SHOP OWNER DEVASTED BY DEATH AND MAIMING OF FOUR MEMBERS OF STAFF
Shop owner devastated by death and maiming of four members of staff
Our loss is nothing compared to that suffered by their families - Tom Watterson
"WE have suffered a devastating loss with the murder and maiming of four of our staff, but it is nothing compared to the pain their own families are suffering."
Businessman Tom Watterson's words were carefully chosen this week, as part of his own personal tribute to employees of his High Street store caught up in the blast. As the shop owner prepared to attend the funerals of three members of staff, he said everyone faced a "very difficult time" when it eventually came to reopening the premises.
Mother of four, Veda Short from Beragh died alongside fellow-workers Geraldine Breslin and Ann McCombe as they enjoyed a lunch break together.
A fourth worker, Doreen Preston (50) still remains critically injured in the intensive care unit of Altnagelvin Hospital.
She was the longest serving of the four, having joined the family run business 26 years ago.
Her friend of 20 years, Mrs Short was a buyer for the hosiery department and had been looking forward to joining Mr Watterson and his wife Maretta, on a buying trip to London. She had four of a family - three daughters and one son, together with a number of grandchildren.
Geraldine Breslin lived at 24 Drumannon Close with her husband Mark and 14-year-old son Gareth. Described by local curate, Fr John Forbes as "a beautiful woman who was the salt of the earth," she had worked in Watterson's for ten years.
Ann McCombe had spent a similar spell in the ladies and gents outfitters.
She was married to Stanley, a retired electricity board employee and the couple had two sons.
This week, row upon row of floral tributes leaned against the closed shutters at Watterson's.
Many were placed there by customers whose families have shopped in the store for generations.
Messages of condolence pinned to the posies testify to the popularity of those staff members caught up in the atrocity.
We will always remember you, Ann, Vera and Geraldine.
Beautiful lives so tragically taken from us.
God only takes the best. Watterson's will never be the same again.
Speaking to the 'Herald' this week, Tom Watterson recalled the three "totally dedicated" members of staff who tragically lost their lives. And he said staff prayed for the recovery of their injured colleague.
"As a family run business, to us personally we have had four precious members taken from us" Mr Watterson said this week.
"Within the shop we were all a family in the true sense of the word. We all enjoyed each others company and worked side by side daily, to make sure the business succeeded."
The businessman added that all four casualties had been particularly suited to their daily task within the shop.
"Their sales and management skills were evident every hour of every day.
"Their interest and care for each one of us who had the privilege of working with them was outstanding and will remain a precious memory with us.
"Their interest in, and attention given to all out customers was outstanding."
Mr Watterson went on to say that the respect they enjoyed had been very evident by the outpouring of grief and sympathy which had already been expressed.
"Their knowledge of, and interest in the well-being of each customer and their families was amazing.
"They always showed care and concern for people's health and problems and loved to share their joys or successes. Our depth of sorrow and loss is beyond words."
Offering a message of comfort to Mrs Preston, he said staff prayed for her return to health and everyone looked forward to her returning to work in Watterson's in the future.
"Our sense of sorrow is only surpassed by the tragic loss and hurt felt by the families. Each one had a loving family who are now torn apart and heartbroken.
"We have lost a great team of girls who worked and laughed together and now tragically died together.
"We are devastated and our prayers are with the bereaved families at this time" added Mr Watterson.
Our loss is nothing compared to that suffered by their families - Tom Watterson
"WE have suffered a devastating loss with the murder and maiming of four of our staff, but it is nothing compared to the pain their own families are suffering."
Businessman Tom Watterson's words were carefully chosen this week, as part of his own personal tribute to employees of his High Street store caught up in the blast. As the shop owner prepared to attend the funerals of three members of staff, he said everyone faced a "very difficult time" when it eventually came to reopening the premises.
Mother of four, Veda Short from Beragh died alongside fellow-workers Geraldine Breslin and Ann McCombe as they enjoyed a lunch break together.
A fourth worker, Doreen Preston (50) still remains critically injured in the intensive care unit of Altnagelvin Hospital.
She was the longest serving of the four, having joined the family run business 26 years ago.
Her friend of 20 years, Mrs Short was a buyer for the hosiery department and had been looking forward to joining Mr Watterson and his wife Maretta, on a buying trip to London. She had four of a family - three daughters and one son, together with a number of grandchildren.
Geraldine Breslin lived at 24 Drumannon Close with her husband Mark and 14-year-old son Gareth. Described by local curate, Fr John Forbes as "a beautiful woman who was the salt of the earth," she had worked in Watterson's for ten years.
Ann McCombe had spent a similar spell in the ladies and gents outfitters.
She was married to Stanley, a retired electricity board employee and the couple had two sons.
This week, row upon row of floral tributes leaned against the closed shutters at Watterson's.
Many were placed there by customers whose families have shopped in the store for generations.
Messages of condolence pinned to the posies testify to the popularity of those staff members caught up in the atrocity.
We will always remember you, Ann, Vera and Geraldine.
Beautiful lives so tragically taken from us.
God only takes the best. Watterson's will never be the same again.
Speaking to the 'Herald' this week, Tom Watterson recalled the three "totally dedicated" members of staff who tragically lost their lives. And he said staff prayed for the recovery of their injured colleague.
"As a family run business, to us personally we have had four precious members taken from us" Mr Watterson said this week.
"Within the shop we were all a family in the true sense of the word. We all enjoyed each others company and worked side by side daily, to make sure the business succeeded."
The businessman added that all four casualties had been particularly suited to their daily task within the shop.
"Their sales and management skills were evident every hour of every day.
"Their interest and care for each one of us who had the privilege of working with them was outstanding and will remain a precious memory with us.
"Their interest in, and attention given to all out customers was outstanding."
Mr Watterson went on to say that the respect they enjoyed had been very evident by the outpouring of grief and sympathy which had already been expressed.
"Their knowledge of, and interest in the well-being of each customer and their families was amazing.
"They always showed care and concern for people's health and problems and loved to share their joys or successes. Our depth of sorrow and loss is beyond words."
Offering a message of comfort to Mrs Preston, he said staff prayed for her return to health and everyone looked forward to her returning to work in Watterson's in the future.
"Our sense of sorrow is only surpassed by the tragic loss and hurt felt by the families. Each one had a loving family who are now torn apart and heartbroken.
"We have lost a great team of girls who worked and laughed together and now tragically died together.
"We are devastated and our prayers are with the bereaved families at this time" added Mr Watterson.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/0029
Published Date: 20-Aug-98
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