MR FRED WHITE - AN APPRECIATION
MR FRED WHITE - AN APPRECIATION
Fred White and his son, Bryan, who were murdered in Omagh on August 15 were two decent honourable Ulstermen who believed that Ulster's best interests were served by remaining firmly within the United Kingdom.
Both were lifelong members of the Ulster Unionist Party. Prior to moving into the town in 1990, Fred was active in the Clanabogan branch of the Party. Shortly after moving into Omagh, Fred joined Omagh Unionist Association and soon became treasurer.
After suffering illness on August 14, 1989 Fred had taken early retirement from his job in the accounts department of the Western Education and Library Board in Omagh.
His professional occupation made him ideally suited to act as treasurer. He was soon organising district collections and canvasses of the town and had the financial affairs of the association meticulously organised, as only Fred could.
His son, Bryan, on completing his university studies in England returned home to his native Tyrone.
Unlike so many of his contemporaries, Bryan had a deep love of his country and the Unionist cause, and when he returned to Omagh he joined the local Unionist Association.
Both Whites, father and son were active Unionists, in their community. At local government and Westminster Elections Fred and Bryan actively worked for the party, canvassing doors, manning the booths and ensuring that the elderly and infirm were transported to the polling stations.
Fred was especially delighted last year with the election of William Thompson as West Tyrone's first MP, as he had played a leading role in the election campaign for Omagh town.
Outside politics, Fred White served his community in other areas. He and his son were staunch members of Fireagh Orange Lodge and were keenly interested in supporting their lodge and keeping Fireagh Hall in good order. If volunteers were needed, the Whites were always at the front of the queue.
Fred also served his church at Creevan over many years as Treasurer and along with his family was always a faithful member of the congregation.
A big hobby for Fred and Bryan was horticulture. Indeed, Bryan was about to start work at Omagh Council as a horticulturalist just prior to his murder. In all these ways Fred and Bryan White played a positive role in the community in which they lived.
The unionists of Omagh will miss an organiser, a worker, a staunch and sincere friend, a man who used his common sense and played a pivotal role. They can only cherish the memories.
To Edith, Linda, Bobby and Betty and the entire family circle we can only offer our condolences and thank God for the life and witness of two fine Ulstermen.
J.H.
Fred White and his son, Bryan, who were murdered in Omagh on August 15 were two decent honourable Ulstermen who believed that Ulster's best interests were served by remaining firmly within the United Kingdom.
Both were lifelong members of the Ulster Unionist Party. Prior to moving into the town in 1990, Fred was active in the Clanabogan branch of the Party. Shortly after moving into Omagh, Fred joined Omagh Unionist Association and soon became treasurer.
After suffering illness on August 14, 1989 Fred had taken early retirement from his job in the accounts department of the Western Education and Library Board in Omagh.
His professional occupation made him ideally suited to act as treasurer. He was soon organising district collections and canvasses of the town and had the financial affairs of the association meticulously organised, as only Fred could.
His son, Bryan, on completing his university studies in England returned home to his native Tyrone.
Unlike so many of his contemporaries, Bryan had a deep love of his country and the Unionist cause, and when he returned to Omagh he joined the local Unionist Association.
Both Whites, father and son were active Unionists, in their community. At local government and Westminster Elections Fred and Bryan actively worked for the party, canvassing doors, manning the booths and ensuring that the elderly and infirm were transported to the polling stations.
Fred was especially delighted last year with the election of William Thompson as West Tyrone's first MP, as he had played a leading role in the election campaign for Omagh town.
Outside politics, Fred White served his community in other areas. He and his son were staunch members of Fireagh Orange Lodge and were keenly interested in supporting their lodge and keeping Fireagh Hall in good order. If volunteers were needed, the Whites were always at the front of the queue.
Fred also served his church at Creevan over many years as Treasurer and along with his family was always a faithful member of the congregation.
A big hobby for Fred and Bryan was horticulture. Indeed, Bryan was about to start work at Omagh Council as a horticulturalist just prior to his murder. In all these ways Fred and Bryan White played a positive role in the community in which they lived.
The unionists of Omagh will miss an organiser, a worker, a staunch and sincere friend, a man who used his common sense and played a pivotal role. They can only cherish the memories.
To Edith, Linda, Bobby and Betty and the entire family circle we can only offer our condolences and thank God for the life and witness of two fine Ulstermen.
J.H.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/0464
Published Date: 27-Aug-98
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