For the first time in 57 years, Rev. Isobel Nixon finds herself without her husband.

The silence now fills the space where their laughter once echoed, the warmth of his presence replaced by an aching emptiness. Every room is a reminder of him — the wooden tables and lamps crafted with his own hands, each telling the story of a man who built more than just a house.

Albert Nixon, a dedicated and inspiring science teacher, passed away last Thursday (September 25) in South West Acute Hospital peacefully. He was 89.

For almost 20 years, from 1981 to 1999, Mr. Nixon shaped young minds at Enniskillen High School, leaving an indelible mark on generations of students. His legacy lives on in the lives of those he taught — students who remember not just the lessons in science and golf, but the warmth, patience, and passion with which he shared his knowledge. Yet, his influence stretched far beyond the classroom, as his teaching career took him to distant lands, enriching communities and inspiring young people across the globe.

Mr. Nixon grew up in Newtownbutler attending the local school and later travelling to Portora Royal School by train. Following his education at Stranmillis College and some years teaching in Belfast, he decided to travel to Zambia, Africa, where he trained teachers in Kitwe and then in Muffaliero.

It was the experience of teaching in Africa that sparked a connection with another young teacher, Isobel, who would later become his wife. When they met, she had also taught in Africa but in a different part of the continent. Together, they shared a full and fascinating life.

Rev. Isobel Nixon (Image: John McVitty)

Remembering their early life together, she paid tribute to her husband: “We met in Belfast. He was home on leave from Africa prior to going out to the Solomons. I had done a couple of years at home and was going abroad again as well. Then we met, got married, and went out to the Solomons.”

“Albert taught at KGVI, King George the Sixth Secondary School in the Solomon Islands for ten years.

“When he returned to teaching at home, children wanted to hear about his time abroad. Some of the men and women at the service on Saturday recalled the stories he told them about his travels and work.”

At the end of each semester, the students returned home, and Mr. Nixon was in charge of their travel arrangements. Often, he and his wife accompanied students to some of the most remote islands in the region.

Rev. Nixon explained: “We were there for ten years and came home every two years on leave, travelling to outlandish places like Afghanistan, Thailand, Bolivia, Japan and Sri Lanka. There was no tourism as such at that time — you were able to experience the true culture of the different countries.”

Mr. Nixon developed a passion for golf, earning a 12 handicap while in the Solomons. Golf remained a lifelong interest, and the couple enjoyed playing at local courses, including Enniskillen Golf Club, Blacklion Golf Club, Murvagh Golf Club, and Lough Erne Golf Resort.

Mr. Nixon is remembered by former Enniskillen High School students as a “dedicated” and “inspiring” teacher. He primarily taught science and occasionally religious education. “He took this very seriously and was always well-prepared for his lessons,” said Rev. Nixon.

The high esteem in which he was held was evident in the number of former colleagues and students who attended his removal and funeral at Rossorry Parish Church.

A handyman throughout his life, Mr. Nixon had a great talent for woodwork, demonstrated by pieces that adorn his home. He attended cookery and pottery classes in Fermanagh College and latterly taking part in art class in Rossorry Parish Hall.

Prior to his death, Mr. Nixon spent time in Ward Nine at South West Acute Hospital. Despite his illness, he maintained a positive spirit, welcoming visitors with his characteristic smile.

Rev. Nixon thanked those who cared for her husband during his illness, stating: “The medical and nursing staff were excellent, very caring and compassionate.”

Mr. Nixon was a dedicated churchgoer all his life, serving on the Select Vestry of three parishes: Letter, Cleenish, and Rossorry. The couple worshipped at Rossorry from 1994 following the ordination of Rev. Nixon. Mr. Nixon was involved in parish life, serving on the counting team and joining the choir.

In his funeral address on Saturday, September 29, the Church of Ireland Bishop of Clogher, Right Rev. Dr. Ian Ellis, who conducted the funeral, told mourners: “In the few days following his death, the most common word people used to remember Albert was ‘a gentleman’.

“He had all the graces of a gentle person – a pleasant nature, dignified, and courteous in his way with people.”

Funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. Keith Elliott of W.T. Morrison Funeral Directors.