The family of the late Fermanagh teacher Aidan Kennedy have paid tribute to a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Aidan (67), late of Tarmon Brae, Enniskillen, passed away at his home on Wednesday, February 23.

Married for nearly 40 years to Phil, he was father to Joan, Ronan and Catherine, as well as to Marc, who sadly passed away in 1990.

Aidan had also recently become a grandfather, to Caoimhe and Conal.

Speaking fondly of her late father, Aidan's daughter, Catherine, said: “Our father lived for his family. He was devoted to his wife and he was a wonderful father.

"When we were children, he always sought to provide us with new opportunities and support us in any way that he could.

"He had a sense of adventure and fun, and he was someone we could always turn to for help and advice. He was proud of his family, and he was overjoyed at becoming a grandfather.”

Born in Enniskillen to Walter and Margaret Kennedy, Aidan was a beloved older brother to Gary. The family relocated to Portadown, and Aidan attended Christian Brothers in Armagh.

He went on to study in Manchester, before returning to Enniskillen to pursue a career in education – something that initially came as a surprise to his brother.

“As a teenager, Aidan was not a particularly dedicated student. He had a dislike of authority, and he was much more interested in his social activities," said Gary, adding: "But he was always a creative type, and this lent itself very much to his style of teaching. Over the years, I saw that teaching was truly his vocation.”

It was as a teacher in St. Joseph’s College Enniskillen, where he taught from 1976 until 2007, that Aidan will perhaps be best remembered by many, although in later years he 'subbed' at various schools, including Erne Integrated College and St. Fanchea's College in Enniskillen.

Aidan was an inspirational teacher – someone who had a positive impact on the lives of countless students.

The family were particularly touched by a tribute paid to Aidan by St. Joseph’s College, which provided a guard of honour to their beloved former teacher during the removal.

There was also a tribute on its Facebook page, where a great many messages of condolences and support were left by former students.

Helena Palmer, Principal of St. Joseph’s, said: “Aidan was a member of the Senior Management Team, Head of English, and a real gentleman.

"He was a fantastic teacher and a wonderful mentor to many of our students and teachers, including me, over the years.”

A talented actor, director and producer, Aidan was also well known in local drama circles.

In his younger years he took the lead role in many productions, but perhaps he took most satisfaction in his role as Director of various performances staged in St. Joseph’s College.

He also lent his skills to help run local youth clubs and drama groups and was for a time Youth Secretary of Enniskillen Town United FC.

Another daughter, Joan, paid tribute to her "devoted" father. She said: “Growing up in Enniskillen, we have always been aware that dad had an impact on the lives of a great many people, that he was loved and held in high esteem.

"However, to us, first and foremost he was our father, devoted to us and us to him. We will miss him forever.”

Aidan’s cremation was arranged by Paschal Conway Funeral Directors, and took place at Lakeland Crematorium, Cavan on Friday, February 25.

The family would like to thank Mr. Brady and the rest of the team at Altnagelvin, as well as Devenish Practice and the District Nurse.

They also wished to thank Corries Chemists, and gave a special thanks to the paramedic team who attended on Wednesday.