Mr. Robert Norman Hanna

Editorial Department • Published 18 Feb 2010 10:02

Widespread shock and sadness have been expressed across the community following the death of one of Fermanagh's best known and highly regarded electrical contractors, Mr. Norman Hanna.

Norman, a much loved husband, father and grandfather, late of Drumcullion, Ballinamallard, passed away unexpectedly at the Erne Hospital, following a tragic accident, on February 3, 2010, aged 76 years.

One in a family of four and the only son of the late Bertie and Etta Hanna, he leaves three sisters, Doris, Sylvia and Audrey.

Norman grew up at Annagrane, Cornafannog and was educated at Littlemount School, followed by attendance at the Technical School, Enniskillen.

He went from there to Whaleys to serve his five year apprenticeship as an electrician. He completed that and subsequently went out on his own and served for over 55 years as an electrical contractor.

In 1957, Norman married the former Lily Swindall, from Cornafannog and the couple, who were both from farming families, made their home in the Enniskillen area, initially living at Shankill, Garvary, followed by Killyvilly, where they spent most of their married life, and then settled at their current home at Ballinamallard around 12 years ago.

He and Lily had five children, Rodney, Joan, Alan, Wendy and Carol and his home and family were of tremendous importance to Norman.

The Hannas bought number 10 Townhall Street from Whaleys and from there Norman ran his electrical business and Lily concentrated on running their toy shop.

They later moved to 21 High Street, where the well-known toy shop became known as Hanna's Toyworld.

After the Hannas sold the toy shop, they still maintained the electrical business, which is currently run at 10 Cross Street by their son Rodney. In later years, Norman continued to do maintenance electrical work.

Over the years, Norman became widely known and he made a lot of friends. He loved his work and he just loved to be out on jobs.

A fit and healthy man, who always kept active, he was a keen cyclist and he greatly enjoyed walking. He also loved playing bowls in Darling Street Methodist Church.

The Hannas liked travelling and Norman and Lily's trips took them to Australia, the United States, and Europe and they enjoyed visiting their children.

A recent special highlight for the Hannas, which Norman greatly enjoyed, was a family wedding in June 2009 when Norman and Lily's granddaughter Gillian got married to Ben.

A man, who had a love of life, he is remembered for his vitality and inexhaustible energy and as a very gregarious person.

He was very sociable and no matter where he went, he always knew someone.

He always had time to stop for a yarn and according to his family he loved everyone; he was accepting, non-judgmental and never discriminated.

His family paid tribute to him as "such a lovable personality - adorable."

The Hanna family deeply appreciates the many people who have called with them, telephoned and sent cards - all of which have served as a source of great comfort to them.

Norman's funeral service at Darling Street Methodist Church was conducted by the Rev. Brett Barnhill in the absence of the Rev. Ken Robinson.

Family members participated in the service, including his daughter Wendy who read Psalm 23.

His daughter Carol read the second lesson from Corinthians and his daughter Joan read a tribute on behalf of Norman's son Alan (who is in Thomastown, Georgia, USA).

His son, Rodney delivered a most moving personal tribute at the end.

The hymns were What a Friend We have in Jesus, Blessed Assurance and Amazing Grace.

Burial was at Aghavea Churchyard - the church where Lily and Norman were married and Lily's childhood church.

Norman, a father of five and grandfather of 10, is survived by his wife, Lily; his son, Rodney (wife Carol, Gillian and husband Ben, Lydia and Alex); his daughter Joan (son Jason); his son Alan (children Christina, Victoria, Joshua, and Jenson); daughter Wendy and Richard; and daughter Carol (husband John, Poppy and Jack.)

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

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This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 18 Feb 10

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