by Louise Doyle

VICTOR Fisher was remembered as a man of faith, a family man and a dedicated community stalwart at his funeral Mass yesterday.

A very well-known and hugely respected member of the community, Victor died at his home on Friday, aged 85.

In a fitting tribute, Letterkenny Rovers formed a guard of honour outside St Eunan’s Cathedral in Letterkenny to honour their Club President, a role in which Victor was proud to hold since 2023. He was a valued member of the club and committee for many years.

Former town councillors, county councillors and Donegal County Council officials were among those in attendance to bid farewell to a man who had done so much good for the town and people of Letterkenny.

Born in Ramelton, Victor and his family moved to Letterkenny when he was a young boy and he often spoke with great pride of his memories of growing up in the town where he would make such a major impact in later life.

He was a businessman, politician and active community member. Victor was a constant presence on Main Street for many years with Victor’s Gift Shop.

A Fianna Fáil councillor and a proud member of the party, Victor worked on countless local and general election campaigns and was proudly elected to Letterkenny Urban District Council on seven consecutive occasions. He was also Mayor three times.

Addressing the mourners, Monsignor Kevin Gillespie said Victor was “a fixture” in Letterkenny.

“Everybody knew Victor, all down the generations. He was a local public representative, with the emphasis on local. Through his politics and community involvement, Victor always encouraged good things for this town.

“It was Victor’s wish to have his funeral Mass here at the Cathedral, and I am glad that this could happen despite a little disorder as paint works are continuing.

“One of the most remarkable things about Victor Fisher is that he found time to do everything. For Victor, his life could be summed up through friendship – helping people when they asked for help and even when they didn’t ask for help. He took an interest in people, and in helping people, and this was a journey which led him to local representation.”

The funeral of the late Victor Fisher leaves St Eunan’s Cathedral yesterday.

Monsignor Gillespie said that during Victor’s time as a local representative, he was involved in many initiatives to help the development of business and education in the town.

“He was immensely proud of Letterkenny and everything it stood for, and the welfare of its residents.”

Mourners heard how Victor was foremost a very proud husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

“He and his wife Helen shared a close bond for 56 years.

“Railway Cottage in Rosemount was the place of Victor’s birth. He didn’t have far to go to meet Helen, who was from Rosemount Terrace.

“When his children were growing up he loved to take them to the pantomime. Victor was 100 per cent present in each part of his life.

“He was proud of his children and delighted at their marriages. He loved his grandchildren and all that they were pursuing in their young lives. He was always encouraging and positive.”

Monsignor Gillespie said Victor’s passing has been difficult for Letterkenny Rovers, who have lost so many stalwarts in recent times. He reflected on Victor’s involvement in selling tickets for Letterkenny Rovers, and also for Finn Harps. Letterkenny Rovers cancelled all club activities this weekend as a mark of respect.

The wonderful music was provided by Declan Nee and Assumpta Donaghy. Following funeral Mass, Victor was laid to rest in New Leck Cemetery.

Victor will be deeply regretted by his wife Helen (née Price), daughter, Mairead, (Jonny), sons, David (Justine), Kevin (Clara) and Barry, grandchildren, Jordan, Tori, Daragh, Luke, Renee, Rudi, Noah, Theo, Kaia Rey, Kasey Mae, great-grandson Leo, sister Eileen (Hull), in-laws, relatives, neighbours and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents George and Francis, baby brother, Terence and Carl, sisters, Isabel and Georgina.