Gabriel Hassard,

Enniskillen

Family, friends, and the entire business community in Enniskillen have been deeply saddened by the death of Gabriel Hassard, who died suddenly at his home in Killynure Gardens.

Gabriel, who was 69, is immediately survived by his wife Maureen (Mary) nee Curran, and their three children, Eugene, Kieran, and Roisin.

At a young age Gabriel began his career training as a barber with James Campbell in East Bridge Street in Enniskillen. Gabriel and Maureen then spent a number of years working in London, before returning to Enniskillen where he took up his post at Scissors barber shop on Belmore Street.

It was here on Belmore Street, that Gabriel found his true calling. A familiar figure standing at the railings outside his shop, Gabriel was always ready to stop and have a chat with whoever may have passed his way. Friends, strangers, and many visitors to the town, regularly had their day brightened as they made their way along Belmore Street.

In his 33 years at Scissors, Gabriel also found himself as something of an unofficial tourist guide, regularly directing people to the best place to find a bed, have a meal, or go for a drink. On many occasions, the same tourist, pleased with his advice, would return to Belmore Street to thank Gabriel for his direction.

Gabriel was the epitome of the phrase 'a people's person'. He loved nothing more than to have a good old chat, and his warm, engaging personality, meant he connected with young and old alike.

Apart from his family, Gabriel's other passion in life was playing golf, and he looked forward every week, to attending Enniskillen Golf Club to play with the EGG club.

Throughout his life Gabriel took a very active interest in his local community. He was a founding member of the Golden Age Club, and had held the position of Chairman with the Club for the last number of years. He was also very involved, and took great pride in the work of Enniskillen Credit Union.

As a young man Gabriel developed a love for music and dancing. In earlier years he had been a member of St Michael's Choir, and in later years always maintained an interest in a wide variety of music – whatever could set his foot tapping.

Since his passing many have commented Gabriel's death marks the end of an era, particular for Belmore Street, where the great art of stopping to pass the time of day was borne out daily by him. As a mark of respect many of the businesses on Belmore Street closed their shutters as his funeral cortège moved from St Michael's Church to Brendrum Cemetery.

Gabriel is further survived by his grandchildren, his brothers Sean and Vincent, and his sisters Loretta and Regina. He was predeceased by his parents, Mary and Thomas, and his brother Hugh.

Month's Mind Mass for Gabriel will take place on Monday 14 August at 7pm, in St Michael's Church, Enniskillen.