A lone military piper played ‘Abide With Me’ by Henry Francis Lyte as the coffin of Major George Stephens was carried by association members of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and Ulster Defence Regiment, three on each side, up the path to St. Macartin’s Cathedral in Enniskillen on Tuesday, August 22.
It was an overcast afternoon as fellow associates of the regiments, dressed in their full military regalia, formed a guard of honour to pay their final respects to their colleague and friend, who was described as “a gentleman” by many.
Standard bearers lowered the colours as Major Stephens’ wicker coffin, which was adorned with a beautiful floral display featuring flowers of pinks, reds and purples, was carried through the entrance to the cathedral.
The funeral service, which was arranged by WT Morrison Funeral Directors, took place at 2pm and was followed by a private family interment.
Major Stephens died on Thursday, August 17 after a short illness at the age of 96.
Much loved husband to the late Jean, father to Susan-Mary, Tracey and Anthony, grandfather to Tanya, Adam, Marc, Rachel, Hannah, Emily, Alex, James Toni-Louise great grandfather to Rory, Lewis, Murray, Mollie and Sydney and father-in-law to Pamela and Adrian, Major Stephens is greatly missed by his family and wider family circle.
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