Community saddened at death of Morris Hall

It was with profound shock, dismay and deep regret that the people of Garvagh, Aghadowey and Coleraine area learned of the sudden passing of JMG, Morris Hall, of 193 Agivey Road, Aghadowey.

Mr Hall died on Friday, January 8. He and his wife Pamela had been visiting his mother Meta, and after clearing up snow at the front door of the house, on coming inside sat down Morris then suffered a massive seizure. Medical aid was summoned, but unfortunately Morris did not respond to all the assistance administered.

Morris, as he was known, was the second son in the family of four to William and Meta Hall of Lyttlesdale Garvagh. He was educated at Garvagh Intermediate school (now Garvagh High School), where he was a much respected and valued pupil and a great sports man. He recorded a long jump record of 5.72 metres in 1969, which still has never been broken.

Mr Hall went on to finish his education at Coleraine Academical Institution. He qualified as a cartographer and worked in B.K.S Coleraine, McMaster Engineering Garvagh, Motor Company Coleraine and finally at Lyttle Engineering Kewrin Garvagh. In all the places he worked, he proved to be a genuine and valued member of staff.

Morris then changed to be employed with Her Majesty’s Prison Service, Magilligan. In 28 years service, he proved to be an officer of great integrity, who always gave 100% to his work, a colleague to be trusted, valued and revered by all both inmates and staff alike.

As a young man Morris was involved in the work of Main Street Presbyterian Church in Garvagh, and he joined 1st Garvagh Company of the Boys Brigade, obtaining his Gold Award in the Duke of Edinburgh Course.

Morris had a wonderful open personality, always had a word and a smile for everyone, his hospitality was unequalled, this characteristic was embodied when he won the heart of a young lady Miss Pamela Crowe, which resulted in their marriage in St Guaire’s Parish Church, Aghadowey by the Rev John Mayes on the 11th August 1983.

Morris proved to be a faithful wonderful and devoted husband. They set up home together at 193 Agivey Road, Aghadowey where laughter, joy and conversation was prevalent, and everyone who visited was made welcome. It was always an open door for their host of family, friends and colleagues.

Amongst his passion for living was his hobby of vintage cars, and his membership of the Causeway Coast Mini Club with his collection of vehicles and his prize ‘Morris mini’. He was a regular supporter and entrant in the yearly Garvagh Horse and Vintage Vehicle Show held every September.

At the funeral service in the home on Monday, January 11, the Rev Mark Donald (deputised for Rev Kelly), as the cortege left his home two pipers played a highland lament. The public funeral service was held in Main Street Presbyterian Church Garvagh.

Dr D H Allen, former minster of Main Street brought a tribute in memory of Morris.

He spoke of his involvement at all the activities of the church including the Sunday school and said that Morris was a great supporter in all aspects of the 1st Garvagh Company Boys’ Brigade.

Dr Allen recalled his loyalty and spoke of the help he gave to his mother during the illness of his father William and of his care shown to his late father while a patient in the Royal Victoria hospital, Belfast.

In his conclusion Dr Allen said for him it was an honour and a privilege to be asked to take on part of this very sad occasion.

The Rector, Rev Louise Crawford of St Guaire’s Parish Church, Aghadowey, read from Isaiah 55 and Acts 16.

Mrs Ashley Scott rendered a beautiful solo, ‘I’ll walk beside you’ in which the large congregation was enthralled by the words of her solo and Psalm 23 was read by Gilmore Crowe.

In his address Rev Donald spoke on the reading from Acts 16, he related to the prison scene in the reading and spoke of the analogy where if a similar situation were to happen today with a violent earthquake to shake the prison to its foundation would the prisoners today act as the Paul and Silas and not escape but state that ‘we are all here’.

The jailer having seen the commitment of Paul and Silas then asked ‘what must I do to be like one of you’ and Paul answered ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved.’

The Rev Donald went on to say that the story in the Bible can be related to us, here in the 21st century.

The cortege then moved to the churchyard where after a bible reading, prayer and the committal Morris was laid to rest.

Family flowers were then placed on the grave, donations in lieu of flowers were directed as requested to Garvagh Health Centre. The immediate family and friends moved to the Church hall where a large congregation passed on their sincere and deepest messages of sympathy.

All enjoyed a welcome cup of tea and refreshment.