Noel Johnston of Crom Castle RMG14
THE COMMUNITY of Fermanagh has been left shocked and saddened following the sudden death of Noel Johnston.
The former manager at Crom Castle West Wing and married father-of-three Mr Johnston, of Derrybrusk, Tamlaght, passed away on Friday morning past.
Following his death tributes have poured in for the well-known figure, who was involved in a number of organisations in the county and was a keen charity fundraiser.
John Boyd, who knew Noel a lifetime, first meeting him at Lisnaskea High School, paid tribute to a real character, who “doted” on his family.
“Noel was a character and as I said many times he would have given you the bite out of his mouth, his last penny in his pocket and even on a bad day the minute you saw him you just burst out laughing at him. There was just that character about him.”
Known for his big smile, ‘Hank’ as he was called by many, was a real family man as John explained.
“He doted on them, you wouldn’t be into a conversation when he’d be chatting about Ashley or one of them, how they’re doing, stuff like that. He was a pure family man.”
He continued: “It is a very, very big loss, he was just one of those characters that will never be forgotten, he will always be on your mind. There’s nothing that wouldn’t trigger your mind about Hank.”
A prominent member of the Orange Order where he served as deputy district master in Newtownbutler and as secretary of Crom Castle LOL 1219 Noel is fondly remembered by County grandmaster Stuart Brooker.
“Noel was a great guy, he was a valued member of the institution in the county and a very proactive and committed member. He will be missed.
“He achieved a lot for the institution in recent years, one of the things he took the lead on was the Cuilcagh walk in 2014. That raised in excess of £10,000 for charity and he was the main driver behind that. I think that will really be part of his legacy.”
First Minister Arlene Foster was another who paid a heartfelt tribute to Mr Johnston.
“Words cannot express how sorry I am with the news of Noel Johnston’s death. The last time I was chatting to him was at the Orange awards in Enniskillen a couple of weeks ago and he was in good form; but today he has left this mortal life.”
She added: “To his mum, wife, boys and sisters I say be very proud of someone who was a good man.”
Lord Erne John Crichton, who along with his late father, worked with Noel for over 10 years expressed his condolences on behalf of the Crom Castle West Wing.
“We are all deeply saddened and shocked at the recent news that our manager Noel Johnston has sadly passed away. Noel started the business with my late father and myself in 2004 and was a huge part in growing and running the business and all that went on here.
“He was an excellent manager and all who met him will remember him for his warm hospitality, sense of humour and dedication.”
Noel was the husband of Amanda, father of Ashley, Jamie and Luke, son of Violet and the late David and brother of Betty, Joan, Caroline and Cynthia
His largely attended funeral service was held on Tuesday in Lisbellaw Parish Church and was followed by interment in Derryvullan South Parish Churchyard, Tamlaght
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