The death has taken place of Wesley Armstrong of Derryscobe, Letterbreen, who passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 10, aged 94.

Wesley was one of seven children, and was pre-deceased by Lena, Lily, Jim, Gertie, George and Cecil.

He left school at the age of 15 and started an apprenticeship in Belfast, repairing rooftops of houses following the war.

After his apprenticeship, Wesley returned to work in Fermanagh, and it was while he was working locally he met Amy Reid, and they got married on August 18, 1954.

They had two children, Nigel and Alan, and celebrated 68 years of married life together on their last anniversary in August, 2021.

Wesley really enjoyed his life as a builder, working long hours providing for his wife and family. Wesley was saved in the 1970s and from that day forward he was a committed and faithful servant to his Lord and Saviour.

Wesley taught Sunday School and became the Sunday School Superintendent. He loved sharing his faith with children and introducing them to the Bible and God’s word.

In later years, such was his passion with the Lord’s work, he humbly took on the role of a Lay Preacher, attending various churches throughout Fermanagh and beyond.

Until his mobility declined, Wesley was a faithful member of Bible study and prayer groups.

His fellowship with others of the Christian faith led him to attend services in the Irish Evangelistic Band (IEB), who used to meet on a Monday evening in Enniskillen.

He became a Committee Member and Trustee and he worked tirelessly for the IEB for more than 20 years, and was instrumental in the running of the Sunday services and organising the rota of preachers.

Wesley had a great love of the Orange and Black Lodges, holding the post of Master and Chaplin in both. He was also a key member in the purchase and restoration of the Enniskillen District Hall.

Wesley never really retired until his health deteriorated within the past couple of years, leaving him unable to walk. While he spent his last few years at home, he never complained about his condition. He enjoyed the visits of family and friends.

Wesley loved all of his family and was so proud of his grandchildren – Matthew, Kathryn and Jody – always taking a great interest in their lives. The birth of his great-grandson, Aaron, last May brought him immense joy and happiness.

Wesley passed away to Glory peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of Friday morning, December 10.

His funeral service, conducted by the Rev. Lorna Dreaning, was in Letterbreen Methodist Church. The hymns were, 'When my life-work is ended, and I cross the swelling tide', which Wesley particularly liked the words of, and 'Safe in the arms of Jesus'.

At the family’s request, donations in lieu of flowers were made to Letterbreen Methodist Church, and should be directed to Mr. Austen Stinson of WT Morrison, Funeral Directors, who attended to the funeral arrangements with impeccable decorum.

Wesley is survived by his wife, Amy; his sons, Nigel (Daphne) and Alan (Sharon); grandchildren Matthew, Kathryn (Stephen), and Jody, and great-grandson, Aaron.