Mr Ben Dickson

MR Benjamin McIlwrath Dickson, who passed away peacefully in Fishbourne House on February 1, was the youngest of four sons born to the late Bob and Lily Dickson, of Elmgrove Farm, Spa, Ballynahinch.

Ben, who was predeceased by his brother, Harper, in July 2002, grew up on the family farm and on leaving school his first job was on Mr William McCoubrey’s dairy farm.

After a year Ben commenced his apprenticeship as a joiner with Fairly Brothers, Builders, His skills can be seen in many local buildings in the district, most notably in the sanctuary extension and additional wing at Ballynahinch Congregational Church on the matching oak beam and herring bone pine ceilings.

In the late 1970s Ben’s working career took a new direction when he opened his greengrocery business in Dromore Street, Ballynahinch. He worked hard, serving the community for 14 years until he was overtaken by 

failing eyesight and ill health owing to diabetes.

In 1999 he had to have a kidney transplant. Over the years he lost his sight and had both legs amputated. It is believed that he was the longest surviving transplant recipient in Northern Ireland.

Ben was a member of Spa Accordion Band for 25 years and was also a member of Spa LOL 620 and Ballynahinch RBP 103.

In spite of his health difficulties, Ben had a strong and unshakeable faith in his Saviour, having trusted the Lord as a teenager during a mission in the local area. He bore his illness with great fortitude and never complained about his condition.

The high esteem in which Ben was held was evident by the large attendance at his funeral service on Saturday, February 4, in Ballynahinch Congregational Church, of which he was a member and attended faithfully while his health permitted.

The service was conducted by the Rev Victor Neill, church minister. A poem was read by his niece, Miss Ruth Dickson, and Mr Trevor Crothers gave a fitting tribute on behalf of the family. Joyce Bell and Rosemary Cowan sang a duet entitled ‘Sheltered in the arms of God.’ The organist was Ben’s cousin, Mrs Elsie Crothers.

Ben is survived by his brothers, Wilbert and Neil, sisters-in-law Isobel, Shirley and Wilhelmina, nieces, nephews and the wider family circle, who will all miss him greatly.

His remains were laid to rest in the Dickson family plot in Edengrove Presbyterian Graveyard.