The death took place in the Royal Victoria Hospital on Thursday last of Fermanagh DUP Councillor, Joe Dodds. He was 75 and a native of Newry. He had served for 37 years in HM Customs and Excise, taking early retirement on health grounds. He lived with his wife, Doreen (nee McMahon), a native of Brookeborough at Old Rossorry Park, Enniskillen.
They were the parents of Nigel, the newly-appointed Minister for Finance in the NI Executive and Gloria. Both attended schools in Enniskillen when their parents moved there in 1971. Mr Dodds was first elected to Fermanagh Council 15 years ago.
Speaking on behalf of the Council, the new chairman, Thomas O'Reilly stated: "We are very sorry indeed to hear of the passing of Councillor Joe Dodds and our thoughts and prayers are with Joe's family at this very sad time.
"Joe has been a very hard working and committed Councillor representing the people of Enniskillen on Fermanagh District Council since May 1993. His valued contribution will be missed from the Chamber'.
Mr Dodds' close friend, Councillor Bert Johnston (DUP) said the deceased had given unstintingly of himself to his constituents in Enniskillen: "In his prime, he made a massive contribution to the Council and its progression, all of which led to a massive betterment of the town".
He added: "More important than any of his attributes is the fact that Joe was a man of deep Christian faith and went not alone through the valley which must have been a great comfort for his family".
Speaking on behalf of Traditional Unionists, Samuel Morrison, Fermanagh Traditional Unionist Voice Chairman tendered his sincere condolences to the Dodds family on his passing.
"Mr Dodds provided many years of service to the people of Enniskillen. It is our prayer that the family will know the presence of the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort at this time".
Members of the four main political parties in the Council Chamber were represented, either at the open house wake and/or the funeral Saturday last in Bethel Free Presbyterian Church, Enniskillen where Rev John Gray brought the tribute and Rev Ian Paisley, brought the message, referring to Mr Dodds as 'my friend'.
Party colleagues were led at the funeral service by the new First Minister, Peter Robinson together with fellow Ministers, Arlene Foster and Jeffrey Donaldson. Among MLA's present were Tom Elliott and Tommy Gallagher.
The death has also taken place of John Pat Gallagher, Carran West, Garrison. He was 93 and the father of Fermanagh SDLP Councillor, Gerry who served as Council Chairman for three terms. Mr Gallagher, a farmer, had enjoyed excellent health until a few years ago.
Two weeks ago, he was admitted to the Erne hospital where he died last Saturday. He was pre-deceased by his wife, Mary Brigid 11 years ago and was the father of six, including Fr Cathal, Columban Fathers, Lima, Peru who was the principal celebrant for the funeral Mass yesterday in Mary Queen of Peace Church, Garrison.
The deceased himself was one in a family of 11 of whom six are alive, his three brothers and three sisters.
At the family's request, donations in lieu of flowers were directed through Peter Carty, the funeral undertaker to H.I.V. Prevention, Lima, Peru.
