Mr John William Kelly
Editorial Department • Published 12 Jan 2012 13:00
A much-loved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, John William Kelly, best known as Johnny, passed away unexpectedly on December 9, 2011, aged 81. A well-known and highly regarded member of the Lisnaskea and Aghadrumsee communities, Johnny had previously enjoyed good health.
The only son of the late Alice and Nathaniel Kelly, he was born on September 14, 1930 at Dernawilt, Rosslea and he attended Aghadrumsee School and farmed from an early age. He was 21 when his father died in 1951.
Early employment included the Electricity Board and he worked in the Sir Richard Arkwright factory in Lisnaskea. After serving in the B Specials, he went on to serve in the RUC and became a full-time member from 1969. He went through the Depot in Enniskillen and his service included that in Rosslea and Newtownbutler. He was shot at his home at Dernawilt in 1979 and as a result of the incident the family moved to Lisnaskea, where Johnny continued his service. He married Georgina in 1957 and the couple who had a family of four, Linda, Julie, Arlene and David initially made their home in Dernawilt, followed by Lisnaskea. It was a major upset for Johnny to move from the family home at Dernawilt, where he was born, and his mother was in her eighties and had to move to Lisnaskea with them. She died in 1991, aged 97. Johnny retired from the RUC in 1991 and many of his former colleagues, whom he served with over the years, are among those who have been paying their respects.
For Johnny his main priorities were his home and family, whom he loved, and there was no-one like his 10 grandchildren and three great grandchildren, who gave him tremendous pleasure.
Football was one of his main leisure interests and having played locally in his youth, he greatly enjoyed following the game locally and regarded the Coffey Cup as a highlight of his year. Throughout his life he always followed Lisnaskea Rovers, Distillery in Belfast and Manchester United. He enjoyed following sport on television, including snooker and he also loved watching Countdown.
A member of the Orange Order at Aghadrumsee, he also held membership of Lackey Royal Black Preceptory.
Remembered as a very jovial figure and a very contented man, he always had a smile on his face.
His widely attended funeral, one of the largest in the area for some time, took place at Holy Trinity Parish Church, Lisnaskea. The Service of Thanksgiving for his life was conducted by the Rector, the Rev. Alan Capper, assisted by Canon Robert Riddel, who is looking after Aghadrumsee Parish.
The reading, John 14, verses one to six and verse 27 was delivered by his son-in-law Brian Foster. The hymns were Safe in the Arms of Jesus, the Lord's My Shepherd, and The Old Rugged Cross.
Burial took place at the family plot at the churchyard at St. Mark's Church, Aughadrumsee, the church where Johnny was baptised.
Johnny is survived by his wife, Georgina, and their family: Linda and Edwin Keenan, Dernawilt, Rosslea; Julie and Ian Foster, Nottingham; Brian and Arlene Foster, Brookeborough; and David and Isabella Kelly, Maguiresbridge.
He leaves 10 grandchildren: Alan, Wendy, Glenn, Gary, Laura, Scott, Jessica, Sarah, George and Ben and three great grandchildren, Chloe, Jack and Kyle. Also surviving Johnny are his brothers-in-law, Norman and Harry and his sisters-in-law, Peggy, Jeanie and Iris, the wider family circle and his friends.
Georgina and the family are very appreciative of the support they have received from relatives, friends and the wider community.
The funeral arrangements were by F. Dowler Ltd, funeral directors, Lisnaskea. Donations in lieu of flowers, if desired were being directed to St. Mark's Parish Church and Dr. Leary's Medical Equipment Fund, c/o the funeral directors.
This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 12 Jan 12
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