The sons of the late entrepreneur Robert Donaldson have paid tribute to their father, a very charitable gentleman who worked hard to provide for his family "against all odds".

Robert (81) of Raceview Enniskillen, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2021 at the South West Acute Hospital after experiencing complications from a stomach issue related to Polio.

Describing his father as "everything" to him and his brother Paul, Robert's son David said: "He was always our fountain of knowledge, always the one with the answers and always the person to go to for advice. He never demanded or expected. He never laid down a path for us to follow, instead he supported and encouraged us in his own unique, quiet and guiding way."

Robert was also a very loving husband to his wife Esther, whom he married in May 1965. Together almost 56 years, through thick and thin Robert and Esther were always a pair.

From a very young age, Robert faced many challenges, first losing his father when he was two and later contracting Polio at the age of five after an outbreak with the American soldiers that were stationed near his home place at Ely Lodge.

However Robert never let his ill health hold him back.

"If anything it probably made him who he became because when he was five years of age the doctors told him he would never walk. He had no education because he was nine years in hospital as a child and I think that drove him on rather than held him back," said Paul.

This drive was evident in Robert's varied working life, leading to a number of entrepreneurial endeavours.

He started out working in the battery room of his uncle's garage before getting a job as a life insurance salesman and eventually opening his own insurance brokerage and building a successful business in the insurance industry.

"He was a publican, he opened an off licence, he opened a photo developing lab, he had a TV rental business and a video library, he was a snooker promoter, and a property developer," said David, outlining his father's ventures.

"Of course, he was a major figure in the amusement and leisure business sitting as Chairman of the Northern Ireland trade body for over a quarter of a century. He was an achiever in business," he said, adding: "All through his life he was such a hard worker going in and out to work at all hours, working harder and longer than he should have, defying his illnesses to put in those hours, and all for just one reason – to provide for his family."

For a time, Robert was a local councillor and served a period as deputy mayor of Enniskillen. He was a member of, or had involvement with, a great many groups and organisations including the Orange and Black Institutions, and the Masonic.

Talking about his father's interests, David said: "He had an amazing love for animals right from his teenage years raising pigs to show in Enniskillen to later life when he became known far and wide as the 'wee man with the wee horses'.

"He became the first breeder in Ireland to raise Falabella miniature horses and Sardinian miniature donkeys. He showed horses all across Ireland and the UK and he shared his love and passion for animals with so many people along the way," noted David, adding that another passion of his father's was sea angling.

"Until declining health meant that he could no longer enjoy the sport, he spent almost every weekend travelling to his favourite ports of Killala and Killybegs to enjoy his sport of sea fishing."

His eventful life was documented as an autobiography, which was launched in 2015 and aptly titled 'Against All Odds'.

Robert was known for his very charitable nature which his sons believe was instilled in him from a young age through the care and compassion he received from his extended family and healthcare professionals in his time of need. Robert and his family were very grateful for the care he received from the NHS throughout his life.

This charitable nature was evident in Robert's voluntary work which included the National Hospital Service Reserve and the Red Cross. He was also Chairman of the Polio Fellowship and Chairman of the local Shop Mobility.

Robert's funeral service was arranged by WT Morrison, Funeral Directors and took place on Sunday, January 24.

Beloved husband of Esther, dearly loved father of David (Edith), Paul (Sandra), devoted grandfather of Justin, Kelly (Gareth), Lisa, Zoe, Ben and Charlie, Robert is lovingly remembered by his family and all the family circle.

The family have taken great comfort in the many messages with stories and kind words they have received following Robert's passing.

"One word has been used over and over again: 'Gentleman', for that is what he was to everyone who knew him. Always someone who was keen to help others, always someone who would do you a favour or good turn in any way he could, always someone with whom you could have a laugh and enjoy his amazing sense of humour and mischievous personality, but always someone upon whom you could rely, no matter what. Always a gentleman," said David.