Book of Condolences for Simon Chase opens in Limavady

Limavady Borough Council have opened a book of condolences in memory of Simon Chase, a former British soldier who was killed in a suicide bombing in Afghanistan on Friday.

Simon Chase, originally from Liverpool, had been living in Limavady with his fiancee Norma McDowell. He was a popular and well-known figure in the town and worked as a doorman at the Corner Bar.

Mr Chase, who had previously served with the Cheshire Regiment, was killed in the suicide attack in Kabul on Friday. He is thought to have lost his life trying to protect a woman from Denmark during an attack on a restaurant in Kabul’s heavily fortified ‘green zone’.

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The Union Flag was flown at half-mast at the Limavady War Memorial on Saturday (January 18) as a mark of respect to Simon Chase, or ‘Si’ as he was sometimes known to those close to him. An Everton fan, it is believed the club are to pay tribute to Mr Chase in their next match programme.

Tributes were paid to Mr Chase after news of his untimely death emerged. Mayor of Limavady, Gerry Mullan, described him as a “well known and well-respected figure in the community” and said: “There is cloud that has descended upon the local community who are very shocked and saddened by his loss.”

Deputy Mayor of Limavady James McCorkell said: “Simon’s death only adds to an already tragic list of young men and women who have left these shores to fight for and defend the rights and freedoms of others only to be callously and cowardly murdered by evil men.

“Simon was carrying out an incredibly important yet, as we know now, a highly dangerous job. He was extremely brave and fearless in his service, yet also incredibly kind and loving to those he had gone out to protect.

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“Our thoughts go to his family here in Limavady and in England and indeed to his comrades who are left behind. I know there is an immense outpouring of shock, sadness and grief here in Limavady from the huge circle of friends which Simon had built up. He was an adopted son of Limavady, and with his friends and family in England, we are rightly in sorrow.

“Simon served his country well and was an ex-serviceman having served with the Cheshire Regiment and I believe also the Royal Irish.”

The Union Flag was flown at half mast on Sunday from the Limavady War Memorial as a mark of respect to the ‘adopted son’ of Limavady.

A spokesperson for Limavady Borough Council this morning confirmed the Book of Condolences is now open: “As agreed at last night’s Planning meeting, Limavady Borough Council has opened a book of condolence in memory of Mr Simon Chase who was killed in Kabul, Afghanistan on Friday, January 17, 2014. The book is available for signature in the foyer of the Council building, 7 Connell Street, Limavady.”

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