Tributes have been paid to well-known businessman Joe Blake (88), who passed away peacefully last Thursday, July 14.

Born on May 7, 1934 above Blakes of the Hollow, Enniskillen, he often boasted that he was a 'true Townie' as he was ‘born between the bridges'.

Speaking on behalf of the Blake family, his daughter Mary said: “Dad was the third child of William and Catherine Blake. His father, William – who came from Derrylin – took over Blakes of the Hollow in 1929, and dad grew up above the bar.

"His mother, Catherine 'Kitty' Gormley, had been a schoolteacher, and theirs was a very happy home.”

The ten Blake siblings included Pat, Joe, Donal, Arthur, Liam, Marie, Christine, Briege, Anne and Margaret.

Joe attended the Presentation Brother’s Primary School in Enniskillen before travelling to Dublin, where he boarded at Castleknock College with his brothers and cousins.

After college, he studied at University College Dublin, qualifying as a chartered accountant. He returned to Enniskillen after a stint in Dublin and Galway to work as a chartered accountant, with offices in Church Street, and helped in the family business.

Speaking of their father’s involvement with the business, Mary said: “The family business was a real hive of activity and included a bottling plant for Guinness and Powers.

"He loved all the staff and ‘old retainers’, who were such a huge part of his youth. He served his time helping out behind the bar, washing glasses and helping on the delivery runs.”

Joe met the love of his life, Kathleen McCullagh, in the Astoria Ballroom in Bundoran, and they were married for almost 55 years.

His children added: “They were a true love match, and were devoted to each other through all life’s twists and turns.”

The pair had four children: Mary, Anne, Cathy and Michael. “He was extremely proud of his children, and his ten grandchildren. They now carry on his legacy into the future,” added his family.

Joe was active in many parts of community life, said Mary. “He lived his life through faith, offering up each day to God and carrying out His work.

"He was actively involved in St. Michael’s parish, serving as a reader in the parish, and he supported the parish in many ways.”

Joe was a founding member of the Enniskillen Credit Union, and although humble carried out many acts of generosity and charity.

He sat on the Board of Governors of the local schools, was on the committee of the local swimming club, and supported peace-building and community relations throughout The Troubles.

In addition, Joe was a keen swimmer, golfer, gardener and beekeeper, but most of all he loved spending time with his grandchildren, family and friends.

Sadly, in his later years, Joe’s health declined. His family said: “He continued to enjoy life right up to the end, even sharing jokes with the same twinkle in his eye. He received exemplary care at home right up his final days, from a dedicated team of carers.”

Requiem Mass in celebration of Joe's life took place on Saturday, July 16 at St. Michael's, Enniskillen, and attracted a very large attendance.

The mass was celebrated by Fr. Raymond Donnelly, and co-celebrated by Fr. Michael McCullagh and assisted by Fr. Donncha O’ hAodha. Joe was laid to rest in Cross Cemetery.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Patrick Blake Funeral Directors.

Joe is survived by his wife, Kathleen; children, Mary (Gordon), Ann (Des), Cathy (Matthew) and Michael (Anne); his siblings Margaret, Pat and Arthur; grandchildren and the wider family circle.

He was pre-deceased by his siblings, Donal, Liam, Briege (in infancy), Marie, Anne and Christine.