The peaceful death has taken place of William Francis (Willie) Rutledge at South West Acute Hospital, Enniskillen on December 1, 2019.

Willie, who was born on December 15, 1925, was the third oldest child of the late John Robert and Mary Jane Rutledge of Cornafanog, Lisbellaw. He attended Lisbellaw Primary School with his two brothers and four sisters and enjoyed many happy years of life on the farm.

During this time, in 1958, he married Joan Wilson and they were blessed with three daughters Carole, Rosemary and Arlene. They enjoyed over 60 years of married life together and were very happy living on the Main Street in Tempo.

Willie combined his love of farming alongside his full-time work of 30 years with the Water Service, his part-time work with the Ulster Defence Regiment, and his many other interests including over 60 years with Cornafanog Band, the Ulster Unionist Association, Old Comrades Association, Orange, Black, and Masonic Lodges, Tempo Development Association, Tempo Bowling Club, Clogher Valley Outdoor Bowls, and Tempo Parish Church.

He was a lifelong church member and held dear his part in church life from singing in the choir in his youth, to working tirelessly as treasurer for nearly 50 years, continuously raising funds, being hands on with the church hall extension, and always there behind the scenes to offer a helping hand without fuss.

At heart he was a country man, enjoying his farming tasks, daily walks and visits around the Tyralton, Carrowkeel, Shanco, Cornafanog town lands and beyond. Willie enjoyed good health and his home surroundings until very recently. He received excellent care during the three days he was in Ward 8, SWAH and it was there that he passed away peacefully.

Willie, who was a modest and caring person, was much loved by his family and will be sadly missed by his friends, neighbours and wider family circle in the Tempo and Lisbellaw area. He was predeceased by his sisters Ena, Lily, Ivy and Violet and brothers Jim and Bertie. He is survived by his wife Joan, daughters Carole (Hugh), Rosemary (Donald) and Arlene (Derek), grandchildren Darcie (Gary), Katie (Paul), Ashley and Jenna and great grandson Bray.

The funeral service was in Tempo Parish Church and was conducted by the Revd Canon Maurice Armstrong. A large attendance from the local community came to pay their last respects, lessons were read by his daughter Arlene and nephew Kenneth Rutledge and a eulogy was given by his grand-daughter Darcie. The organist was a family friend Mr. Glenn Moore.

Afterwards refreshments were served in the Church Hall by Tempo Parish ladies and friends. Donations in his memory are to Tempo Parish Church c/o W T Morrison, Enniskillen, who looked after the funeral arrangements.