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A SECOND World War veteran from Omagh who died just two months after celebrating his 100th birthday has been remembered as a “cheerful family man” first and foremost.
Tommy McFarland, formerly of Johnston Park, passed away peacefully at Hillview Nursing Home on Sunday. Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, the family home and funeral were strictly private.
A service of thanksgiving for his life was held yesterday (Wednesday) in St Columba’s Parish Church, Omagh, followed by interment in Baronscourt Church graveyard, outside Newtownstewart.
The Omagh man, born and bred, was one of three brothers to serve in the Royal Navy during the 1939-45 war, while his sister Ruby joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force.
On April 11, 1945, while home on leave, Tommy married Dorothy (Dolly) Duncan in St Columba’s Church. He was later recalled to the navy during the Korean War in 1953, before being demobbed at the end of 1954.
Mr McFarland was also well-known for working at local newspaper, the Tyrone Constitution, for more than 50 years.
His son, also called Tommy, said that he would be “sorely missed” by the family.
“He and Dolly were married for 75 years. They both loved having family and friends call to keep them up-to-date with everything that was happening.
“Tommy was generous with his time to everyone, including the various organisations he was a member of.
“In the last few years his mobility was curtailed but he still enjoyed being taken to various functions and events. First and foremost, he was a cheerful family man – father, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather – and he will be sorely missed by the family.”
Upon reaching his 100th birthday in January this year, Mr McFarland received a card from the Queen and a congratulatory letter from Irish president, Michael D Higgins.
In honour of his wartime service, the current head of the Royal Navy, First Sea Lord Admiral Tony Radakin, also recorded a special video message from behind his desk in Portsmouth.
Further messages were also recorded by the Limavady branch of the Royal Naval Association, of which he is a member, as well as others from his former colleagues at the ‘Tyrone Con’.
Mr McFarland is survived by his wife, Dolly, daughter Sylvia, son Thomas, daughter-in-law Ruth, and wider family circle.
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