Known by many as a “gentleman,” retired member of the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) and loving family man Norman Forbes passed away peacefully on July 23 at the age of 84.

“If you ever saw a man walk down the street with a natural tan, wearing a coloured jumper, shirt and tie, that was sure to be Norman Forbes,” said Norman’s wife Jeanette.

Growing up in Dungannon, Norman was the fifth of 10 children to the late Thomas and Elizabeth Forbes. When Norman’s father was tragically killed, Jeanette said that he was “spoilt rotten by his mother and sisters, especially his sister Ann or ‘big Nanny’ as he called her.”

Late into his teenage years, Norman joined the RUC and was first stationed in Kinawley. “He loved the friendly people there,” Jeanette remembered. “He liked nothing better than cycling around the farming area on his police bike, delivering the tillage notices,” she added.

When Norman moved to Enniskillen he met Jeanette and was blessed with the arrival of two daughters Johanna and Jenny. Enniskillen was also where he spent the majority of his working life as part of the RUC’s ‘L’ division. He was on the beat for quite a few years before taking up a role in the enquiries office. “He made many friends in the police and always showed kindness to young recruits, helping them out when he could,” Jeanette explained. Norman remained with ‘L’ division until his retirement in 1992.

Jeanette said: “That’s when he thought he was going to retire, take it easy and play golf but then his first grandchild Ben came along.” Norman really enjoyed looking after Ben while Jenny finished her nursing studies. “Norman was very sociable and loved going into town to have a chat with someone or other. People have remembered seeing Norman and Ben passing many a morning in different restaurants or coffee shops around town,” continued Jeanette.

Aside from his work, Norman was a keen golfer and played at both Castlecoole and Castlehume golf clubs. He was honoured when he was asked to be police Golf Captain. He also liked nothing better than watching Ben play rugby for Portora Royal School.

“Ben remembers how he would stand on the sidelines in all weather and no matter the score,” said Jeanette. “In fact, this photo was taken at one of the matches.” Norman loved his family and always looked forward to seeing Jenny and Ben, as well as yearly visits home from Johanna and her family who live in Sydney, Australia.

Conducted by W T Morrison Funeral Directors, Norman’s funeral took place on Saturday, July 27 at Enniskillen Presbyterian Church followed by burial in Cross Cemetery.

Beloved husband of Jeanette, dearly loved father of Johanna (Charlie) and Jenny (David), devoted grandfather of Ben, Ryan, Zara, Joel and Baby Dylan, Norman is lovingly remembered by his entire family circle.

“We will miss his smile and his gentle nature. If Norman could have done you a good turn, he would have done it. We were overwhelmed by how many people sent cards, called at the house and attended his funeral service. He just seemed to know everyone about the town,” concluded Jeanette.