“Of all the things he loved in life, it was life he loved the most.” Touching words from the family of Pat King who are mourning the loss of a loving father and grandfather.

Famous in the sporting world, Pat King was also a dedicated family man who spent his free time with his three sons Barry, Shane and Ronan, and his eight grandchildren: Patrick, Ruairí, Rihanna, Conleith and Daniel (Shane and his wife Elizabeth’s children) and Diarmuid, Lochlainn and Conor (Barry and his wife Grainne’s children).

He also enjoyed time spent with his brothers Michael, Charlie and Stephen and his sisters Christine and Mary.

Skiing, boating, cycling, hiking and golfing were some of his favourite pass-times. “He loved the outdoors and hated being idle,” his son Shane tells The Impartial Reporter.

Every year Pat and his son Barry would tackle Cuilcagh Mountain on Boxing Day. He would then take part in the charity New Year’s Day Galloon Island Swim in Newtownbutler. Then, it was off to County Down to hike up Slieve Donnard with Shane. In recent years, Pat also enjoyed spending the Autumn months in Perth, Australia with his youngest son Ronan, spending many hours cycling in the sunshine.

“He would try to fit in two ski trips a year, one with family and one with friends. He had been skiing in February and had planned to go again with Barry but he wasn’t able. They really missed him on that ski trip.

“The most disappointing thing is what the grandchildren are going to miss out on,” Shane says.

“He took Barry’s children to golf and skiing. At Easter he took my oldest (also named Patrick) out on the cruiser. I’d leave him off at the Share centre and pick him up a week later in Belturbet or God knows where.” Last Easter, when they had sailed to Belturbet, Patrick and his grandfather tidied up the cruiser and attached ribbons, winning the ‘best boat’ competition. “He was very meticulous in the way he presented himself and his home,” Shane comments.

“When he’d go to the golf, he was like the Pied Piper. Five or six children would come up and they would call him ‘Granda Pat’ too.

“When we were in primary school, we were canoeing, sailing, skiing; the worst thing you could say is ‘I’m bored,” Shane recalls.

“It’s very upsetting to see how devastated the children are,” Shane continues. “We all thought he would live forever.” Diagnosed with cancer in February, Pat “showed no self-pity and no sense of injustice.” Shane explains: “He said that statistically he is one of the people who has got [cancer].” The family are shocked that such a fit, healthy and disciplined man could become ill. “He was fanatical about his diet and exercise. He was an intelligent man who did a lot of self-educating and he’d recently become an expert in cancer,” Shane continues.

When they were struggling to come to terms with their father’s illness, Pat had told his sons: “I’ve never been afraid of living, so why should I be afraid of dying?” His son Ronan had returned from Perth and all the family were with Pat when he passed away on Monday night.

Despite being from Trillick, Pat “felt such a part of Lisnaskea parish,” Shane continues. “He was saying that he recalls seeing the face of Brian Collins after an under-12 relay race and the look on his face; he felt a part of that. Even though he wasn’t from Lisnaskea, he felt a part of the Lisnaskea community.” A Bob Seger fan, Pat “really enjoyed music even though he didn’t play an instrument.” Shane adds: “He also liked to read up a lot on history.” A GAA “legend”, Pat “always knew a man who knew a man” and would get All Ireland final hurling tickets for Shane and his son and All Ireland final football tickets for Barry and his son.

Shane played for Fermanagh during the time when Pat was manager. “Everybody knew him. Initially when you were playing football, a comparison would be made which could maybe be annoying, but, towards the end, you were grateful to be compared to him. I gave up trying to be as good as him long ago,” he comments.

In his own coaching career, Shane tries to emulate his father’s coaching philosophies. “As a coach, his communication was good. He saw himself as a facilitator. He was interested in what was going on in the player’s life outside because that’s what got the results. He would give them ownership in their own decision-making and the team was always bigger than the result of a match. He was highly competitive, without being ruthless.” Shane concludes: “We will have to go through a grieving process, but, like our father, there will be no self-pity.” Pat King’s funeral mass took place at Holy Cross, Lisnaskea yesterday (Wednesday), with burial in the adjoining cemetery.