TRAGIC.. Jamie Nelson who tragically died last week
THE HEARTBROKEN parents of a 21-year-old veterinary student who was killed in a car collision last week have spoken of the void that has been left in the family and how their son touched the hearts of everyone he met.
Jamie Nelson’s devastated parents, Raymond and Valerie, paid a heartfelt tribute to their eldest son who died following the collision on the A4 Road near Brookeborough last Wednesday morning.
Speaking from their home in Roslea, his family members spoke of the student’s love of animals, his dedication to his community and his passion for sport.
The family has been flooded with cards and visitors after the death of the popular student who was in his second year of studying Veterinary Medicine at the University of Glasgow.
Jamie’s mother, Valerie told the Fermanagh Herald: “He supported everyone in life and always gave time to others who may have struggled, he was so good natured.
“He was so witty and sarcastic and was always taking the hand out of everybody. He touched everyone’s hearts. If everyone in the world was like Jamie, it would be a great place.”
His grieving father recalled the last time he saw and spoke to his son.
“I got up that morning and he was sitting at the table eating his breakfast and he then grabbed his coat and his lunch box and I said to him to watch the roads, and he said, “sure I always do” and those were his last words to me.
“About an hour and a half later, a knock came to the door and the policeman asked if we owned a grey i30 and if I had a son called Jamie and I said yes, and he asked if he was wearing a Glasgow top before he left the house and I said yes. That’s when he took his cap off and said that he had been involved in an accident.”
The emotional father spoke of how his son excelled at both Lisnaskea High School and then Portora Royal where he studied for his A-Levels.
He was a sibling to two sisters and three brothers and was a member of the Shankill LOL 664 Order, Clogh, and a member of the local Royal Black Preceptory, and member of a flute band.
“He dedicated his whole time to that band, even when he was away he was still playing away,” he added.
“The hardest part now is trying to get over his death.”
Jamie was very active in his community and was a member of a host of groups, including Clogh Hall Committee, Clogh Bowling Club, Lough Erne Amateur Radio Club as well as a rifle club in Glasgow.
His funeral service was held at the Holy Trinity Parish Church in Clogh and attended by hundreds of mourners, including his Glasgow university friends. The service was followed by burial in the adjoining churchyard.
His mother added: “Even though he was studying in Glasgow he never forgot his roots here. The principal of Lisnaskea High School, David Rees, spoke really highly of him at the service. They got on so well.”
Jamie’s uncle, Tommy, who he was very close to, also paid tribute to a “much loved nephew”.
“For anyone that met him all say that he left a mark and those who heard about him said he would have turned out to be an brilliant vet.
“He was a much loved nephew, loved by all his aunts, uncles and family members, anyone who met him, he left a mark on him.
“He was a pusher and encouraged others to achieve more. He was never any trouble to his family, he’s left a void here that will never be filled.”
Donations were made to Cancer Connect and Bright Eyes – two charities close to Jamie’s heart.
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