Albert Bruce of Lissan, Garvary, Enniskillen passed away suddenly on October 28, 2016 at the South West Acute Hospital. Albert celebrated his 90th birthday on September 1. 

He was born at St. Catherine’s, Blaney in 1926, a son of Edward and Elizabeth Bruce, the eldest of a family of six. He is survived by his brothers, Edwin and Wilfie and his sister, Pauline and was predeceased by his brother, Bertie and his sister, Joyce.

In 1966 he married Olive Thompson and they made their home at Garvary. They had two children, Jayne and Thompson.

Albert worked as a fisherman and a farmer until he began his career with the Department of Agriculture in 1958 where he was widely known in the farming communities throughout Northern Ireland. 

After his retirement in 1986, he devoted more time to his own farming activities, set up a form filling business and did voluntary work with the Western Health and Social Services Board. 

Albert was a Director on the Ulster Wool Growers’ Association and the Ulster Farmers’ Union where he served on Beef and Sheep committees.

He was also an active member of Fermanagh County Show and Fermanagh Grassland Society for many years.

Albert had a keen interest in gardening and was one of the founders of Fermanagh Gardening Society. He kept this interest up throughout his life, spending hours in his polytunnel growing vegetables and flowers for friends and family.

He also had an avid interest in photography and he was one of the founder members of Enniskillen Photographic Society.

Albert was a devoted Christian who gave his life to God as a young man and his beliefs played a central role in his life. His main priority of the week was to attend his Sunday morning service and he kept this up until the end of his life.

Albert is survived by his wife Olive, daughter Jayne, son in law, Mark and granddaughter, Melissa and his son Thompson, daughter in law, Frances and grandson, Nial. Albert was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his family and especially his grandchildren, Melissa and Nial who were very dear to him.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by W.T. Morrison. The funeral service was conducted by Herbie Jennings, Tommie Gamble, John Connolly and John Johnston at Ballycassidy House and the Cross Cemetery.

The large number of people who attended the funeral reflected Albert’s interest in people and how much he enjoyed talking to and helping others.