There has been widespread following the death of one of Tempo’s oldest residents, Mr. Benny Bogue who sadly passed away on the day of his 92nd birthday.

Benny, formerly of Lower Doon, Tempo, died peacefully at his daughter’s home at Edenmore Lane, Tempo on April 21, 2020. Benny fondly known by family and friends as B.B. had bravely battled a long term illness.

Born on April 21, 1928 to John and Bridget Bogue, Magonragh, Lisbellaw known by all as Lough Eyes sawmills. One of seven children he is survived by his younger brother Gerry who resides in County Mayo.

Benny married his late wife Gretta McMulkin on September 26, 1957, a special day in Pobal Parish, the last double wedding from the same family. Benny and Gretta began married life at Shillingmore, Tempo before moving to their newly built bungalow at Lower Doon in 1976. They raised seven children, five sons and two daughters.

Benny along with his brother Tom who ran their sawmill at Lough Eyes until their retirement in 2003, were known far and wide for their garden sheds, feeding troughs and many other wooden products.

Benny was a great family man, his zest and love for life was infectious. Benny enjoyed visiting his many friends and was always on the move. He regularly visited his sons in England and New York, his daughter in Rostrevor, County Down and was the centre of many special family occasions.

His use of modern technology such as Face Time allowed him to interact with his grand-children and great grand-children around the world on an almost daily basis. Benny was a great dancer, travelling to many venues for social dancing where he would meet his many friends. He loved driving and would regularly flash his lights and toot his horn to everyone he met.

A Mass was celebrated in St Michael’s Church, Enniskillen on Thursday, April 23 at 10am by Monsignor Peter O’Reilly and relayed via webcam on their parish website.

Following Mass Benny left his home for the last time at Lower Doon escorted by a lone piper. On route to Edenmore Cemetery his cortege paused at the gates of Church of Immaculate Conception, Tempo where Benny was a regular worshiper.

Benny was laid to rest with his family in attendance as prayers were being conducted by Monsignor Peter O’Reilly followed by the words “The Old Man” beautifully sung by Ciaran Carson.

Benny leaves behind his children, Gerard, Ann, Seamus, Brian, Una, Aidy and Fergie with their partners, 19 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. May he Rest in Peace. Funeral arrangements were conducted by John McKeegan, Mill Street, Enniskillen.