A well-known and highly regarded member of the Fermanagh community, Norman Hilliard passed away unexpectedly at his Enniskillen home on Thursday night, April 28, causing immense shock and sadness. A very active figure, he had previously enjoyed good health and had just returned from England after enjoying an Easter visit to his children and grandchildren. Sunday past would have been his 81st birthday.

Norman was born in Trillick on May 1, 1930 and was educated at Kilskeery Primary School and at Enniskillen Technical College. He served his apprenticeship in accountancy from 1947 to 1952 with the Enniskillen firm of Rawlinson, Allen and White. In 1956, he was appointed as accountant to Fermanagh County Health and Welfare Committee, based at Castle Barracks, Enniskillen. After local government reorganisation in 1973, he became finance officer and assistant district administrative officer for the Fermanagh District of the Western Health and Social Services Board and later became Group Administrator for the Fermanagh Unit in 1977, remaining until his retirement in 1990.

In 1959 he married Alice Ross and the couple, who enjoyed a happy and fulfilling life, had a family of three, Ross, Alison and Tom. Alice died in 2002.

Norman's life centred around his family and around his deep engagement with the community. In 1983, he served as High Sheriff for Co. Fermanagh and he was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1985.

His involvement with St. Macartin's Cathedral Parish in Enniskillen and with the Church of Ireland was central to his life and an expression of his faith.

For the last 53 years, he was treasurer of St. Macartin's Cathedral and was a member of the Parish's Select Vestry. He received the Bishop of Clogher's Silver medal for outstanding Diocesan Service in 2001 and for a lifetime of service to the Church.

In April 2008, a stained glass window in the Cathedral was dedicated to him and to his wife Alice to express thanks to God for his sustained and generous services in St. Macartin's Cathedral parish, in Clogher Diocese and in the wider Church of Ireland.

He was widely involved in community life; he was a senior member of the Masonic Order in Enniskillen, treasurer of the Enniskillen Branch of the Ulster Cancer Foundation and treasurer of Fermanagh Unionist Club. A member of the Rotary Club of Enniskillen from 1975, he was made a Paul Harris Fellow in 1996. For many years he served as a governor of Erne School and of Portora Royal School.

He also had a passion for travel and enjoyed his frequent visits to his family and further afield in recent years to Australia.

Loved and remembered for his sense of service, integrity, faith, commitment and friendly nature, the high regard felt for Norman was reflected at his widely attended funeral at St. Macartin's Cathedral on Monday afternoon. The sermon was delivered by the Archbishop of Dublin, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Michael Jackson, who during his address said: "Norman never sought reward. Norman always spoke wisely. Norman combined shrewdness and kindness, fairness and decision-making. He seemed to know everyone wherever he went. He seemed equally to be loved by all whom he met. This is an extraordinary person of grace and Godly goodness." Norman is survived by his three children, Ross, Alison and Thomas and he leaves four grandchildren, Tom and Hugo, Kirsten and Katriona. The funeral arrangements were by W.T. Morrison, Darling Street, Enniskillen.