Ivan Henry: Fermanagh businessman's heartbroken family pay tribute

Ivan (66) passed away peacefully on February 4, following a period of illness. Leading tributes on behalf of the family, his son, Stephen, said: “Dad was a wonderful human being. We take great comfort from all the love and stories, and no matter how many times people tell us he would have been so proud of us, we are so, so proud of him and how he fought [illness] over the last seven months.

"He had the heart of a lion. [There is] a void in our lives forever, but we have the most wonderful memories of a great husband, father and grandfather.”

Ivan Henry..

Ivan was an incredibly popular business figure across Fermanagh. Stephen said: “Dad was involved in retail and fuel for many years up until around 2000.

"He then went on to establish Turning Point, which initially was a mortgage company. Shortly after this, dad decided to try his hand in the property world, and this is where he really thrived – he built a fantastic business in Turning Point Properties, with offices in Enniskillen, Omagh and Belfast.”

He added: “Working in Enniskillen myself, the amount of people who have came into the office to pay their respects and tell stories is amazing."

Ivan was born on February 8, 1955 in Garrison and attended Cashel Primary School before heading to Enniskillen High School. Stephen explained how his father moved to Lisnaskea for work, where he met his wife, Jean.

“On finishing school, dad moved to Lisnaskea to live with his uncle, George Nixon, who he started working alongside in FDH cash and carry.

"It was in Lisnaskea where he met my mother, Jean, and in June this year it would have been their 45th wedding anniversary."

Paying tribute to his parents, Stephen said: “They weren’t just husband and wife, they were soulmates and best friends.”

He added: “They spent so much time together – if it was at home, at the caravan, in Manchester or travelling on holidays abroad, they just loved each other’s company.”

Family and friends follow the remains of The Late Ivan Henry.

Ivan adored his family, including his seven grandkids, and particularly enjoyed caravan trips to Portrush with them – something that Stephen and his siblings also enjoyed, growing up.

Paying tribute to his dad’s parenting, Stephen said: “He always fully supported us in anything we ever wanted to do.

"He shared a keen interest in horses with my sister, Cheryl; many a day and night was spent travelling up and down the county to shows and events.

"His love for Manchester United was unquestionable. He was also very fond of hunting, a hobby we enjoyed together.”

Another interest for Ivan and Jean was fostering, Of the close link between his father and foster children, Stephen said: “My parents opened their door to foster children some 20 years ago, something that mum had always wanted to do after working in a children’s home at a younger age, and dad fully supported her in that choice.

“My brother Titto [who was originally fostered with us] even paid the ultimate respect in recent years by changing his name by deed poll so that his surname was also Henry. Several children whom mum and dad opened their door to over the years attended the funeral."

The funeral cortege of The Late Ivan Henry leaves his home in Lisbellaw..

Mr. Henry’s funeral took place last Tuesday on what would have been his 67th birthday, February 8, at Maguiresbridge Parish Church, and he was buried in the adjoining churchyard.

The Henry family wish to thank everyone who sympathised with them; sending cards and social media messages as well as those who turned out along the roads to pay tribute to Ivan.

Stephen said: “It’s been very evident with the outpouring of love and admiration for dad from when he passed away how much he was thought of, and how well known he was throughout the country.

"The turnout for his funeral was amazing – from when we left home, even along the main roads there was people stopping and getting out of their vehicles.

“Considering the current times we are in, and that Tuesday was a working day, it was great to see so many people. Again, he would have been extremely proud.”

The late Ivan Henry is survived by his wife, Jean; daughter Cheryl ; sons Stephen and Titto; and his extended family circle. Funeral arrangements were carried out by Marcus Madill Funeral Director.