Herbert Oscar Eric Follis had a reputation of freely giving advice on ailments human and animal. 

His colleague Paul Hughes, who worked closely with him in recent years paid tribute to Herby saying, “In this day and age when we hear of people recognised by their profession it amazed me he was never recognised for all the good work he did in the community. He was always available to talk about ailments or sick animals. 

“He was very highly thought of by his colleagues and I had a very high regard for him. Since his illness Hughes Pharmacy has been inundated by people asking about him and wellwishers. That is a mark of the esteem he was held in,” said Paul. 

From a farming community, he was brought up in the Teemore/Derrylin area and even from an early age showed a great interest in veterinary medicine. 

After receiving his early education he went to study pharmacy and continued to take a great interest in vetinerary medicine.

He graduated in 1959 from Belfast and began work in Maxwell’s Pharmacy in Belmore Street before buying it over from Billy Maxwell, continuing to run it under the same name. 

Then around 1980 it became known as Follis’, serving not only the Enniskillen community, but clients from a wide area. 

In the early 1990s the business was sold to Donaldson and Lee, although Herby continued to work in a consultancy role until it was again sold to Lloyds. 

Herby, who had a great interest in alternative remedies, herbal medicine and homeopathy continued to work for Lloyds for a short period before moving to locum work. 

Qualified to practice north and south of the border he worked for a short time in Monaghan before  taking up employment for Hughes Pharmacy in Enniskillen and later in Newtownbutler. He continued to work one day a week in Newtownbutler until late last year.

A former president of the Rotary Club and was very active in fundraising for the organisation. He also enjoyed walking and kept himself fit walking daily.

Newtownbutler GAA club offered its condolences to the family saying, “Herbie was a well known and highly respected member of the community in Newtown, since joining Hughes Pharmacy in 2009. Herbie was one of life’s gentlemen and his friendly and cheerful manner will be missed by many in the town.”

He is survived by his wife Jean and stepchild Willie and grandchildren Debbie, Ali, Jodie and Rhiannan. He also leaves a brother Harold and sister Sylvia.

The funeral service at St Macartin’s Cathedral, yesterday, Tuesday, was followed by a private cremation.