Tributes paid to Omagh war veteran Bob Lingwood

Tributes are being paid to Omagh war veteran Bob Lingwood who passed away today (Saturday, February 12) at the age of 103.

A larger than life and hugely popular character, Mr Lingwood who resided at Sunnycrest Gardens, was originally from London and moved to Omagh after meeting his wife Emma 50 years ago.

He served with the Royal Signals during the Second World War and in 2018 at the age of 100 received an MBE for his charity work in the community.

He had been involved in groups such as the Omagh Access Forum, Probus and Shopmobility, mostly helping people with disabilities.

He was also the owner of the former Omagh Shoe Factory on the Mountjoy Road.

Mr Lingwood also was recognised when he was chosen to carry the Olympic Torch through Omagh on its way to the London games in 2012.

Among those paying tribute following his passing were the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Errol Thompson, the Royal British Legion in Omagh, disability campaigner Dermott Devlin of My Way Access and Omagh Protestant Boys Flute Band.

Former Omagh British Legion Chairman Richard Scott MBE described the passing of Mr Lingwood as “very very sad”.

He recalled as a centenarian, the war veteran inspected the Legion parade in 2018 on the 100^th anniversary of the end of World War II which was the year he was born.

Mr Scott said, “I asked Bob to do the inspection and he was so pleased. He said it was probably the ‘honour of his life-time’ to be asked to do it.

“Bob was right to the end full of enthusiasm and spirit and vigour. He loved to connect with young people and be a positive influence in their lives. He was also a fanatical Chelsea supporter going right back to his childhood in London.

“It is very very sad he has passed away. He was a lovely man and lived such a full and wholesome life”.

Arrangements for Mr Lingwood’s funeral will be announced later.