Bert Johnston MBE: Funeral details confirmed for 'devoted husband' and ‘tremendous representative’
Funeral details have been confirmed for “Mr Ballinamallard” following the death of former DUP councillor Bert Johnston MBE.
The well-known Co Fermanagh businessman and councillor died on Sunday at the South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen.
Mr Johnston served as a councillor for Erne North for almost four decades and was the last Chairman of Fermanagh District Council prior to its 2015 merger with Omagh District Council, which led to the formation of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.
Mr Johnston was also well known in business circles in Ballinamallard, where he founded and operated Johnston’s Upholstery Service until his retirement.
He received an MBE for his services to the community in 2011.
A death notice reads: “Devoted husband of Olive, dearly loved father of Mark and Paul (Jolene) and a much-loved grandfather of Luke, Jessica and Lottie; dear brother of Arthur, Derek, Florence and the late Noreen, Kenneth and Noel.”
A Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Bert will take place in Irvinestown Independent Methodist Church on Wednesday, February 18 at 1pm. Furthermore, the cortege will pass through Ballinamallard village at 11.45am followed by burial in Sydare Cemetery.
Friends and neighbours are welcome to call and meet the family in Ballycassidy House, Funeral Home, 101 Killadeas Road Enniskillen, BT94 2ES, on Tuesday, February 17 between 4-7pm.
A sea of tributes were paid to Mr Johnston as Fermanagh and South Tyrone DUP MLA Deborah Erskine said how he had “a genuine heart for the people he served” and that “he was Mr Ballinamallard” to many people.
DUP Chairman Lord Morrow of Clogher Valley, added: “Bert served the DUP from its very beginnings and remained steadfast in his commitment throughout his life. He was a man of strong Christian faith, which guided both his politics and his care for others.
“His loyalty, integrity and service will not be forgotten, and my thoughts and prayers are with Olive, his sons Mark and Paul, and the rest of his family at this difficult time.”
Meanwhile, former DUP councillor Raymond Farrell expressed how Mr Johnston “gave everything he had to serving others right to the end” and that “we are the poorer for his passing.”
Writing on X, Lord Weir said of Mr Johnston: “He was a great character, lovely man and a tremendous representative.”