'Gentle by name and gentle by nature' hundreds attend Arthur's funeral
A giant in the world of scrap dealing, Arthur passed away aged 84 at Craigavon Hospital Wednesday April 20.
“He was Gentle by name and gentle by nature”, his family said.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAnd while he was highly respected in the world of scrap dealing having ran a business from his William St home up until 15 years ago, he was first and foremost a family man.
Indeed he had 11 children, 38 grandchildren, 100 great-grandchildren and several great great grandchildren who all adored him.
Family and friends from across the globe gathered at his home where his remains were carried on a traditional flat cart drawn by a horse.
Requiem Mass was said on Saturday at St Peter’s Church followed by his burial at St Coleman’s Cemetery.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdMr Gentle came from the ancient gypsy community and was very proud of his heritage.
He had a lifelong love for horses which he passed onto his family.
Mr Gentle was predeceased by his wife Margaret last November and was father of Bridget, Ann, Arthur, Ada, Teresa, Agnes, Linda, Caroline and Isobel and the late Freddie and Ben.
His daughter Teresa described her father as ‘a legend’.
“He was a real character and even was on TV.”
She said her father had given money to charity, attended fairs and was a good yodeller.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHis other daughter Linda said they lived at Castle Lane, Lurgan, for 45 years in mobiles and caravans.
His family explained that his family wanted for nothing.
His granddaughter Emma Creaney said: “He never had enemies, nobody ever spoke a bad word about him.
“He was a well-respected character and a gentleman.
“He would have lived in a wagon when he was a boy and when he got married he was living in a barrel-topped wagon along with his first four children.
“Then they moved into a mobile caravan.”