The heartbroken community of Enniskillen said farewell to the popular Jonathan [Jonny] Gibson at his funeral earlier today, Friday, May 3.

The Gibson family wished for his funeral to be a celebration of his life as they said farewell to their much-loved husband, father and brother.

This was most evident in the choice of music.

'Abide with Me' was played, as it often is at funerals, but the family wished for this to be a celebration of Mr. Gibson’s life who died on Monday, April 29 aged 59.

READ MORE: Shock and sadness at death of 'hero' father and husband

The opening notes of ACDC’s ‘You Shook Me All Night Long’ or The Undertones ‘My Perfect Cousin’ are not the usual music associated with funeral services, but Mr. Gibson was not an ordinary man.

The musical choices alluded to Mr. Gibson’s love of fun and his role as the life and soul of the party.

Images from across the years played on the screen at the front of the funeral home while at the rear of the room, a table of memories - everything from family pictures, team pictures, sports shirts, and medals from Mr. Gibson’s time in Policing.

The large crowd who attended the funeral seated both inside Ballycassidy House Funeral Home and standing outside were a testament to Mr. Gibson’s large circle of family and friends. The large number who attended the wake on Thursday evening again testified to the high regard in which he was held.

 

His son, Jamie read tributes from himself, his sister Ariane and his mother, Daphne.

He told those gathered: “My dad was many things to me; my teacher, my coach, my biggest supporter and my greatest critic, my motivator, my calming influence and my friend.”

On behalf of sister Ariane, he said: “He wasn’t just my dad, he was the very centre of my world, as a little girl I looked up to him with deep admiration and respect.

“He was the first person I would call for advice whether it was about training tips for my new puppy or navigating the complexities of life. He was there with a wisdom born of experience and a heart full of love.”

On behalf of Jonny’s beloved wife, Daphne: “As a husband, he was my rock. He always put me first, and his love and devotion never wavered in our 33 years of marriage.

"He put others first above himself and would do anything for his family.”

Other tributes at the celebration came from Jonny Kee in respect of Mr. Gibson’s professional life within the Police Service and his work with animals in Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. Alistair Keys, a former teammate of Mr. Gibson paid tribute to his career as a rugby player, remembering his style both on and off the pitch.

Colm McCreesh shared memories of his time out on the water with Mr. Gibson as part of Portora Rowing Club.

Alan Cathcart recalled fond memories with Mr. Gibson and his wife Daphne on the fairways of Castle Hume Golf Club and the Lough Erne Resort.

A Guard of Honour was made up by representatives of Enniskillen Rugby Football Club, Portora Boat Club and Lough Erne Golf Club.

Alan Crooks, paid a warm and touching tribute to his best friend of many years recalling many fond times with Mr. Gibson. The celebrant for the service was Ian Fee, the pianist was Helen Hamill and Keith Elliott, W.T. Morrison Funeral Directors carried out funeral arrangements.

Following the service as the cortege travelled to Co. Cavan for cremation and as Jonn'y coffin passed Enniskillen Police Station it was saluted by Chief Inspector Graham Dodds, PSNI.