Tributes are being paid to businessman Bernard Dillon who passed away earlier today.
Mr Dillon helped run the family supermarket, Dillon Brothers, on Letterkenny’s Main Street.
Originally from County Roscommon, Bernard made the Cathedral Town his home and made a huge contribution to everyday life there.
He was a huge driving force behind Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce after helping to form the organisation in 1965 and remaining as a member right up until his sad passing.
The Letterkenny Chamber this evening paid an emotional tribute to the man who always put Letterkenny first.
Bernard is survived by wife Brid and his grown-up children Kieran, Bronagh and Sinead.
His funeral takes place this Thursday at St Eunan’s Cathedral.
The following is the tribute from Letterkenny Chamber.
“We, the Letterkenny Chamber Council, and staff, past and present, are very saddened to hear about the death of our esteemed colleague and founding member Bernard Dillon.
“Bernard was made an Honorary Member of the Chamber in 1997, when he retired from the family business, the famous Dillon Brothers Supermarket on Main St. Letterkenny and he remained on the Chamber Council until very recently. No person is more deserving of the Honorary Member accolade than this gentleman.
“59 years service to any organisation is a remarkable achievement, but when you give your time and expertise for free then it is pure selflessness. When Bernard decided to get involved in the founding of the very first Chamber of Commerce in Letterkenny, little did he think 59 years later that he’d still be at the heart of the business organisation.
“Bernard attended the inaugural meeting of the Chamber in Spring 1965 at the old Literary Institute – where the library is located now. He had great foresight back then and realised that a Chamber of Commerce in Letterkenny would serve the town well into the future. Despite the fact that he was busy with the supermarket, he wanted to commit to the Chamber and to ensure that it became part of the commercial development of Letterkenny.
“His energy, business acumen and determination were invaluable traits that he brought to the Chamber and the organisation’s success today is in no small part due to Bernard. Asked how he motivated the business people of the town to join the new Chamber, Bernard says it was hard to sell this new idea. However through his enthusiasm and the respect that other business people held for him ensured that Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce grew and is now a thriving organisation.
“Bernard served as Chamber President in 1970 and until this year (2024) he was still regularly attending monthly Chamber Council meetings, where his opinions were always well regarded. He was heavily involved particularly in The St.Patrick’s Day Parade acting as our Judging Panel Chair for many years, a job that he took very seriously. Bernard was always first to book for the Annual Gala Ball and never missed a Christmas Lights switch on.
“Bernard attended the 2023 AGM with the same enthusiasm and his broad smile. Members of the Chamber Council over all these years, new and old, have always held him in the highest regard. Along with other business people it was with foresight that he founded Letterkenny Chamber and his dedication, interest and enthusiasm for the Chamber and for the town of Letterkenny that he loved so much, never waned.
“We offer our heartfelt sympathy to his wife Brid, children, Ciarán, Bronagh and Sinead and all his family. He will be missed and fondly remembered by everyone associated with Letterkenny Chamber past and present and by all who knew him. May he Rest in Peace.”
Funeral details
Late of Glenview, Ballyraine, Letterkenny, (F92 AP2H), 16th September 2024, peacefully, surrounded by his devoted family in the special care of the Donegal Hospice.
Deeply regretted and forever missed by his loving wife, Brid, son Ciarán (Jacqui), daughters, Bronagh & Sinead (Gráinne), granddaughter, Aoife (Graham), great-granddaughter, Fíadh, nieces, nephews and extended family, friends and neighbours.
Reposing at his late residence on Tuesday 17th and Wednesday 18th September from 1 pm to 9 pm each day. Rosary on both nights at 9 pm.
Removal from his late residence on Thursday 19th September to St. Eunan’s Cathedral for 11 am Requiem Mass which can be viewed live on www.churchservices.tv/letterkenny followed by burial in Conwal Cemetery.
Family time please on the morning of the funeral.
