Tributes have been paid to a remarkable Dungannon businessman whose death has caused “much sorrow throughout the entire district and further afield”.
Former hardware and electrical store owner, Samuel ‘Sammy’ Trotter passed away peacefully at hospital on September 15 – aged 92.
He owned and managed his store ‘S. A. Trotter’ on Lower Scotch Street for almost 70 years.
In 2018 the store announced a ‘closing down’ sale to coincide with Sammy’s retirement and has been on the market ever since under the management of his beloved son, Andrew.
Sammy was a hugely influential figure in the thriving market town throughout his years in business.
Paying tribute, former Co Tyrone photojournalist and close personal friend, Richard Scott said of Sammy’s enterprise: “He opened the doors for the first time in 1959 and built up a very steady trade supplying the needs of so many, not only towns folk but also those in the agricultural industry.
“In fact, over the years he continued to progress and provided so many items, I often wondered how he kept track of them all.
“However, he was ably assisted by his family on different occasions and in particular son Andrew became involved, since school days and today still continues to ‘run the show,’ with pleasant smile.”
Richard also explained that Sammy was often assisted by his late wife, Edna – known to her friends as Val – who kept the “office running smoothly”.
Sharing a fond memory, he added: “I well remember one day when the very affable Mr Trotter spoke to me about his memories of those early times.
“He had just opened for business when a well known local farmer walked in and asked for two large potato baskets for work in the fields. Amazingly, Sammy the man, had them in stock, much to the customer’s delight. They were the very first items he sold in the shop.”
He also remarked on Sammy’s delight and “great chuckle” at seeing a bright yellow three wheeler – 1972 Reliant Regal Supervan – with the name TROTTER printed on its side, usually parked on the Cookstown Road.
The little van is famous for being driven by madcap, wheeler-dealer Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter of Trotter’s Independent Traders from hit TV show, ‘Only Fools and Horses’. Perhaps Sammy would have been a more fitting owner!
Countless others have shared their sympathies and fond memories of an incredible man who always had “Dungannon at his heart”.
One person said: “Sammy was one of Dungannon’s Statesmen. He was handsome, mannerly and offered terrific attention to all customers. He is a great loss to his family and friends. Sorry to hear of his passing.”
Others described him as a “lovely man”, a “successful and popular businessman” and “gentleman”.
One carer who had the good fortune of caring for him in his final years regarded it as her “great honour”.
Sammy was laid to rest following a very well attended funeral on September 17 at Dungannon Presbyterian Church.
A death notice described him as the loving father of Andrew, Mark, and Philip, father-in-law of Debbie, Andrea, and Ashley, much loved grandfather of Adam, Jordan, Christian, and Sophie. He was the late husband of Edna.
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