There has been widespread shock and sadness expressed at the sudden passing of Mr. Thomas Cecil Wilson, Milltate, Lisbellaw.

Cecil, as he was known, was born on July 20, 1941 to William and Maria Wilson, Cavanacarragh, Lisbellaw.

He was the eldest of a family of five Sadie (Mrs. Gordon Elliott), the late Joyce (Willie Sheridan), Derek (Adele) and Barbara (Mrs. David Wilson).

Cecil attended Lisbellaw Primary School until the age of 14 after which he went home to work on the family farm. He was always a faithful member of Lisbellaw Methodist Church and it was through Christian Endeavour that he met his wife of 55 years Irene (nee Elliott) from Letterbreen.

Cecil and Irene set up home at Milltate, Lisbellaw on the farm of Cecil’s great uncle Harry Black whom they looked after until his passing. He always enjoyed working on the farm and his Thursday visit to Enniskillen Farmers’ Mart was the highlight of the week.

In later years, as he became unable to do as much on the farm, he would be found watching his brother Derek and nephew William working, sometimes suggesting what they should be doing.

As a teenager, Cecil gave his life to the Lord Jesus Christ and it was this faith that he lived by right through his life. He held the position of Junior and Senior Circuit Steward for many years. Cecil was also a loyal member of Derryclavin LOL 729 where he was a member for 63 years, holding the position of treasurer for 50 of those years.

The large attendance at his funeral service in his beloved Methodist Church was a testament to the high respect that Cecil was held in.