A founder member of Ballycassidy Sawmills Ltd in 1962, he dedicated himself to the timber industry and guided the company into the entity it is today, Balcas Timber Ltd.

Late of the Dublin Road in Enniskillen died in the South West Acute Hospital last week after a short illness.

In the past decade he saw the company diversify into renewable energy. As one of the largest producers of biomass wood pellets in Britain and Ireland, Balcas has been involved in promoting renewable heat programmes to customers. 

George led the growth and development of Balcas during its formative years, stepping down in 1988. However he continued to work until the early 2000’s.

His legacy to the county and further afield is enormous. The business now employs 380 people directly, one of the biggest employers in the county, and a similar number indirectly.

A post on the company’s facebook site described George as ‘the epitome of a gentleman’. 

“Those of us that had the pleasure and honour of working for or with him will remember his decency and humanity, his fantastic sense of humour, and his great wisdom,” it said.

He is survived by his wife Betty and sons David, Ernest and Andrew.

A service at Ballycassidy House Funeral Home yesterday, Tuesday, was followed by a private family burial.