High School unveil chair in memory of Albert Kane

Lara Millar (Head Girl), Lulu Kane (Albert's wife) and Mrs Anne Bell (Headmistress) pictured with the chair at Coleraine High School. INCR9-373PL

The Lodge Road school has produced a beautiful mahogany chair in his honour which will take pride of place on the assembly hall stage.

Principal Anne Bell told The Coleraine Times yesterday that she hoped the chair would be a fitting tribute to the father of two who was loved and respected by everyone at the school.

“When Albert died we thought about what we could do in the school to remember him,” Mrs Bell said.

“Our idea was that it should be something that everyone at the school could see each day.

“Albert was always preparing the stage for me each morning so the chair will take pride of place on the stage.

“It will be used for morning assemblies and special occasions like prize day.

“And when we move to the new school across the river we will take the chair with us.”

The headmistress said that the school’s current building supervisor, Raymond Millar, organised the manufacture of the chair which is made from mahogany and bears a plaque in Albert’s honour.

It was crafted by David Millar of David Millar Joinery, Ballybogey.

MrKane (59), who was from Coleraine, was killed when a digger bucket fell and fatally injured him while he was helping carry out repair work at a Macosquin quarry last August.

His widow, Lulu, said: “This is a beautiful chair and a wonderful tribute to Albert and I know he would be very chuffed with the recognition of his contribution to Coleraine High School.

“Albert was an extremely kind and helpful man and I hope that every time you look at the chair you will think of him and try and bring help and kindness to those you meet when going about your day.”

After marrying in 1988, Albert and Lulu lived in England for a while before moving to the Macosquin area in 2003 with their two daughters.

He was appointed Coleraine High School’s Building Supervisor in 2006 with Lulu becoming an IT Technician at the school two years later.

Albert was always very conscientious and willing to go that extra mile to help teachers, ancillary staff and pupils.

Most of all he will be remembered for his friendliness and cheerfulness and is missed by the entire Coleraine High School family.

School governor, Sam Cole, said: ““He was a very reliable worker and was loved by everyone.”