Basil John McFarland (John) passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at the Palliative Care Ward at the Omagh Hospital Complex after a short illness. Late of 52 Castlederg Road, Drumierna, Ederney, John 62 years old.
Affectionally known as John, he was born on December 17, 1957 and grew up at Ederney’s Market Street. He received his education at Lack Primary and Duke of Westminster Secondary Schools.
Like his brothers George and James, he played his part in sport, captaining his school football team and, for a time, he played cricket as well. During school holidays he thought nothing of cycling ten miles to fish at Boa Island Bridge where you were sure of a catch from the large shoal of perch and roach.
John started off as a barman in Ballinamallard, followed by working in the quarry industry at Ederney’s Carn Quarry and subsequently spent most of his working career as a lorry driver with the Killadeas based utility, roads, and construction contractor, George Deane.
Although a quiet man by nature, he nevertheless would have leisurely enjoyed relaxing in social entertaining environments. Being thoughtful and helpful he was always keen to help out and he kindly gave generously of his time to maintain graves in the new part of Edenclaw cemetery, Ederney using his own equipment.
Unfortunately, some twelve months ago John was diagnosed with a challenging health condition which, notwithstanding the best intervention efforts of the health professionals, eventually brought about his untimely passing.
Indeed, his passing sadly leaves a void in the lives of his family including his beloved wife Ann and loving sons Gavin and Ryan, his grandchildren - twins E'ire and E'abha as well as his dear mother Myrtle and his brothers, George and James, sister Fiona (Hassard) and their families. He was predeceased by his father Frederick in 1976.
John will be best remembered by his family, friends, work colleagues and the community as a calm, thoughtful and helpful man who will be sadly missed
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