A well-known and popular Enniskillen man, Roland William Beatty, passed away very suddenly on New Year’s Day, aged 50 years.

Much shock and sadness have been felt in the community and beyond following his death which took place at Altnagelvin Hospital, Londonderry.

In spite of being diagnosed with MS (Multiple Sclerosis) in 1993, Roland, affectionately known to many as “Beano”, led a full life.

Born on June 5, 1964, at Derrychara Drive, Enniskillen, he was the first son of Willie and Vivien Beatty, who also have a daughter Donna (the eldest) and a younger son Nigel. The Beatty family subsequently moved to Coleshill Park.

Roland was educated at Jones Memorial Primary School and Portora Royal School, Enniskillen. He took up employment at Modern Motors, Enniskillen, where he worked alongside his grandfather, the late Billy Dundas.

He spent two or three years at Modern Motors and then went to work in the Civil Service, starting on Shankill Road, Belfast. He transferred to Omagh and then went to Enniskillen, where he worked in Jobs and Benefits until his passing.

A very independent figure, he enjoyed going out to work; he had a very close working and personal relationship with his colleagues, and he still maintained contact with his Omagh colleagues.

Over the years, he pursued a number of sporting interests and played rugby for Portora and was in the school’s first 15. He played for Enniskillen Rangers under 15 football team for a time, and he would have played soccer - five a side - at the Lakeland Forum for many years.

A sporty figure for as long as he was able, he had also played golf for a time as a social activity. His friends were very important to him and from his schooldays, he kept a very close circle of friends who were very supportive to him. In the last number of years he enjoyed travelling abroad with his girlfriend Jenny.

A very outgoing person, Roland held a very positive attitude to life and he was witty and had a great sense of humour. He loved socialising and he enjoyed family get-togethers. His nephews and niece were very important to him and he was very pleased that his nephews Rory and Danny are both at Portora. He had been a Prefect at the school and was very proud of his association.

Despite his diagnosis of MS, he led as full a life as possible and he did not let it hold him back. He never complained and he made the most of life and enjoyed it.

His funeral service, which was very well attended and reflected the high regard felt for Roland was held at St. Macartin’s Cathedral, Enniskillen, on Monday, January 5, 2015. It was conducted by the Dean, the Very Rev. Kenny Hall, who gave the address.

Derek Farragher, Roland’s brother-in-law delivered a tribute from one of his friends, while his brother, Nigel, and his friend, Gordon Bell did readings.

The hymns were Abide With Me and The Lord’s My Shepherd. Burial was at Cross Cemetery.

Roland’s family are very appreciative of the tea served in the hall afterwards.

Also acknowledged is everyone’s support which has been a source of great comfort at this time.

Roland is survived by his parents, Willie and Vivien; by his sister Donna and husband Derek; and by his brother Nigel and wife Susan. He leaves his nephews Rory, Danny and Jack and his niece Rachel, and also his girlfriend Jenny and her son Usna. Also surviving Roland are his uncle, cousins, and the wider family circle.

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