“A kind, good hearted, hardworking and well respected, family man” is how the family of the late William ‘Willie’ Wallace (70) have described him following his passing on October 13.

Willie’s eldest son Raymond led tributes to his father, who was a popular face in Enniskillen. He said: “He had extremely strong bonds with myself and my two brothers, David and William and has always been there for us. He was always leading by example.

Raymond continued: “He spent his entire life teaching us everything from fishing to DIY, respect, kindness and even how to shout at the TV especially when Millwall and the Germans where playing. To mum, he was her entire world.”

Devoted grandfather

Willie was a devoted grandfather to his five grandchildren. Raymond said: “He was a devoted grandfather and spent most of his time talking about them to everyone he knew. He worshiped the ground they walked on and they simply adored him. He was a real family man who welcomed everyone into the family.”

Willie was born on November 20, 1950 in Lisbellaw to his parents William and Elizabeth. He was one of their seven children; He is survived by his brothers, Jimmy and Noel and his sisters Rose, Betty, and Mina. He was predeceased by his sister Phyllis.

He married his wife Eva on December 4, 1976. Raymond told the story of their meeting. He said: “Whilst on a Twelfth of July patrol, Dad unknowingly stopped his future father-in-law and future wife and thoroughly searched their Mini even removing the seat and his future wife in the process!

He continued: “Not long after there was a wee trip to a dance at the Brooklands Hotel in Ballinamallard, where fate jumped in and brought them together again.”

The pair set up their final family home in Brackvede Park where they lived for over 30 years. Raymond said: “Dad loved his life in Brackvede, and over the years he developed strong bonds with many wonderful families who have gone on to become great friends.”

Willie was well known across Fermanagh for his service with the Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR) but his working life placed him in a few different careers including as a milk delivery boy in his childhood.

Raymond said: “He worked for Middleton Construction and helped build the chalets at the Killyhevlin. He was also an active member of the TA and saw service in Germany. He went on to enlist in the UDR in 1969 where he went up the ranks from Private to Sergeant Major, serving his country for 20 years, only retiring due to ill health.”

Raymond added: “His service had always been something he has been extremely proud off. During his time in service, he also attended numerous training courses with the ‘Paras’ and drills in Perbright Depot.”

Willie was involved in several organisation throughout his life including the Irvinestown branch of the Royal British Legion, Coleshill Flute Band and the Loyal Orders where he had served as Worshipful District Master of No. Nine District for the last three years.

Ely Centre work

One organisation he had a close association with was the Ely Centre where he served as Vice Chair and as a Board Member. Raymond said: “He worked on many projects with them, in particular he worked in regard to the Enniskillen victims’ memorial.

“Dad was an active and highly regarded member of the Enniskillen Branch Regimental Association. In 2006 he and Mum set up a befriending service, the pair grew the service to 15 befrienders, their service as coordinators went on to earn them a well-deserved Befriending Excellence Award.”

Alongside the befriending service, Willie and Eva ran a number of activities to support the members of the Regimental Association. Raymond said: “He continued this work right up until his untimely passing. During his time they organised numerous lunches, trips, home visits and much more, never failing, as usual, to give his all.”

Love of fishing

One of Willie’s favourite pastimes was fishing, a love he passed on to his grandchildren. Raymond added: “He was an active member of Innis and Rossigh Angling clubs where he spent many fruitful and perhaps not so fruitful, hours on Lower Lough Erne with his good pals Jimmy and Cecil.

Raymond concluded: “A devoted husband, father and grandfather, he will be dearly missed by us all.”

The funeral of the late William ‘Willie’ John Wesley Wallace took place on October 16 in St. Macartin’s Cathedral, Enniskillen. He was laid to rest in Rossorry Parish Churchyard. He is survived by his wife Eva, his sons; Raymond (Finessa) , David (Karl), and William (Julie), his grandchildren and his siblings. Funeral arrangements were carried out by Austen Stinson, W.T Morrison Funeral Directors.