Families pay tribute to loved ones killed in Cumbria
Jun 5 2010 The Journal
THE families of loved ones gunned down by Derrick Bird paid tribute to them yesterday as they struggled to come to terms with their losses.
Fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, sisters and brothers all struggled to find words to describe their feelings.
The family of pensioners Jennifer and James Jackson, who were 68 and 67 respectively, were “wonderful, quiet, loving people” who were “right at the heart“ of their community.
“Everyone here is in shock at this tragedy, trying to make sense of all that has happened. The community is close-knit and helps each other in tragedy,” they said. “Thank you for all the expressions of support that have been received and now we ask for privacy for the grieving process.”
The couple supported their local church “in many ways” and Mrs Jackson was a secretary on Haile Parochial Church Council. “She was gifted at gardening and flower arranging and gave generously of her talents,” the family said.
They were members of a nearby over-60s group and would support events held in the village hall.
Kenneth Fishburn, one of the oldest victim of the shootings, served in the Army for 25 years before joining the UN peacekeeping force, his family said.
The 71-year-old, originally from Hetton-le-Hole, was shot dead on a bridge just 50 yards from his home at Bridge End, Egremont.
His relatives described him as “a lifetime army man” who had lived in Egremont for more than two decades.
“Ken was a brother, brother-in-law and uncle,” they said. “He was a quiet, private man and liked nothing better than a few bets and a game of snooker.
“He was a lifetime army man, having served 25 years in the forces, serving with the Durham Light Infantry which took him all over the world.
“A further five years were served as a reservist, serving six months each year with the UN peacekeeping force, again worldwide.
“After leaving army life, he lived for a short time with one of his sisters in Cumbria before settling down in Egremont where he lived for the last 20-plus years of his life.”
