Desmond Emerson passed away peacefully in South West Acute Hospital on January 26, 2017, aged 67 years.

He was born on August 12, 1949, only son of the late Ernest and Sarah Emerson, Coa, Ballinamallard. 

He is survived by six sisters: Gladys, Pat, Phyllis, Heather, Noreen and Evelyn. 

He was a beloved husband of Ruth (formerly Elliott, Tempo), much loved father of Carol, Elaine, John, Sarah-Jane and Andrea and much missed grandfather of Daniel, Abigail, Charlotte, Benjamin, Samuel, Alexander, Thomas and Robert.

Desmond was educated at Derryhillagh School, Enniskillen High School, Enniskillen and Greenmount Agricultural Colleges. He used this knowledge on his father’s farm to develop his own Holstein herd and milked 120 dairy cows. 

He was very involved in the Grassland Club and became chairman in 1984. He maintained his interest in farming even after selling the herd and diversifying into a paving business ‘Kwik Kerb’. During this time he continued to farm with beef cattle and sheep.

He became a Christian aged 14 years in Ballinamallard Methodist Church and this was a very important aspect of his life. He became a local preacher, ran Alpha courses and taught Bible studies. He joined the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship in the early 90s and found the fellowship and friendship really strengthened his faith. He later became president of this organisation. 

In 1999 he felt led to go on a short-term mission trip bringing Bibles to China because the study of God’s word was so important to him. 

He married Ruth in Lisbellaw Methodist Church on December 27, 1975 and they honeymooned in Torremolinos.

Prior to his marriage he had acquired his pilot’s licence and had a keen interest in water skiing and sailing. He enjoyed fishing in the local loughs and occasionally brought a fish home for supper. 

Desmond was fun loving and always had time for a chat with his friends and neighbours. He maintained his faith, smile and dignity throughout his illness. ‘We love because he first loved us.’

A thanksgiving service was held at Ballinamallard Methodist Church on Saturday, January 28, 2017 and was conducted by the Rev. John Beacom.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by S.R. Elliott and Sons, Funeral Directors, Enniskillen.