A much-loved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, Brendan Whitley, late of 27 Cleenish Park, Enniskillen, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2014.

The 75-year-old was a highly respected figure as was reflected in the large cross community attendance at his funeral requiem mass on Friday, August 8, 2014.

Brendan was born in Lisbellaw, Co. Fermanagh; his parents were Thomas and Bridget Whitley and he was one in a family of 11.

He started his long working life as a boy on farms around Lisbellaw and this cultivated his hard work ethic which he carried throughout his life.

Brendan joined Henderson and Eadie’s Woollen Mill in his teens and worked there until it closed.

He was employed in several places before finishing in Unipork on his redundancy.

He was married to his wife Brenda [Hallett) for 52 years and they had five children, Paul, Michael, Neil, Lisa and {Mary who died as a baby}. They started their married life in Lisbellaw, where they lived for 20 years. They later moved to their present home in Enniskillen where they lived for over 30 years.

A much loved grandfather, he will be sadly missed by his 13 grandchildren of whom he was so proud.

Brendan had a great love for his garden and was often found sitting on his bench surveying the area and chatting to the children and neighbours.

He was a great fan of ”old” Country and Western Music singers such as Hank Williams and Slim Whitman, and he could be persuaded to sing ‘China Doll’ or ‘Cheating Heart’ when asked.

He had a quiet and witty personality, and was a committed believer that everyone was equal and he treated all he met the same.

He had a strong inner faith which stood him well during his short illness, never complaining during his time in South West Acute Hospital nor during the week that he was at home.

Brendan passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by the love of his heartbroken family.

He is survived by his wife Brenda, sons Paul {Eileen}, Michael {Jacqueline}, Neil {Clare}, and daughter Lisa. His daughter Mary predeceased him as a baby.

He also leaves his brothers Seamus and Tom and his sisters Beatrice, Moira and Bridie.

He was predeceased by his sisters Maureen, Nora, Una, Kathleen and his brother Aiden. His passing is deeply regretted by all his loving family, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and the extended family circle.