Man (40s) who died in accident on Sligo mountain had recently lost his wife

Octavius ‘Ocky’ Job (40s) passed away on Tuesday after suffering a serious head injury after slipping while climbing a gully above the Benbulben Forest Walk.

Mr Job’s wife Vanessa passed away in April after a lengthy cancer battle.

Tributes were paid to Mr Job, a member of the Sligo Leitrim Mountain Rescue Team, on Wednesday.

Sligo Leitrim Mountain Rescue Team said: “As a team we are all devastated at the loss of our friend and colleague, for almost a decade he was a dedicated member of the team coming to assist those in need. He was compassionate, professional, friendly and always had a big smile wherever you would meet him.”

“We would like to extend our deepest condolences to his family at what is a very difficult time. We would also like to reassure the public that as we go through this period of mourning that the team is fully operational and ready to respond to anyone who may get into difficulty in the upland areas of Sligo and Leitrim.”

Councillor Thomas Healy said: “I first met him whilst delivering personal protective equipment to the team during the Covid pandemic.

“I think everyone who ever met him would have known him as a true gentleman, warm and personable yet truly professional in his approach to mountain rescue.

“And, when I met him during my canvass in Carney he was so positive and focussed on his children than you could not but be impressed by him as a human.”

Mr Job is predeceased by his mother Anna and his beloved wife Vanessa. Adored father of Katie, Bella, Rollo and dearest grandfather of Logan.

‘Ocky’ will be sadly missed by his daughters, son, grandson, his father Rodney, siblings Christy, Decima, Tania, Nirvana, Zena, Xavier and Amy, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends.

Following her sad passing in April, Vanessa was remembered for her warm smile and wonderful spirit.

Hawk’s Well Theatre paid tribute to their colleague at the time of her passing: “There are no words to describe Vanessa’s huge presence during her time here. She was a friend to all who had the privilege to meet her.

“Vanessa will be remembered for her warm welcoming smile, her brilliant sense of humour and sharp wit and of course, her bold red lipstick!”