Tributes have been paid to the much-loved Enniskillen community man Cecil Carson, a founder member of Enniskillen Rangers FC and 1st Inniskilling Scouts stalwart who many looked up to.

Cecil (86), late of Benaughlin Park, Enniskillen, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 17.

“He was extremely loving and caring, and somebody who was just always there. He was just so very supportive,” said Cecil’s son, Brian, on behalf of the family.

“He was a good man to look up to,” he added, noting that a lot of his father’s football and Scout companions paid tribute to this side of him: “He was patient, kind and a real gentleman who always had a smile and loved to chat.”

Born at Forthill Road, Enniskillen, Cecil spent his childhood there with his family and enjoyed socialising with the whole community of the area.

As a boy, he attended Enniskillen Model Primary School and later Portora Royal School in Enniskillen.

Following his education, Cecil worked at Taylor Woods Nylon Factory in Enniskillen. It was while he was working there that he met the love of his life, Eileen. In August, the couple celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary.

Cecil later left Taylor Woods to work in Castle Barracks, the health and social services at that time.

“He was then transferred to the Erne Hospital where he worked for many years in the salaries and wages office,” said Brian, adding: “He also worked part time in the Ulster Defence Regiment.”

Towards the end of his career, Cecil moved to the Royal Ulster Constabulary Reserve.

Throughout his life, Cecil was a member of various groups and organisations, including the YMCA, Territorial Army, 1st Inniskilling Scouts, Scout Band, Ballinamallard Silver Band and Enniskillen Rangers Football Club.

“He was a member of the Scouts and he went to the 9th World Scout Jamboree in Sutton Coldfield, in 1957,” said Brian, noting that his father later became the 1st Inniskilling Scout Troup leader and would have brought the troop to the Isle of Man and many camps around Northern Ireland.

Cecil was awarded the Scout Silver Acorn in 1994. He was also awarded an MBE by Her Majesty the Queen for his services to the police and Scouts in 1995.

Football also played a big part in Cecil’s life, and in 1953, when his brother, Harry Carson, founded Enniskillen Rangers FC, he became a founding member. Cecil was also a Liverpool supporter for many years.

“He played in a very successful team and won many trophies, setting a great standard,” said Brian of his father’s involvement in the Enniskillen club. Then he was the President of the club for many years after he stopped playing. Throughout the years, he has always kept a good close contact with the club.

“In September, Rangers had a reunion for the 1972 team, and some of the older players were invited out, so dad attended and met up with all of the guys. He really enjoyed that.”

Photographs

In recent years Cecil loved to take photographs of his beloved Enniskillen; a lot of these were featured in Old Enniskillen, Fermanagh Photos, Church magazine, BBC NI Weather, and this paper.

A real community man, Cecil loved nothing more than going up town for a message, where he would chat to everyone he would meet.

“He just loved meeting people,” said Brian, noting that his father had been in town the day before his passing.

“He was up town with mum on Wednesday, and then he passed away suddenly but peacefully on Thursday morning.

“At the funeral home on Friday evening, almost everybody was saying, ‘Sure, I only saw him up town last week’,” added Brian.

The family wished to share their thanks to all the staff at the health centre in Enniskillen for their support in recent years, as well as Hughes Pharmacy at Belmore Street.

“They have all been a big help over the last while,” said Brian.

Arranged by Keith Elliott, W. T. Morrison Funeral Directors, Cecil’s funeral took place on Saturday, November 19 at St. Macartin’s Cathedral, Enniskillen – a church that was very important to him, and of which he was a lifelong member.

“It was quite an uplifting and heartwarming funeral. We were happy with the send-off that he got,” said Brian, noting that seeing the large number of people coming out to pay their respects to his dad “meant a lot”.

The funeral was followed by a private family cremation.

Dearly loved husband of Eileen, and devoted father of David (Adeline) and Brian (Sharon), and a loving grandfather of Andrew, Kyle, Zara (Nathan) and Lea, Cecil is lovingly remembered by his family and family circle.