but on his way out of the office the recruiting officer noticed his limp, called him back and revoked his papers.

Not to be daunted by this, Walter took on work as a group leader in Civil Defence while at the same time he worked in NAAFI for nine months and also accommodating British and American troops to various camps at Castlecoole, Florencecourt and Ely Lodge.

At the end of the war, Walter then took his position back in Portora Royal School, where he faithfully served until his retirement.

Walter’s pride and joy was being a scout master with the 1st Inniskillen Scout Group which was started in the Castle Barracks, and then moved to the Cathedral Church Hall. He received many awards and achievements for 40 years of service. His medal of merit was one of them.

On October 21, 2007, Walter attended the Fermanagh Scout Association’s 60th anniversary gala dinner at the Lough Erne Resort Hotel as a guest of honour. He wore his original uniform from 1953 and he cut the cake.

He was one of the first scout masters to take members out to Claddagh Glen for their camp, and also Mullaghmore where they set up camp at Classiebawn.

Walter lived with his sister Esther until her passing in 1995. He was predeceased by his brothers Edward, Jimmy, Douglas and Charles.

Walter’s funeral, a Service of Thanksgiving for his life, took place in St. Macartin’s Cathedral, Enniskillen, on Friday, May 2; the service was conducted by the Dean, the Very Rev. Kenneth R.J. Hall. The hymns were ‘How Great Thou Art’ and ‘The Old Rugged Cross’. Readings were delivered by his nephew Sam Colhoun, and great nephew Christopher Carson. Burial took place in Breandrum Cemetery.

Walter is fondly remembered by his nephew Sam and wife Grace, Fintona, nephew Noel and Jenny, Enniskillen, and niece Caroline and husband Ian, great nephew Christopher, Redditch, Worcs and family circle.

The funeral arrangements were by W.T. Morrison, Funeral Directors, Enniskillen.