A father, grandfather and great-grandfather held in high regard, Mr. Ivan Carson passed away peacefully at South West Acute Hospital, Enniskillen, on Saturday, November 15, aged 80 years.

A man, who loved being at the heart of his family, Ivan - a widower following the death, 20 years ago, of his wife Norma - was born on June 16, 1934. He was one of nine children born to Johnston and Rebecca Carson; only one brother, Dick, who lives in Scotland, now survives him.

The family farm was originally in the Inishmore area but their home was moved to Ballinamallard in time for Ivan to start school in the town as the war began.

Ivan was trained in clerical work at the “Tech” in Enniskillen and then embarked on an honourable employment record. His work places in Enniskillen included the offices of TP Topping and the Scotch Stores Bacon Factory. He also worked for the Electricity Board as a Meter Reader, from which he retired in 1990, intent on enjoying spending time with Norma and with a list of plans.

His working life also saw him serve as a part-time RUC Reservist.

Ivan and Norma’s wedding day, a double wedding with Cecil Elliott and his bride Olive (who was Norma’s sister), was held in Enniskillen Methodist Church in Darling Street on August 7, 1957.

Ivan, who was raised in the Church of Ireland tradition, and Norma worshipped in Darling Street Methodist Church and they brought up their family in its fellowship. Their family of five, Marilyn, Joan, Margaret, Desmond and Miriam survive them, along with 13 grandchildren, Gillian, Joanne, Natalie and Scott, Peter, Matthew, Rachael and Jonathan, Judith, Graeme and Kyle, Ryan and Hannah. They also had three great-grandchildren, Kayne, Demi-Leigh and the late Millie.

A widower for 20 years, the sudden death of Ivan’s wife Norma came as a tremendous blow. Ivan loved being at the heart of his family, which gave him happiness and contentment. Holidays in Bundoran and Portrush were remembered with fondness, while Ivan also held a love of telling ghost stories and of country music. Simple interests included tinkering about in his shed, designing and making useful bits and pieces. A quiet man, he had a lively sense of humour which lay behind his mischievious smile. He was faithful in his weekly attendance of Darling Street Methodist Church and had a fundamental faith in God. His choice of Psalm 24 as his favourite scripture was evidence of this. Ivan’s years of ill health began with a stroke in 2001. Kidney failure was diagnosed in 2006 and Ivan patiently endured dialysis three times a week. In 2012, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease which affected his mobility.

In recent months his frailty increased, and his passing occurred peacefully at S.W.A.H. on November 15, with his family around him.

They are thankful for every remembrance of him, but especially as a great dad, granddad and great-granddad.

His funeral in Darling Street Methodist Church was conducted by the Rev. Sam McGuffin, who delivered the tribute, and there was a reading by Ivan’s granddaughter Judith Hobson. The hymns were ‘What A Friend We Have in Jesus’; ‘Nearer My God to Thee’; and ‘Abide With Me’. Burial was in Sydare Cemetery alongside his late wife Norma.

Surviving Ivan are his daughters and son: Marilyn (David), Joan (Colin), Margaret (Noel), Desmond (Jean) and Miriam (Les). He leaves his grandchildren, great grandchildren, his brother Dick, the wider family circle and his friends. The family is very appreciative of the medical and nursing care afforded to Ivan, and they also acknowledge the support of all at this difficult time.

The funeral arrangements were by Funeral Directors, S.R. Elliott and Sons, Darling Street, Enniskillen.