The late Raymond Robinson (79) has been remembered as a man who always put his family first.

The Florencecourt businessman died in hospital on July 17, having spent almost 40 years at the helm of Drumduff Antiques.

However, his family were his greatest passion in life, and they led tributes to him.

His wife, Carole said: “He was a big family man. Everything was about family, they came first and foremost. Whatever was done, was done for the family.”

Mr. Robinson was born in Enniskillen on January 24, 1945, he married his wife, Carole on September 2, 1972, and they had two sons, Alan and David.

Alan remembered a father who put his family first, taught them all about life and passed on his passions to them: “He was brilliant, he was hands-on, he would have had us out from no age.

"As a family, he always gave us the best guidance and advice to go forward with in life."

His daughter-in-law, Ruth added: “He would have done anything for Carole and the boys, everything was for family, and myself and Melissa [David’s wife] would say the same.”

Alan added: “He was a caring man, the grandchildren were cared for the same. The children would have been out with the dogs.”

The family said they will miss him and remember him as “the life and soul of the party”.

A joiner by trade, he worked briefly in Sheridans and Sons and with the Western Education Library Board before turning his hand to the restoration of furniture and later antique sales while farming a suckler herd.

Mr. Robinson established Drumduff antiques which was based out of a converted barn beside his farmhouse. The barn was highly regarded as a treasure trove of beautifully crafted antiques, each telling a tale of times gone by.

He was diagnosed with cancer in January 2021 but worked in the business and on the farm until he entered the hospital several weeks ago.

Outside of work, Mr. Robinson had a great passion and interest in field sports, particularly enjoying hunting, fishing and shooting. A passion he later passed on to his sons, Alan and David.

His son, Alan added: “All of the family learnt from him.”

A passion in life was working dogs, Mr. Robinson kept a variety of breeds including Lakeland and Patterdale Terriers, Lurchers, and Labradors.

One proud achievement for him and his family was in 1985 when he won the British Field Sports Society Champion Terrier with his dog, Sam.

Other interests included the Orange Order, Mr. Robinson was a past master of LOL362 and a past master of Glenawley District No. 8. Due to ill health, 2024 was the first year that Mr. Robinson ever missed a Twelfth of July, his family said.

The funeral of Raymond Robinson took place on July 19 at Drumduff Methodist Church, following the funeral, Mr. Robinson was laid to rest in the churchyard of Cleenish Parish Church. The funeral service was conducted by Rev. Gregg Alexander.

He is survived by his wife, Carole; sons Alan (Ruth) and David (Melissa), his five grandchildren, his sister Letta and the family circle.