The late Bob Carson An era has ended with the death of Mr Bob Carson, aged in his 90th year, and who resided at Banbrook Hill in the city. He had been in failing health for a short time and died at Craigavon Hospital on Thursday, 1st July. Bob in his long and meaningful life, had become an institution, everybody knew him and he certainly knew everybody. His funeral was one of the largest locally for some time and fittingly so, for Bob never missed a funeral. A strong robust and sturdy man, he was known as Big Bob, his massive frame and incredible strength gaining him notoriety. When a neighbour needed something heavy shifted or moved, Bob Carson was invariably called upon. He came from Lower Irish Street, born on September 11, 1914 to Anne and Owen Carson. He had two brothers Jim and Nean and three sisters, Ettie, Ellie and Annie, who all predeceased him. Bob may have been born in the "upper end" of the city, but he lived most of his life in the "lower end". He had an unfailing love for Irish Street and it's people and when St Patrick's Cathedral was closed for renovations, he took great pride in attending Mass and ceremonies in St. Malachy's, in the street where he was born and reared. Bob went to both the Convent and Christian Brothers primary schools and his classmates included PJ Toner, Paddy Hamill, Gerry Hicks and Hugh Shields, who all made their mark in life. It was the hungry thirties and those unthinkable depression years when Bob started searching for work and his first jobs were on relief schemes and working in the Low Mill at Drumcairne. He got his first steady employment with a local haulage firm, McAnerney Bros and later went to work for the Ulster Transport Authority (UTA), retiring in 1968. He then became caretaker of St. Patrick's Hall (The Parochial Hall) in Armagh and always enthused that those years were among the happiest of his life. It was the showband era, when all the big bands came to Armagh and Bob got to know and became friends with the leading lights in the business. He was a devout Catholic and exceptional parish activist. He was the last of the church stewards formed in 1935 for the opening of St Malachy's Church and which later became known as the Cathedral stewards. He also stewarded at dances in the City Hall and Parochial Hall and at football matches in the old gaelic field. One look at Big Bob and you knew not to cross him. He gained several recognitions for his marvellous contribution to parish and community life. These included the Beni-Mereti Medal received from the Pope, for his services to the church, a special Pioneer award from the Armagh Diocesan PTAA and the Boy Scouts of Ireland Merit Ward acknowledging all his good work for this particular organisation. Bob was a man of sterling qualities, exceptionally highly revered. Throughout his life he had displayed an unobtrusive concern for people including the sick and in particular, those less fortunate in our society. Through his involvement with work, parish, community and the GAA, he contributed in large measure, and through such many and varied interests he continually inspired those around him. He will be remembered with fondness, affection and respect. His heart was in Armagh and for the generations that he had lived among there is little need to enter into profound description of his character. Among them will be few who have not enjoyed a wave, a greeting, a personal word, from this humble and so very human man. He was an integral part of the community and so much admired for his sincerity, warmth and humour. His openness of mind and heart will not easily be forgotten. A lifelong Pioneer and non-smoker, Bob was never a killjoy, gloomy or dictatorial person. His motto was invariably live and let live. He enjoyed the craic. Central to his whole life was his great love for his large family. They were always his major consideration. It is impossible to appreciate the great loss which they now bear but their memories of him are good and plentiful and this should help in some way to console them. His children, each and every one of them absolutely adored him and always spoke of him as 'ma da'. Bob was a great Irishman. He often talked about remembering Michael Collins coming to Armagh and giving an address in the old seminary field. He was also an avid GAA supporter going back to the days of Young Irelands which included his boyhood idols, Jim McCullagh, Joe Houlahan and Fr. Jackie Reid. He had an outstanding memory and know the history of the GAA in Armagh city inside out. His dream was to live to see Armagh win the Sam Maguire, that dream came true in 2002, and it goes without saying that Bob died a happy and contented man. Many a time he remarked when walking after the remains of a friend or neighbour, "will we ever live to see Sam, there's another away without seeing him." For those who were privileged to come into close contact with Bob, and there were many, they realised that his external cheerfulness was but a reflection of the character of the man. His widely mourned passing brings to a sad end a very active life, in which he was called upon to fulfil a variety of responsible offices. Bob had been married for well over 60 years to the former Miss Roseanne Burns from County Fermanagh, who predeceased him seven years ago. They were the perfect match and had eleven children, six girls and five boys. Their son Jim died eleven years ago. Bob's remains were removed from his late residence to St. Patrick's Catherdral, Armagh, on Saturday evening last. The cortege was led by a Lone Piper and accompanied by a Guard of Honour marshalled by Mr Malachy Toal. Requiem Mass was celebrated on Sunday morning at 11 o'clock by Very Reverend Padraig Murphy, Administrator, assisted by Very Reverend Terence Harrington, CAP Order. Burial followed in St. Patrick's Cemetery. As the coffin was being lowered in the grave, a Lone Piper played the Minstrel Boy. So it is with great heaviness of heart that to Bob Carson we say, "Thank you for all your kindness, your consideration, your energy and your services; for we are surely better people for having known you and may the green sod of your native and beloved Armagh rest gently upon you." To his sorrowing family Jackie (Donaghmore), Assumpta McTaggart (Armagh), Brigid Shaw (Armagh), Michael (Armagh), Peter (Armagh), Joseph Harrington (Chester), Rosemary Graham (Armagh), Margaret Clements (Armagh), Paul (Armagh) and Cora McLaughlin (Benburb), grandchildren, great grandchildren, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins and large family circle deepest sympathy is extended Courtesy of the Armagh Observer July 2004 Tweet

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