The late Whitten Gill

The death took place on Friday, August 21, of Robert Whitten Gill, Beechville, Rathcabbin.

Whitten passed away peacefully, in the care of the Midlands Regional Hospital, Tullamore. Although he didn’t enjoy good health for some time, his last illness was short and unexpected, coming as a shock to his family.

Born and raised in Ross in 1949, the youngest of three born to John and Norah, Whitten attended Portland National School in Lorrha for a number of years, but due to decreasing numbers, the school was forced to close and he then completed his primary education in Birr. He progressed to Wesley College in Dublin but didn’t settle there and after one year he returned to complete his secondary education in Birr Vocational school. Farming with his father at Ross gave him a great foundation for when he acquired his own farm in the early 1980s where he kept horses, cattle and sheep. He loved farming and worked hard on the land. He was also well-known through his digger hire business, which brought him in contact with many.

As a young man, he loved cars and was a member of the Birr Motor Club for many years.

He was passionate about the upkeep of Dorrha Church in Rathcabbin and as well as organising work on the grounds, the grass cutting and maintenance, securing the derelict structure of the old ruined church in the grounds, he also organised fundraising, mostly at his own house and with the help and support of his wife and family, for vital repairs to the church.

Whitten was a gentleman who was highly respected and much admired for his kind and helpful nature to his neighbours, where he was always willing to help out if the need arose. No matter how busy, he was always very friendly and had time to chat with people. He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew and came in contact with him, but in particular by his wife and family.

Predeceased by his parents John and Norah, Whitten was the much loved husband of Linda, father of Fiona, Sharon, David, Trevor, Stephen, Andrew, and Kristina. Deeply missed by his daughters and sons-in-law, his fifteen grandchildren, brother Henry and sister Myrtle, extended family, neighbours and friends to whom sympathy is offered.

Whitten’s remains were removed from his home on Sunday, August 23, to St Brendan's Church of Ireland, Birr for funeral service and burial took place afterwards in Clonoghill Cemetery, Birr. May he rest in peace.