Jim Armitage, director of Monaghan Brothers garage said George Wilson was part of the family
THE joint director of Monaghan Bros, the Lisnaskea-based Ford and Hyundai dealership where an employee, George Wilson, died in a freak accident on Saturday last, told the Herald that his death was ‘just like the loss of a family member’.
Jim Armitage, who co-manages the firm with his son, John, was clearly upset as he took the phone call at his home nearby.
An emotional Mr Armitage spoke about what Mr Wilson meant to all his workmates at Monaghans.
“He will be a big loss. We are a family up there, not just employer and employees. Everybody is part of a family. George’s death is the loss of a family member, but we will just have to try and pick it up and go on.”
As a mark of respect, Monaghan Bros will not re-open until tomorrow, Thursday.
On Monday evening, all staff members, and management, formed a guard of honour all the way from the firm’s body shop near the Brookeborough Road roundabout to the garage and showroom at Drumhaw.
Asked about Mr Wilson’s importance to the company, Mr Armitage said the deceased was ‘exceptional’, and crucial to the success of the company, just like all staff members.
“Everybody is crucial, from the man who sweeps up the floor right up to myself and John. They are all part of the business and it doesn’t matter what they do, they are all treated the same. I could not separate them.”
Through the Herald, Mr Armitage thanked everyone for their support in a difficult time.
“It’s all I can do, it’s all we can do. We all appreciate the help and assistance that people are giving us.”
Mr Wilson’s funeral service takes place this morning, Wednesday, at 11 o’clock in St Mary’s Church, Newtownbutler.
He was employed by Monaghan Bros car valet.
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