Mr. Trevor Hill Mercer

MR. Trevor Hill Mercer, the familiar face of Hillmount Nursery Centre, Upper Braniel Road, Gilnahirk, for more than 70 years, has passed peacefully away at the age of 82.

Suppliers, customers, staff and family of the late Mr Mercer have paid tribute to the driving force behind the family business and a book of condolence has already been filled at Hillmount.

Trevor, who had a holiday home in Strangford, has been described by those who knew him as a true gentleman in every sense of the word. He was also charming, reliable and generous. Always making time for the customers at Hillmount and, as man of action, he often took it upon himself to do thoughtful and practical things to help others.

Trevor loved his daily routine at the shop and was very proud of all that he and his family have achieved at Hillmount Nursery Centre.

Born in Hillhall on August 4, 1930, Trevor and his parents moved to Lo-mond Avenue where his mother ran a grocery shop. In 1940, his father bought a small holding in the Gilnahirk Hills which was to become Hillmount Nursery Centre.

After leaving school at the age of 14 he worked in Jameson Green, Harland & Wolff and S. D. Bells. He married his wife, Pamela, in 1952. The couple moved into Hillmount Cottage which had no electric or running water.

In 1962 Trevor took over the Hillmount business from his brother John. With the help of Pamela and his father, he turned a small nursery into the centre it is today.

Trevor and Pamela, who passed away in 1991, had one son, Robin, who was born in 1954. When Robin married Edith in 1975, they began to expand the business and also had three sons — Alan, David and Andrew.

When Alan was born, Pamela opened the first cafe at Hillmount known as The Coffee Cabin’ and family man Trevor spent every Monday night with his grandchildren when they were growing up.  He was very proud of them and inspired them all in many ways.  

Trevor took great pleasure in seeing his friends, staff and customers every day. A man of great integrity, Trevor was a friend to many people and had morals and principles that have inspired everyone around him to become better.

In recent years he became a best friend to Brenda and beloved grandfather figure to Brenda’s children and grandchildren. In the last few months Trevor was cared for at the Ulster Hospital.

He was laid to rest in Gilnahirk Presbyterian churchyard on Boxing Day.