Mr. Michael Fisher

THE death of Michael Fisher, of Ringsallin Gardens, Ballykinlar, has been mourned in Ballykinlar, Castlewellan, Downpatrick, Belfast, Draperstown, Magherafelt, Roscommon, Newcastle upon Tyne, London, Oslo, Sydney, Hartford, Connecticut, and Boston, Massachusetts.

In his short life, Michael touched the lives of many. Such was the respect, esteem and popularity he and his family are held in by others that St Patrick’s and St Joseph’s Church, Tyrella was overflowing at the requiem mass held on Thursday, February 26.

Michael was a devoted and loving fiancé, son, brother, uncle, nephew, friend and work colleague and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

He was born in Downpatrick on October 28, 1988, to Leonard and Anne Fisher, and was the youngest of four children. He attended St Joseph’s Primary School, Tyrella, followed by St Patrick’s Grammar School, Downpatrick. Thereafter, he commenced courses in East Down Institute followed by Queen’s University, Belfast.

He had spent a number of years working full-time and part-time in the Botanic Inn, in Belfast, where he was well thought of and loved by colleagues and customers alike. A glass was raised by staff and customers after the funeral.

Michael commenced working with Fujitsu in January 2014 and made a lasting impression on direct colleagues and staff on site. He had been gaining experience in all aspects of his work and was looking forward to further development and progress with the company.

Michael was an avid ‘gastronaut’. He enjoyed all aspects of cooking — shopping, preparation, cooking and eating — but probably more than anything was seeing his family and friends enjoying the food he had prepared. He took a great pride in it.

Michael was a giant of a man in all ways and at six foot ten he couldn’t fail to be noticed in any crowd — something he grew to use to his advantage.

In 2011, Michael starred in a BBC documentary about the life and times of Ireland’s 18th century giant, Charles Byrne, after being spotted by a producer in Royal Avenue, Belfast.

He had many fine qualities and all will agree that was it was rare to meet someone as genuinely liked and kind-hearted. He will be remembered as a kind, considerate, gentle, humorous and helpful gentleman. He was respected for his humour and the good feeling he could bring to a room.

Many people have been left with precious and cherished memories of Michael. Michael had an enjoyment of sports, including football and horse racing, and had in the last number of years attended Royal Ascot on an annual basis.

Michael became engaged at Christmas 2014 to Grainne and they had planned to marry in August 2016.

They were childhood sweethearts, having met when they were 16. Michael was extremely close to Grainne’s family and will be lovingly remembered by Tommy, Sarah, Thomas, Siobhan and Sean.

Michael is survived by his fianceé, Grainne, mother Anne, father Leonard, brothers Martin and Stephen, sister Catherine, sisters-in-laws Sinead and Jacqui, and 10-month-old nephew Jake.  

He will be remembered fondly by all who knew him and the memory of him will never disappear. Padre Pio pray for him.

Michael’s Month’s Mind memorial mass will take place at St Patrick’s and St Joseph’s Church, Tyrella, this Sunday, March 29, at 9.30am.