Raymond Dickson will be remembered as a “light-hearted, good-natured, fun-loving man” following his passing at the age of 87 years old.

Well known throughout the county through his work in the quarrying business, his son, Richard, describes him as a man who always kept going with a smile on his face and an old yarn to tell.

Born on May 4, 1933, Raymond was educated in Enniskillen and Dungannon.

Richard said: “Upon leaving school he joined the family firm, which was quarrying.

He took over the reins and went on to grow the business into road servicing, concrete, block-making and stone production for Co. Fermanagh and surrounding areas.”

In 1960, Raymond married Noreen and went on to have three children: Jill, Vivienne and Richard.

The family grew up always surrounded by pets, but Raymond’s soft spot was for dogs – Bassett hounds, in particular.

On one occasion, Richard recollects his father going to the vet with one dog and arriving home with two.

“He told my mother that they were going to put a little stray dog down so he stepped in and said he would take the dog.”

Flying

Raymond also enjoyed boating on Lough Erne and seafishing at Mullaghmore, Co. Sligo, but his real passion was for flying.

“He got his pilot’s licence in 1977,” said Richard, “and went on to fly to various different destinations around Ireland and Europe.”

After the quarry closed in 1986, Raymond continued to work on at what he knew best, which was tarmaccing. Later on, he started a topsoil business and ran it up until 2008 when he retired.

Richard and his family took great comfort in the large number of condolence cards and letters they received following their father’s passing.

“It was lovely to receive a card from someone who took the time to write, reminding us of the great memories they had of him,” added Richard.

Lovingly remembered by his family and all the family circle, Raymond Thomas, beloved husband of Noreen, dearly loved father of Jill (Elaine), Vivienne (Andrew) and Richard (Lynda), much-loved grandfather of Matthew, Conor, Emma, Phillip, Tommy and Niall passed away on September 8, 2020.

The funeral service was held in Rossorry Parish Church on Thursday, September 10, followed by burial in the adjoining churchyard. Funeral arrangements were by WT Morrison, Funeral Directors.